Elounda - resort characteristics and facilities

Today's modern resort of Elounda stands on the site of the former port town of Olous, which gained its importance mainly in the period of ancient Rome and whose development was also contributed by the Venetians in the 15th century. Elounda is thus both a historic area with ruins and excavations and, in contrast, a very luxurious tourist resort that hosts celebrities from all over the world.

Elounda is situated on the north-western shore of the large bay of Mirabello, about 11 km from another popular tourist resort, Agios Nikolaos. The opposite peninsula of Spinalonga forms a small bay in this area, which makes Elounda an idyllic place with calm and nicely warmed sea. Opposite the resort, there are actually two formations - a larger peninsula, the 'large Spinalonga', sometimes called Kolokytha, which is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, and to the north of it a small island, the 'small Spinalonga', officially the island of Kalydon, on which the old Venetian fortress of Spinalonga stands and which can only be reached by boat.

The medium-sized resort of Elounda offers its visitors every comfort and convenience. Tourists can stay in smaller hotels and apartments, as well as in large and well-equipped hotel complexes. In the resort you will find a number of restaurants and excellent taverns, small cafes and bars, as well as several shops with a variety of goods, including souvenirs. Of course, there are other tourist services such as an ATM, pharmacy and car rental (there is also a boat rental service on the coast).

Beaches of Elounda

The coastline of Mirabello Bay is generally rather rocky and very rugged, creating a number of rocky outcrops and small coves that are often used by tourists as quieter alternatives to the larger and lively beaches. Typical of the area around Elounda is that, thanks to the proximity of the Spinalonga peninsula, which naturally protects the mainland from strong winds, the sea here is wonderfully calm and warmer than the rest of the bay.

The largest beach in the resort is the beautiful and long sandy beach of Elounda, with tourist facilities in the form of sunbeds, umbrellas, beach showers and sports activities. Visitors will also appreciate the possibility of refreshments right on the beach and families will especially appreciate the gradual entrance to the sea. Elounda beach is located very close to the local marina, in the centre of the resort - directly across the road you will then find a number of other tavernas, bars and shops.

To the south, near the so-called salt pans and in front of the causeway leading to the Spinalonga peninsula, is the smaller sandy beach of Hiona, sometimes called Poros. The beach is quieter, equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, and boats can be hired. (There is another beach on Crete, Hiona or Chiona, but it belongs to the resort of Palekastro and is located on the very east coast of the island.)

In addition to the two main beaches mentioned above, the resort also includes several small, equipped beaches belonging to the larger hotels on the coast. Visitors from surrounding areas also head to the resort, as boats leave from the port of Elounda for the nearby Spinalonga fortress islet. And the local beaches are also popular with tourists from the neighbouring resort of Agios Nikolaos, for example, which has no such nice bathing beach.

Historical sights and tips for trips

The history of Elounda dates back to the Minoan era, when a city called Olous (or Oloys) stood here from around the 3rd millennium BC. Olous became particularly important in the period from around the 5th to the 2nd century BC and continued to flourish as an important Roman port city. However, its development was interrupted by the movement of the earth's surface, which caused the eastern part of Crete to subside and the city of Olous to be gradually submerged by the sea. Today, you can still see the outer walls of the houses under the sea and, if you dive underwater, you can see other details. The archaeological zone of Olous is located near the causeway connecting the mainland to the peninsula.

The Venetians, who came to the island in the 15th century, also contributed significantly to the restoration of the town. In the shallow lagoon, on the site of the ancient town of Olous, they built the so-called salt pans - dozens of tanks that were flooded with sea water in spring, then gradually dried up over the summer and in autumn the remaining salt was harvested. The salt was stored in nearby warehouses and then exported throughout Europe. The salt pans operated here until 1972 and you can still see parts of them today.

A small water canal was built under the causeway connecting the mainland to the Spinalonga peninsula and it is near this that the remains of three old windmills stand today. The Venetian windmills were circular and turned in all directions. Not far from here, at the beginning of the peninsula, you can see the foundations of the early Christian basilica of Elounda, and especially its beautifully preserved mosaic floor with images of dolphins, fish and flowers. Cruise ships heading to Spinalonga Fortress also often stop off the east coast of the peninsula, at Kolokýtha Beach, where visitors can refresh themselves in the crystal clear sea water.

As far as the preserved Venetian buildings are concerned, we must not forget, of course, the huge Spinalonga Fortress, which is a very popular tourist destination. The fortification was primarily used to defend the local port of Elounda, but in the early 20th century it was also used as a place where people infected with leprosy were taken.

Who is the centre suitable for?

Elounda is a modern and well-equipped tourist resort, even very demanding clients will be satisfied here (you can find here even really expensive and luxurious hotels). On the other hand, perhaps the fact that world celebrities are also appearing here, the town takes a little advantage and is generally more expensive - of course, not everywhere, even here you will find small and modest family-run taverns.

Either way, Elounda is a lovely resort with good tourist facilities, beautiful beaches and interesting historical sites. Due to its location, the resort can also be recommended as a starting point for travelling around the eastern part of Crete.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Agios Nikolaos, Plaka

Most favourite resorts of Crete: Adelianos Kampos, Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion (Iraklion), Hersonissos, Chania, Ierapetra, Kalamaki (Matala), Malia, Platanias (Chania), Rethymno, Stalis

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.