Elounda beach
Elounda, which was originally a fishing village, is located in the north-eastern part of Crete, approx. 80 km from the airport in Heraklion.
Elounda beach
The main beach in Elounda is a lovely 200 m long sand beach right north of the harbour. The fine-grained sand is golden. The water is relatively shallow and almost always calm as the beach is well protected inside a bay.
It is possible to rent sun lounges and sunshades at the beach and there is access to showers and toilets. It may be a challenge to find a parking space during the high season. Behind the beach there are several areas with palm trees and flowers. The view from the beach is also in a league of its own; partly of the mountains around Elounda and partly of the island of Spinalonga.
Elounda’s second-largest beach is right on the other side of the pier. The sand is coarser and mixed with pebblestones, but you can rent sunbeds and parasols, and it is usually a bit quieter here.
Child-friendliness
The main beach in Elounda is very child-friendly. Lovely soft sand and relatively shallow and calm water.
Water sports
There is a water sports centre at the beach offering a few types of water sports. It is also possible to rent water bikes.
Beach restaurants
There are several restaurants and tavernas close to the beach. By the harbour, just south of the beach, the selection is even bigger.
Elounda holiday resort
Elounda is one of the most exclusive holiday resorts in Crete. The town still has some of its Greek charm, but the shops and restaurants are more luxurious than usual in Crete.
Generally, the hotels are also of a very high standard, in particular the 5-star luxury hotel Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas.
From the harbour in Elounda, it is possible to sail to the island of Spinalonga, which was a leper colony from 1903 to 1957. There are many departures a day and the trip only takes about 15 minutes.
Elounda video
Elounda map
Elounda’s largest beach can be seen in the middle of the map, while the second largest is on the other side of the northern pier. The tour boats to Spinalonga sail from this pier or from the harbour south of the beach.
