Elounda Introduction

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Elounda is a bustling tourist resort on the North East coast of Crete. Within the prefecture of Lassithi it has a population of over 2000, although this greatly swells by the peak of the season to include temporary workers, holidaymakers and day visitors.

Its nearest major town is Agios Nikolaos, less than a 10km drive to the south away, which sits on Mirabello Bay. Elounda is popular with both expat residents and holidaymakers of a variety of ages, although mainly couples and families. Good quality beaches and a variety of watersports are available within easy walking distance of the centre and one of the resort's most popular sights is the island of Spinalonga which is serviced by numerous trip boats in the season.

A true resort with the accompanying shops, restaurants, facilities and entertainment.

The wider Elounda area is made up a number of small villages that spread from the bay up into the hills and also along the shoreline towards the north coast. The main street and harbour plus many of the surrounding streets constitute what is known as Schisma. Following the road along the bay takes you past the areas of Mavrikiano (set high up, but less than 1/2km from the centre, next is Tsifliki, a small hamlet and finally the road reaches the northern point of the bay at Plaka which sits immediately opposite the island of Kalidon (Spinalonga). If you were to leave the village by heading up into the hills you would reach the areas of Kato (Low) Elounda, Pano (High) Elounda and then Kato Pines and Pano Pines before it heads off in the direction of Neapoli .

Getting / Parking there : Take the National road (E75) from the airport, past Neapoli travelling eastbound. At the first major junction and set of traffic lights (before entering Agios Nikolaos) turn left (ahead goes into Agios, right is for Sitia continuing along the main road). Follow road for 150m and turn right at the next set of traffic lights. Follow the road, which will pass a BP garage on your right hand side; the road will eventually take you straight into Elounda after passing through Lenika. Follow road into the centre and enter the car park opposite the newstand and post office. You should exit the car park next to the church tower or at the far end near Porto Rino and the children's playground.

If you wish to park in town the car park system is one way past Kalypso Hotel, Babel and Porto Rino (except on market day!) and there are further free parking spaces down near the beach on the road out towards Plaka. One hour from the airport by car, although both KTEL buses (changing at Agios bus terminus) and holiday coaches (with many drop off points) may take nearer to two and a half A taxi from the airport costs approx 65 Euros Orientation : Standing at the bus stop on the square (entrance to car park and taxi rank) just off the main street in the town centre you can see the harbour, church and most amenities such as the Post Office, Bank aswell as many restaurants, bars, tourist shops and minimarkets. Tourist Information is at the far end of the Car Park underneath the Church tower. Popular Local Interest, History and Sights : Most visitors will cross to the tiny island of Spinalonga (officially renamed Kalidon) a place with a spectacularly varied history. From almost 50 year fortified resistance to the Turks (1669-1715) up to its final incarnation as Europe's last leper colony, its remaining inhabitants only left in the 1950s. Boat trips depart from the quayside every half hour during the season. An absolutely essential trip for any visitor although often quite busy as it is also a popular day trip from many neighbouring resorts. Many boats make it part of a day trip including a cruise round Kolokitha, barbeque and time to go swimming. For those wanting an excursion on foot, following the causeway past the venetian salt pans and the sunken Dorian city of Olous leads to the canal (southern end of bay) cutting through the isthmus. Located near to the canal are Byzantine ruins (mosaic floor) and a small chapel. Following the track over the top (north easterly towards Kolikitha) and walking down through the undergrowth brings you above the small beach opposite Kolakitha island and to a small chapel (Ag. Fokas), yet it is still only an hour's walk from the town. This beach can get very busy at times with many boat trips arriving but it just seems to add to the fun for most people. There is also a third chapel on 'large' Spinalonga, further north called Ag. Ioannis

Elounda Postcode : 72053

Elounda Telephone Numbers : 2841 0 xxxxx (From outside Greece +30 28410 0 xxxxx)

Virtual Tour photos : Plaka - Spinalonga Island - Vathi (Spinalonga Peninsula) - Kolikytha - Schisma - Church - Harbour - Main Beach - North Pier and Beach - Pano Elounda - Pines

Links to Satellite Images of the Area

Photos from 2005 : Canal Area - Seafront Road - Road to Plaka - Plaka - Miscellaneous