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Elounda Holidays

Elounda Holidays

Elounda Holidays at a glance

Just 10km north of Aghios Nikolaos lies the lovely resort of Elounda. With its' attractive coastline, beautiful harbour area and spectacular views of Spinalonga Island, Elounda became famous for the setting of the film 'Who Pays the Ferryman'. The resort has retained all of it's original Cretan charm and remains a tranquil spot in both early and late season, however in the height of the summer Elounda becomes a lively resort.

Who holidays in Elounda?

Suits mainly families & couples who wish to relax amongst beautiful scenery.

Key Facts - Elounda

Language
Greek
Currency
Euro
Dialling Code
00 30
Time Difference
+2 GMT
Flight Duration
4 hours (Approx)
Nearest Airport
Heraklion (HER)
Distance From Airport
85km
Airport Transfer (Taxi)
70 mins

Elounda Holidays - Things to see

Samaria Gorges - Crete has the longest gorge in Europe and second in the world to the Grand Canyon. You get to it by a ferry and you stop on your way at a village called Lutra, only accessible by boat. The gorge cuts through the White Mountains. Apart from its beauty, the gorge is teeming with wildlife and there are incredible wildflowers during spring.

Knossos Palace - This palace, in a beautiful site just 5 km southeast of Heraklion, is the most magnificent and evocative of Crete's Minoan sites. Admission is around 6 Euros, 4 Euros students with official ID and people of 65 or over. Apr to mid-Oct, open daily 8am-8pm. Mid-Oct to Mar, open from Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat-Sun 8:30am-3pm.

Knossos and Museum Gain an insight into the history of Crete with this tour of Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Museum

The Archaeological museum in Heraklion - It is famous for its huge Minoan collection.

Opening times: April to mid-October: Tuesday to Sunday 8am-8 pm / Monday 12.30-8 pm. Mid - October to March: closes daily at 5 pm.

Around 10 Euros for adults and 6 Euros for students with official ID and people of 65 and over.

Chania Area - Stroll through the streets of the old town that is an intact neighbourhood of the original Venetian buildings. The fortifications date from the 13th century. There is an archaeological and a naval museum, as well as the Historical Archives of Crete. Its picturesque Venetian Harbour is also well worth to visit.

Spinalonga Island - made famous as the setting of the film 'who pays the ferryman?' Thousands of visitors come here every year to see the ruins of the Venetian Fortress and Leper colony. You take a boat ride over and you are given plenty of time to explore the island. It is a great place to enjoy a barbecue of real Greek food and have a swim in the beautiful water before heading back. A very relaxing day out.

Things to do on a Holiday in Elounda

Popular activities during holidays in Elounda include:-

  • Jet skiing
  • Scuba diving
  • Windsurfing
  • Rock climbing
  • Paragliding
  • Walking and hiking
  • Cycling

Fun Excursions while on Elounda Holidays

Make your holidays to Elounda extra special by booking one of our wonderful excursions, we have a range of excursions that have been selected to cater for everyone's interests. Some of our most popular excursions are:-

Spinalonga: This one is for the sailors and sun lovers amongst you. Interested? The come along with us to the haunting island of Spinalonga, an old Leper Colony!

Chrissi Island: An exceptional day to a tropical paradise set in the crystal clear waters of the Libyan sea. Sunbathe on the wondrous beaches of unusual coloured sand.

Unknown Crete: Travel through unspoilt villages where donkeys still travel the roads. Visit a local winery and see how wine is made with the chance to sample and buy.

Cretan Night: If you love food, drink and dancing, then you will love this night out. As you enter the venue, the Cretan lifestyle takes over as the evening is given to plenty of eating, drinking and merry making as only the Greeks know how.

Knossos: If you visit Crete and do not see the ancient palace of Knossos is compares to visiting Egypt and not seeing the pyramids. This is where European civilisation began with the dazzling Mineon people.

Jeep Safari: Travel off the beaten track through traditional mountain villages - a real chance to see a taste of real Greece.

Beach Party: Join your Olympic Reps on your very own sandy beach for an afternoon of partying in the sun! An hour and half free bar will get you in the mood to join in some wild and wicket games.

For further information and to secure your place on all the above exciting days and nights out, see your Olympic representative in the resort. The best time to book would be at the Welcome Get Together on the day after arrival.

Elounda Holiday Weather

Max Temp C Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
East Crete 16 19 23 25 25 23 20
London 13 16 20 22 21 19 13
Sunshine Hours Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
East Crete 7 9 11 12 11 9 6
London 5 6 7 6 6 5 3

Elounda Holidays - View 5 Day Forecast

Getting Around on Elounda Holidays

Boat: There are now several excursion boats that take visitors on day trips to offshore islands or isolated beaches as well as to the wonderful island of Santorini.

Bus: Public buses remain a solid possibility for seeing much of Crete. They're inexpensive, relatively frequent, and connect to all but the most isolated villages. The downside is that the schedules are not always the most convenient for travellers with limited time. Certainly you can take them between all major resorts and towns.

Taxi: Taxis are reasonable if two or three people are sharing a trip to a site; no place on Crete is more than a days round-trip from Heraklion.

Car: An excellent way of getting around during Elounda holidays, car hire gives you complete flexibility as well as the ability to see more of the island.

Elounda Holidays Shopping

Popular purchases for those taking Elounda holidays include:-

  • Tsikoudia or Raki local high street spirit
  • Traditional woven fabrics, Cretan Rugs and Blankets
  • Locally produced Olive Oil
  • Ceramics
  • Silverware

Elounda Holidays - Beaches

Malia Beaches: Malia has a good choice of sandy beaches. These range from the busy Dolphin and Agapi beaches at the bottom of Beach Road where you'll find sun loungers and water sports - to the larger and quieter Tropical, a popular choice with families. All conveniently offer snacks and drinks. The beach in Malia is just the coolest place to be in the day time. There are also 3 or 4 Water Sports centres.

Stalis: Vast expanse of beautiful sandy beach. It is a short taxi ride from Hersonissos. It can be a little crowded during the summer months but will give you a change of scenery and there are lots of amenities close at hand.

Preveli Beach: In Rethymnon - It is one of the most attractive of the island. It boasts crystal clear waters and many palm trees. Follow the river beds of Kourtaliotis River, which ends up at Preveli beach forming natural pools of river water among the boulders.