Luxury Villas in Elounda

A charming, down-to-earth town in Crete, filled with lovely shops and tavernas lining a quaint harbour.

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Villas to rent in Elounda

Our villas to rent in Elounda are located in a beautiful serene location, offering a tranquil and secluded getaway whilst remaining close to wonderful shops and eateries.

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Elounda resorts and towns

Elounda holiday guide

Though perhaps best known for its luxurious Cretan resorts, Elounda is an enchanting town characterised by its homely and laid-back atmosphere. In the picturesque harbour you’ll spot friendly fishermen, tall palms and fishing boats bobbing gently in the cerulean waters. Continue past the harbour and discover sandy beaches and a paved waterfront promenade. Offshore, the striking Spinalonga Peninsula can be accessed via a narrow causeway, filled with ancient ruins and hiking trails.

Things to do in Elounda

EXPLORE THE HARBOUR

Once you’ve settled into your luxury villa, the first thing you’ll want to do is take a walk around the centre of town. It is here you’ll find a picture-perfect harbour complete with traditional fishing boats, rowing boats, hilly backdrops and quaint whitewashed buildings. Walk east along the harbour and you’ll spot some of Elounda’s most popular tavernas before reaching the main beach. If you head south along the harbour front, you’ll notice a selection of exclusive restaurants perfectly poised with views overlooking the bay.

Harbour with fishing boats in Elounda, Crete

VISIT SPINALONGA ISLAND

Little Spinalonga Island is a must-see spot when visiting Elounda. Take a boat trip from the harbour and you’ll arrive at Dante’s Gate. From here, a short trail will guide you through ancient ruins that include a church, hospital and cemetery. Kolokytha Beach is located on the eastern shore of the island, a little sandy cove with wonderful views overlooking the neighbouring island of Kolokytha. Boat tours drop visitors here to enjoy swimming and barbecues. For the most tranquil experience, make sure to visit early or later in the afternoon when the cove is most remote. The beach is easily accessible via a footpath below the chapel of Agios Loukas.

View of Spinalonga Island, Eastern Crete

DISCOVER FASCINATING HISTORY

This area of the Eastern Cretan coast is wonderful for holidaymakers with a keen eye for history and culture. The Sunken City of Olous is an absolute must-see, once a thriving Greek city during the Minoan age. Many believe Olous was sunk due to volcanic activity, whilst others say it’s sunken more gradually over the years. Take a gentle coastal walk and, if you look carefully, you might make out some of the ancient walls beneath the crystalline waters. For a closer look, make sure to bring your snorkelling gear!

The Sunken City of Olous visible beneath the water

EATING AND DRINKING IN ELOUNDA

Though the town is lovely and down to earth, the harbour is quite lively, lined with classic Greek tavernas and cheery waterfront bars. Popular eateries include Hope, a hillside restaurant located just above Elounda in the ancient hamlet of Mavrikiano, usually bustling with locals and tourists enjoying a taste of homemade mezedhes, lamb chops, authentic wines and raki, the local hard drink. Ergospasio is another favourite, a waterfront restaurant serving market-fresh fish and other Greek delicacies. Try the succulent lamb or chicken, slow-roasted in a custom-designed antikristo split grill for the most authentic taste. 

In terms of nightlife, several of the town’s popular bars are transformed into discos late in the evening for the keen night owls among your party. Elounda also has a number of brilliant drinking establishments where you can grab an exotic cocktail and a bite to eat. The waterfront restaurants are also a great spot to enjoy a drink with extraordinary views.

Traditional Greek meze table

When to go to Elounda

As the warmest of the Greek islands, a villa holiday in Crete can be enjoyed as early as March for an Easter break, filled with spring flowers. Peak season begins in July when you can expect warm sea water for swimming; the perfect time of year for a beach villa holiday. Shoulder season is also a great time to visit if you’re not tied to travelling in the school holidays. Speak to a villa specialist for further information; we can also book your flights.

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