Plan your stay
Follow our guide to plan your stay according to your needs.
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The Vibe:Â Slow mornings, hidden coves, and unforgettable sunsets.
Morning: Start with a lingering breakfast at one of our curated Breakfast Cafes guide. Afterward, charter a small private boat from the harbor to escape the crowds and anchor in the crystal-clear, electric blue waters of Kolokitha Bay.
Afternoon: Head over to Plaka village for a late, lazy lunch. Enjoy premium, fresh-caught seafood right on the pebble beach with unobstructed views of Spinalonga. Check out our Dining Restaurants guide to find the best tables.
Evening: Return to Elounda Harbor as the sun sets behind the mountains. Grab a signature cocktail at a waterfront lounge before heading to a quiet, candlelit dinner for two. Check the best Cocktails Bars guide.
The Vibe:Â Easy logistics, safe swimming, and zero stress.
Morning: After breakfast at your hotel or apartment (view our guide here), pack your beach bag and head straight to Schisma (Elounda’s main beach). It’s fully organized with sunbeds, and the shallow, calm water is perfectly safe for kids.
Afternoon:Â Take the short, exciting boat ride across the bay to Spinalonga. Kids love exploring the old Venetian fortress walls! Once you get back, grab some local ice cream while strolling the marina. (tips and information about Spinalonga here)
Evening: Keep it easy and fun. Head to the main village square to find a welcoming, lively taverna with a big menu and plenty of space for the whole family. Browse our Traditional Tavernas guide to find the perfect spot.
The Vibe:Â Deep history, rugged hikes, and authentic Cretan traditions.
Morning: Grab a strong traditional Greek coffee and head out early to walk the stone bridge at the Isthmus. Bring your snorkel to hover right above the ancient, Sunken City of Olous just beneath the surface. Or if you are the hike adventurer try the 2 hour long hike to mount Oxa, you’ll get rewarded with breathtaking views at the top.
Afternoon: Take a guided historical tour of Spinalonga to truly understand its layered past—from Venetian stronghold to leper colony. Next, arrange a tasting at a local olive oil estate to experience Crete’s liquid gold.
Evening: Skip the tourist strip. Drive up the mountain to the stone village of Epano Elounda. Expect sweeping panoramic views, ancient slow-cooked recipes (like lamb with stamnagathi), and local Raki. Find these hidden gems in our Eat & Drink Guide.
Explore our interactive map!
Point your mouse or tap anywhere on the map to uncover all the places. There are 7 of them, did you find them all?
Elounda interactive map
Spinalonga Island
The famous Venetian fortress and leper colony. Catch a boat here from Plaka or Elounda harbor. View more [HERE]
Sunken City of Olous
Walk across the narrow stone bridge past the iconic windmills. Bring your snorkel—just beneath the shallow, crystal-clear water here lie the ancient, sunken ruins of the Minoan city of Olous. View more [HERE]
Elounda harbour and square
The lively center of it all. Stroll the marina to admire the traditional fishing boats, grab a morning coffee, or enjoy a vibrant evening at the waterfront bars and tavernas. View places to have breakfast, coffee or a relaxing evening cocktail [HERE]
Plaka village
A picturesque, quiet fishing village with a beautiful pebble beach. Famous for having the best unobstructed views of Spinalonga and some of the finest premium seafood tavernas in Crete.
Kolokytha beach
A protected nature reserve perfect for hiking. Follow the dirt trails over the hill to discover Kolokitha Beach, a small, hidden cove famous for its blindingly white sand and electric blue water. View the beach [HERE]
Epano Elounda
Leave the coast behind and head slightly up the mountain into the traditional stone village of Epano Elounda. Expect sweeping, panoramic views of the entire bay and completely authentic, slow-cooked Cretan food. View more [HERE]
Oxa mountain hike
For those who want to earn their view. Hike the steep, rugged trails up Mount Oxa to discover the scattered stone ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Naxos. The reward at the peak is arguably the most spectacular, sweeping panoramic view of the entire Mirabello Bay. View more info about the hike [HERE]