Elounda, Crete: 12 Things to Do, Best Beaches & How to Visit (2026 Guide)
Last Updated: 18 February 2026
Elounda is one of the most scenic places in eastern Crete, known for calm waters in Mirabello Bay, boat trips to Spinalonga, and easy day trips to Plaka and Agios Nikolaos. In this guide, you’ll find what to do, where to swim, how to get there, and practical tips for parking, costs, and timing. If you want flexible exploring around Mirabello Bay and the freedom to reach quieter coves outside the centre, rent a car in Crete and travel at your own pace.
Table of Contents
- The Basics of Elounda (Location, Who It’s For & How Long to Stay)
- Why Elounda Is Worth Visiting
- 12 Top Things to Do in Elounda
- Best Beaches Near Elounda (Comparison Table)
- How to Get to Elounda
- Where to Stay in Elounda
- What to Eat in Elounda: Seafood & Cretan Taverns
- Elounda Travel Tips: Parking, Access, Crowds & What to Pack
- Rent a Car in Crete with Motor-plan and Start Exploring Elounda Independently
- FAQs About Elounda in Crete
The basics of Elounda (location, who it’s for, how long to stay)
Location: Elounda is in northeastern Crete, around 10 km north of Agios Nikolaos, facing Mirabello Bay.
Best for:
- Couples who want a calm seaside base
- Families who prefer sheltered, shallow swimming
- Travellers planning Spinalonga boat trips
- Visitors looking for upscale accommodation without a large-city feel
Recommended length of stay:
- 2–4 nights is ideal if Elounda is part of a wider eastern Crete itinerary
- Stay longer if you want Elounda as your main base for Mirabello Bay beach time and day trips
Why Elounda is worth visiting
Elounda stands out for 3 reasons:
1. Mirabello Bay’s calm waters: The bay is naturally protected, which means gentler sea conditions than many north-coast beaches in Crete.
2. An upscale but low-key atmosphere: Elounda is known for its luxury resorts and private villas, but the village itself remains relaxed and authentic.
3. A perfect base for Spinalonga and eastern Crete: It’s one of the most convenient departure points for visiting Spinalonga Island and exploring the Mirabello coastline.
Elounda works best for travelers who want sea views, boat access, and comfort without the energy of larger towns.
12 Top Things to Do in Elounda
Elounda is less about major “attractions” and more about simple, high-quality coastal experiences. These are the standout activities that fit most trips:
1) Take a boat trip to Spinalonga
This is the classic Elounda experience. Boats leave regularly from Elounda harbour and nearby Plaka, and the ride across Mirabello Bay is short but beautiful. In summer, go earlier in the day for cooler weather and lighter crowds.
2) Walk to the Sunken City of Olous (Ancient Olous)
One of Elounda’s most unusual sights is hidden in plain view. Near the lagoon and causeway, you can see submerged ruins beneath the shallow water when the sea is calm. It’s subtle, but spotting the ancient remains makes the walk special.
3) Swim at Kolokytha Beach
Kolokytha is the swim most visitors remember. Clear turquoise water, open bay views, and a slightly more natural setting than the central beaches. Arrive earlier during peak season for a more relaxed atmosphere.
4) Explore Plaka village
Just a short drive north, Plaka is perfect for a slow lunch by the water. Expect simple tavernas, fishing boats, and direct views toward Spinalonga. It’s small, easy, and genuinely charming.
5) Enjoy Elounda harbour at sunset
Evenings in Elounda are low-effort and rewarding. A short waterfront walk, relaxed cafés, soft light over Mirabello Bay — it’s simple, but that’s the appeal.
6) Visit the Schisma Eloundas beach area
If you want something central and convenient, the beach near the main village area is easy to access and close to cafés and services. Ideal for a relaxed swim without planning.
7) Try quieter coves around the peninsula
If the main spots feel busy, drive a little and walk a little. Around the peninsula, you’ll find smaller coves that feel more private and less structured.
8) Take a half-day trip to Agios Nikolaos
Only about 15–20 minutes away, Agios Nikolaos offers more shops, restaurants, and a livelier atmosphere around Lake Voulismeni. It’s an easy way to vary your evenings.
9) Discover small churches and local landmarks
Elounda isn’t packed with big monuments, but small chapels, viewpoints, and quiet corners give the area character. They’re easy to combine with beach stops.
10) Plan a scenic Mirabello coastal drive
The coastal road between Elounda and Agios Nikolaos offers sweeping views across the bay. Pull over at lookouts, take photos, and turn the drive itself into part of the experience.
11) Enjoy local tavern dining by the water
Elounda is about simple seafood and classic Cretan plates. Grilled fish, octopus, dakos, local wine — served slowly, with a view.
12) Build a flexible “beach + village” day
The best Elounda days are uncomplicated: morning swim, midday lunch in Plaka, afternoon rest, sunset by the harbour. That rhythm is what makes this place work.
Best beaches near Elounda (comparison table)
Here are the best beaches to visit near Elounda:
| Beach | Type & Water | Facilities | Parking/Access | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elounda/Schisma Beach | Calm, family-friendly | Sunbeds/cafés nearby | Easy in shoulder season, tighter in peak summer | Easy-access swimming |
| Kolokytha Beach | Clear water, scenic cove | Limited services | Usually drive + short walk | Scenic swim, photos |
| Plaka Beach | Clean water, village setting | Taverns nearby | Generally manageable | Swim + lunch combo |
| Chiona Beach | More local, laid-back feel | Basic options | Moderate | Relaxed atmosphere |
| Driros/Tsifliki area | Mixed sand/pebble options | Varies by spot | Car recommended | Quieter alternatives |
| Dianiskari area | Smaller cove-style spots | Limited | Car + local orientation helpful | Less crowded swim stops |
For a broader overview of island-wide options, see our Best Beaches in Crete guide.
How to get to Elounda
Here are the best ways to reach Elounda:
| Route | Distance | Typical Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heraklion Airport (HER) → Elounda | ~65–68 km | ~60–75 min | Most common arrival route |
| Agios Nikolaos → Elounda | ~10 km | ~15–20 min | Quick local connection |
| Chania → Elounda | ~210+ km | ~3–3.5 hrs | Long cross-island transfer |
1. By car (the easiest and most flexible way)
- From Heraklion: approx. 1 hour 15–30 minutes, mostly highway driving
- From Agios Nikolaos: approx. 15–20 minutes on a short coastal route
- From Chania: approx. 3 hours to 3 hours 15 minutes, depending on traffic and stops, via the north coast highway (VOAK).
If you're planning to explore Mirabello Bay and eastern Crete, the most practical option is to rent a car in Crete and drive to Elounda.
2. By bus
Buses connect Elounda with Agios Nikolaos and Heraklion, but schedules can limit flexibility, especially for beach-hopping or late returns.
3. By taxi
Taxi transfers are available, but repeated trips (Elounda ↔ beaches ↔ Plaka ↔ Agios Nikolaos) can become costly compared to having your own vehicle.
Tip: If you’re planning multiple day trips, a rental car is usually the simplest solution.
Where to stay in Elounda
If you’re searching where to stay in Elounda, the area is known for high-quality accommodation and a clear split by travel style.
1. Luxury resorts and upscale stays
- sea-view resorts, private beaches, and spa-style facilities
- best for couples and comfort-first travellers
- ideal if you plan to spend more time on-site between outings
2. Family apartments and small hotels
- studios and self-catering apartments in and around the village
- good for longer stays and flexible meal planning
- often walkable to the harbour area
3. Quiet villas with panoramic views
- hillside villas above Elounda with privacy and bay views
- ideal if you plan day trips and want space and quiet evenings
- easiest with a car for daily movement
What to eat in Elounda: Seafood & Cretan Taverns
Most restaurants in Elounda are located along the harbour and waterfront, focusing on fresh seafood and traditional Cretan dishes rather than nightlife.
What to expect:
- Grilled fish, octopus, and simple seafood plates
- Dakos, local cheeses, and seasonal Cretan recipes
- Relaxed seaside dining with views over Mirabello Bay
For classic harbour dining, Ferryman Taverna in nearby Plaka is a long-standing favourite for fresh fish and traditional recipes. In Elounda itself, Lotus Eaters offers creative Mediterranean plates with a refined setting, while Olondi Restaurant is known for seafood and sunset views right by the water.
Info: If you’re looking for more variety or a livelier evening atmosphere, see our Agios Nikolaos travel guide.
Elounda travel tips: parking, access, crowds, what to pack
Elounda is easier than Crete’s larger cities, but peak season still changes how the day feels—especially for access and parking.
1. Parking and access
- central parking can fill up in summer afternoons, especially near the harbour
- arrive early if you have a Spinalonga boat departure
- if the centre feels tight, park slightly outside and walk in (often faster than circling)
For more info, take a look at our dedicated guide on parking rules in Crete.
2. Best time to visit
- May–June and September–October are typically easier for parking and calmer beach conditions
- July and August are busiest
3. What to pack
- sun protection and water (especially for boat trips and peninsula coves)
- water shoes for rocky or pebbly swim entries
- layer for evening sea breeze along the harboura light
Rent a Car in Crete with Motor-plan and start exploring Elounda independently
Elounda is walkable, but the real advantage comes when you explore Mirabello Bay and eastern Crete on your own schedule. With a rental car, you can reach Kolokytha and quieter coves without relying on peak-season transport, choose the most convenient Spinalonga departure point between Elounda harbour and Plaka depending on parking and timing, combine your stay with evenings out in Agios Nikolaos, and drive along the Mirabello coastline beyond the main resort strip.
Rent a car in Crete with Motorplan and explore Elounda comfortably and independently, with the freedom to stop wherever the views and the coves are best.
FAQs Elounda in Crete
What are the top things to do in Elounda?
The highlights are a Spinalonga day trip, swimming at Kolokytha Peninsula coves, harbour sunset walks, and short day trips to Plaka and Agios Nikolaos
What are the best beaches near Elounda?
Easy-access beaches are close to the village and resorts, while Kolokytha coves and small bays toward Plaka offer a quieter, more natural feel.
How many days should I stay in Elounda?
Two to four nights is ideal for most travellers. Stay longer if you want Elounda as your main base for Mirabello Bay and eastern Crete.
Is Elounda good for families?
Yes. Mirabello Bay is often calmer than exposed beaches, and many nearby swimming spots are sheltered and family-friendly.
When is the best time to visit Elounda?
May–June and September–October usually offer warm weather with fewer crowds. July and August are busiest and benefit from earlier planning.
Is Elounda expensive?
Elounda is known for luxury resorts, but there are also apartments and smaller hotels, especially if you book outside peak season.
Is Elounda close to Agios Nikolaos?
Yes. Elounda is located about 10 km north of Agios Nikolaos, and the drive takes approximately 15–20 minutes along a scenic coastal road overlooking Mirabello Bay. This makes it easy to stay in one and visit the other for beaches, dining, or evening walks.