AI generatedElounda
Greece · Crete · 0 m
Short description of Elounda
Elounda (Ελούντα) is a coastal resort town in eastern Crete, on the sheltered Gulf of Elounda at the northern end of Mirabello Bay. The gulf is closed off by the Kolokytha peninsula, creating calm, lagoon-like water. Along its shores lie fishing harbours, old salt pans and a stretch of upscale resorts.
Opposite the coast lies the island of Spinalonga. Its Venetian fortress was built in the 16th century, and in the first half of the 20th century the island served as a leper colony. Boats leave for Spinalonga from Elounda, the nearby fishing village of Plaka and Agios Nikolaos. Near the isthmus to Kolokytha, the remains of ancient Olous lie partly underwater, and the peninsula has a quiet beach. The bay is popular for boat cruises and snorkelling. A short drive away, Agios Nikolaos surrounds Lake Voulismeni, which is linked to the sea by a narrow channel, and has an archaeological museum. Inland, the village of Kritsa is known for the Byzantine frescoes of the Panagia Kera church and for a gorge walk.
Elounda is known for its seafood tavernas. It is reached by road from Heraklion airport.
AI edited
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Recommended length of stay
Travel seasons at a glance
Best time to visit: April – June or September – October
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All highlights and sightsBeta
- Spinalonga fortress island
- Elounda Lagoon & Mirabello Bay
- Agios Nikolaos & Lake Voulismeni
- Plaka fishing village
- Elounda luxury resort coast
- Kolokytha Beach & Peninsula
- Ancient Olous sunken ruins
- Mirabello Bay snorkeling
- Elounda boat cruises
- Kritsa traditional village(Day trip)
- Panagia Kera Church(Day trip)
- Agios Nikolaos Archaeological Museum(Day trip)
- Kritsa Gorge(Day trip)
- Elounda Salt Pans
- Elounda seafood tavernas