The Sunken City of Olous
Swim through the submerged streets of an ancient Minoan metropolis.
The Ancient Metropolis
Long before Elounda was a modern resort, it was the site of Olous, a powerful and wealthy ancient city. Flourishing during the Minoan and Greco-Roman periods, Olous was home to nearly 40,000 people. It was an independent state with its own king, minting its own coins, and operating a bustling port that traded across the Mediterranean.
Claimed by the Sea
Unlike Spinalonga, Olous wasn’t destroyed by war. Around the 2nd century AD, a massive geographical shift in Eastern Crete caused the land here to sink. The sea slowly claimed the city. Today, the remains of its walls, streets, and even ancient floor mosaics rest just beneath the shallow, crystal-clear waters of the canal near the modern salt pans.
Plan your visit
How to Get There
It's a flat, easy walk from Elounda harbor. Just follow the coast south towards the Kalydon peninsula until you reach the stone bridge and the old windmills.
The Best Time
Visit early in the morning before the wind picks up. When the sea is perfectly flat and calm, the visibility into the sunken ruins is spectacular.
What to Bring
Bring a snorkel and mask to see the ruins up close. Water shoes are highly recommended as the sea floor around the ancient stones is rocky and often hides sea urchins.
Elounda Pass insider
Elounda Pass Tip: Don’t just look in the water! The whole area around the ruins is full of wall remains that once belonged to the city.