Elounda is an ideal place to stay if you want to explore Crete’s eastern region. With its picturesque harbor, charming streets, and lively atmosphere, it’s a great spot to spend a few days. Using Elounda as a base, you can easily take trips to Spinalonga, the Lassithi Plateau, and surrounding villages like Agios Nikolaos. In this guide, I share all the best tips to make the most of your stay in Elounda, Crete!
Our Experience – Elounda
We stayed in Elounda for 3 nights ourselves (see Crete itinerary: 12-day road trip along the highlights of Crete). We found it to be a charming village and a great base for exploring various beautiful locations in eastern Crete. All in all, we would definitely recommend Elounda. Read our tips here.
Elounda of Agios Nikolaos?
We chose to stay in Elounda mainly because we love small-scale villages and it seemed more accessible by car. In May, Elounda was a great choice as a base, a lively village but not too crowded yet. However, we can imagine that in peak season Elounda gets flooded with tourists, which might change the atmosphere.
Accommodation in Elounda
Wij verbleven in het Kalypso Suites Hotel, een kleinschalig boetiekhotel in het centrum van Elounda, op 100 meter van het strand. Het hotel was modern en stijlvol ingericht, met prachtige uitzichten over de baai. De gastvrouw was ontzettend vriendelijk en zorgde voor een persoonlijke sfeer. We kregen zelfs heerlijke aardbeien en Ferrero Rochers! Dit hotel is een aanrader voor wie op zoek is naar een goede prijs-kwaliteitverhouding en een centrale ligging.
Kalypso Suites Hotel – Adults Only
Price per night is approximately €100.00
Kalypso Suites Hotel was the perfect start to our Crete trip. When we stayed there in May 2022, it had just opened, and we got a lovely surprise—an upgrade to a suite. The room was spacious, stylish, and spotless, with some treats waiting for us upon arrival. The hostesses were incredibly friendly and gave us a warm welcome right away.
The location was also perfect, right in the heart of Elounda, next to the beach and the town center. From here, you can easily explore in any direction. There is no breakfast available, but that’s not an issue in Elounda.
Parking in Elounda
There are several free parking options in Elounda, especially around the harbor (see the view in the photo below). In May, we easily found parking spots close to our hotel. However, keep in mind that during peak season it can be busier, so it may be helpful to park earlier in the day.
Food & Drinks in Elounda
Elounda has plenty of restaurants, bakeries, and bars to enjoy. We made great use of them during our stay, especially since our hotel didn’t offer breakfast. Some of our favorites were:
- Delmar Snack Bar: A wonderful spot for breakfast by the water, offering a wide menu from crêpes to smoothies.
- Elounda’s Bakery: Perfect for a quick lunch, the feta and spinach puff pastries are a must-try.
- FoodDrink Olous: For dinner, we recommend the halloumi, and the fresh seafood dishes here are also excellent.
- Magali Cretan Cooking: Traditional Cretan dishes in a cozy, home-style setting.
- The Garden of Eden: A relaxed place with pool tables and sports on TV, ideal for ending the day.
Beach of Elounda
The main beach of Elounda, Paralia Schisma Elountas, is a great place to relax. The beach is divided into a sandy section and a pebbly area, allowing for both swimming and snorkeling. Sunbeds are available for a fee, and the mountain views complete the picture. It’s a nice beach, but certainly not the most beautiful one we’ve seen in Crete. For that, you’re better off heading to the island’s west coast.
Daytrips from Elounda
- Spinalonga Island
- Cave of Zeus
- Lashiti Plateau
- Agios Niklaus
With Elounda as a base, there are plenty of great day trips to take, especially if you have a rental car. Check out our Crete itinerary: 12-day road trip along the highlights of Crete to learn more about the different trips we took from Elounda and what we thought of them!
Don’t have a rental car? Or do you prefer exploring with a guide? Check out these activities on GetYourGuide:
Discover the beauty of Elounda, a charming coastal village on Crete’s eastern side. Check out our top tips for accommodation, dining, and must-see spots in this serene Crete destination.
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