ELOUNDA
Area: Crete
Country: Greece


Location:
In E Crete, in N of Prefecture of Lassithi. 6 miles N of Aghios Nikolaos, 42 miles E of Heraklion and airport.

Telephone code from UK:
30 28410

Position:
Facing E/NE on Elounda Gulf, opposite Peninsula of Spinalonga (more correctly known as Kolokithia Peninsula) and island of same name; island linked to mainland by causeway. Located in area of outstanding natural beauty which sustained tourist development has failed to spoil.

Description:
Once a small fishing village, Elounda still retains a certain charm, offering an appealing mixture of old and new. It has an attractive harbour surrounded by cafes and bars where you can sit and watch the world go by, and a somewhat crowded, noisy town square with a busy car park catering to the many day visitors. Demand for ever more lively nightlife has led to an increase in discos, disco pubs and other venues playing loud music into the small hours.

Suitability:
Something here for everyone, including walkers and snorkellers. Suits wide range of budgets.

Accommodation:
From the finest of deluxe hotels and fully equipped complexes to basic self-catering establishments and B&Bs, all found within a mile or two of centre.

Shopping:
Local shops sell everyday provisions such as food and toiletries; plenty of souvenir shops and a smattering of smart jewellery outlets. One or two expensive boutiques at larger hotels but Aghios Nikolaos is better bet for wider choice.

Beach:
Small man-made coarse sandy beach on edge of town and small central patch, but beaches are not one of resort's strong points. Other small areas can be found along the coast but it is mainly a pebble and rocky coastline. Nevertheless bathing is good and most water sports are available. The nearby sunken Greco-Roman city of Olous is a regular pull for snorkelling enthusiasts. Kolokithia Peninsula provides some attractive, secluded coves bordered by crystal clear water.

Entertainments:
Daytime: local boat trips and archaeological sites, water sports, sunbathing; good walking trails. Nightlife: sophisticated evening dining and dancing at the luxury hotels; number of discos, bars and abundance of tavernas hosting Greek music and dancing evenings; other establishments catering for more Western taste.

Eating:
Any number of local-style tavernas for a relaxing and satisfying evening out; hotels provide menus for a more international palate. Also supply of eateries providing more basic food for the less adventurous.

Public-transport:
Hourly buses to Aghios Nikolaos; local taxis and many car- or bike-hire outlets.

Local-excursions:
Half day: boat cruises and fishing trips; Spinalonga Island, a former leper colony; Aghios Nikolaos. Full day: Minoan Palace of Knossos and Heraklion Archaeological Museum; the coastal town of Sitia and nearby Vai Beach, famous for its palm forest; mountain village of Fiesta. Two days: Samaria Gorge; cruises to S Crete.