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Guide to Crete|
Home > Guide To Crete > Elounda
Holidays To Elounda -
Location Of Elounda in Crete
Elounda is located on the east coast of Crete and is
famed for its luxury 5 star hotels built on the beaches of Elounda and into the hills.
A popular destination for tourists from all over the world, its also a playground
for the rich and famous of Hollywood and beyond in the summer months. Brad Pitt,
Sly Stallone to name a few have all taken a holiday in Elounda.
Elounda -
Elounda is located to the north of Agios Nikolaos just 10 km away and is built facing into the Gulf of Elounda overlooking Mirambello Bay. Elounda takes it’s name from the ancient settlement of Olounda which hold a great place in Minoan and Ancient Greek history. The four villages of Elounda are spread out along the lower slopes of the approach to the Massif.
Pano and Kato Elounda, Mavrikiano and the new area of Skisma, the port of Elounda.
The one that attracts the most tourists is the port of Elounda.
A brief history of Elounda dating back to 1210 states that the Venetians ruled over
Crete and ran many salt mine sin the area. And under constant threat from the Turks
they rebuilt the imposing fortress of Spinalonga. During the Venetian occupation
they built many churches all over the island, some can still be seen today including
The Church of the Virgin Mary in Druvalia, Agios Paraskevi in Tsifliki and Agios
Marinas in Plaka. Around 1669 the Turks captured Crete and ruled right the way through
until they were overthrown by the Cretans. A point to note in this occupation that
Spinalonga Island held out for 46 years before finally being taken by the Turks.
Today
Elounda only has approximately 2,300 inhabitants and most are involved in the tourist
industry, offering everything from daily boat trips to Spinalonga, running the excellent
Taverna's and bars you will find on the port of Elounda and of course the luxury
5 star hotels Elounda is so rightly famous for.
Elounda has also been written about
in Books and captured on film, the novel written by Victoria Hislop entitled “The Island
For
a better look at the stunning views of Elounda and into the port of Elounda take
a look at the photos supplied by holidaymaker's over the years capturing Elounda
at its best. Also further down you will find some videos of Elounda to get a feel
for the town before you go on holiday to Elounda.
Overlooking Elounda Port
The restaurants and bars in Elounda
Most hotels in Elounda are all inclusive but you must venture out and try the excellent
cuisine on offer out and about in Elounda, Plaka and the surrounding area. Its recommended
in the high season to book ahead as these restaurants mentioned are very popular
and busy. Try firstly walking up Mavrikiano Hill(known locally as Beverly Hills)
and you will find Kantoyni Taverna on Mavrikiano Hill, excellent warm welcome and
some of the best food in Elounda. Nearer to Plaka and close to Spinalonga try “The
Pine Tree” which do great traditional Greek Meze food.
Many bars and restaurants can
be found in Elounda, supporting and supported by the growing tourist industry there.
Some of the most popular bars at and around the main square are the Bar Eden, the
bar "Friends", the bar "Ferryman" and the restaurants "Megaron", "Marilena", and
"Vritomartis".
Disclaimer: Holidays To Crete does not endorse any of the videos that appear on this site. All video content is supplied by external sources and is intended as information only. We accept no responsibility for any of the video content contained within these pages.
Elounda has some very nice beaches with some even winning the blue flag award for
cleanliness among other things. The Elounda mare hotel which has Elounda beach has
won the blue flag award for the past 10 years. But you can also try the beaches
in Plaka facing Spinalonga island this is again a lively and clean beach with lovely
white sands. Most of Elounda’s beaches come as part of the hotels that are built
near them but free to access you usually have to pay for the sunbed's on a daily
or weekly basis.
For refreshments you will find plenty of Taverna’s and beach side
cafe’s offering all manner of refreshments and great snacks.
Elounda has a wealth of luxury hotels, and this was what Elounda’s tourist industry and reputation was built on, we have selected 3 of the best hotels you can book in Elounda itself.
Porto Elounda Deluxe Resort Hotel
Turn the corner at the hilltop and there you have
it! A panoramic view of the bay of Elounda with the Porto Elounda Deluxe Resort right
at your feet. Some rooms have direct access from their balcony to the large oblong
pools.
Click to book
Grecotel Elounda Village
The Elounda Village has a picturesque setting overlooking
Mirabello Bay and is set within its own gardens. The hotel offers the high service
provided by the Grecotel group with the choice of dining either indoors or al fresco.
Click to book
Elounda Aqua Sol Resort Hotel
The Elounda Aqua Sol Resort Hotel is an A class hotel
with all the comforts that can make your holidays comfortable, relaxing and joyful
Ideal for families. Available from other tour operators also.
Click to book
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