Elounda Village, Crete: A Local’s Guide
Elounda, Crete: A Local’s Guide
Elounda is a fishing village on the northwest side of Mirabello Bay, just north of Agios Nikolaos. Its harbour is the starting point for boats to Spinalonga, and on the road out of the village you pass old Venetian salt pans, historic windmills and the remains of the ancient city of Olous.
Quick facts
Distance from Agios Nikolaos: about 10-12 km [add drive time]
Best for: the sea, history, boat trips, photography
Time needed: Depends on visitors
Best time to visit: May-October
Parking: In square of Elounda has a free parking
Why visit Elounda
The departure point for boat trips to Spinalonga, one of the most visited sights on Crete
Old Venetian salt pans, now a home for birds
Windmills on the road toward the Kolokitha peninsula
The sunken remains of ancient Olous, inhabited since Minoan times
Beautiful views of Mirabello Bay on the drive from Agios Nikolaos
What to see and do
In and around the village
Stop at the Lenika viewpoint . On the drive from Agios Nikolaos, stop here for a view over Mirabello Bay, the Elounda lagoon, the Spinalonga peninsula and the village of Plaka.
Walk around Elounda harbour. A small fishing port with boats, cafes and the boat departures for Spinalonga.
Take a boat to Spinalonga. Boats leave regularly from Elounda harbour, and the crossing takes about 30 minutes. The island was the site of a Venetian fortress and later a leper colony.
See the windmills. Several windmills stand in and around Elounda, and the road toward the Kolokitha peninsula passes three of them next to the salt pans.
Visit the old salt pans. The Venetian salt pans were an important source of income, supplying salt to Europe, and were in use until 1972. They are now home to many birds throughout the year.
Look for the remains of Olous. Near the salt pans lie the remains of the ancient city of Olous, inhabited since Minoan times. Most of it is under the sea. The stone squares you can see in the water are salt pans, not ruins.
Reach Kolokitha beach. Pass the windmills and walk up the small road or track.
Nearby
Plaka - A small fishing village about 5 km north of Elounda, looking across to Spinalonga.
Water activities - Elounda is known for snorkelling, diving and other watersports.
Suggested routes
Half-day route: Spinalonga and the coast
Morning: stop at the Lenika viewpoint on the drive in, then walk around the harbour.
Late morning: boat to Spinalonga.
Lunch: Elounda is famous for the fresh fish.
Afternoon: the windmills and salt pans.
Full-day route: history and beaches
Morning: the salt pans, windmills and the remains of Olous.
Midday: a swim at Kolokitha beach.
Afternoon: the village of Plaka, with a view of Spinalonga.
Eat and drink
You can find a big variety of restaurants by the square and around.
Getting there
By car: Elounda lies about 10-12 km north of Agios Nikolaos, on a coastal road that climbs a small hill with wide views of the bay.
By bus: buses connect Agios Nikolaos with Elounda. (ktelherlas.gr)
By taxi or private tour
Frequently asked questions
How far is Elounda from Agios Nikolaos?
About 10-12 km.
How do I get to Spinalonga from Elounda?
Boats leave from Elounda harbour, and the crossing takes about 30 minutes.
What can I see near Elounda?
The salt pans, the windmills, the remains of ancient Olous, the village of Plaka and the island of Spinalonga.
Can I visit Elounda with a guide?
Yes, of course, feel free to join us in a village tour that we pass from Elounda village.
Nearby: build your day
Plaka is about 5 km north of Elounda.
Agios Nikolaos is about 10 km south.
Explore more of the area in our guide to the Villages around Agios Nikolaos.
