Elounda Palm - Blog

DISCOVER ELOUNDA: THE BEST HONEYMOON DESTINATION IN CRETE

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 12:00:00 Z

Honeymoon is not just some typical holiday or your next summer destination. It is THE holidays of your life with your other half. It is the period of your life you were dreaming of since you were a child. That’s why it has to be the perfect place to create the best memories for the rest of your life. It sounds like a marathon but the right choice will reward you. Now you can stop searching since we’ve got the best honeymoon destination for you.

Elounda, the small paradise of Crete, is synonymous of honeymoon. The cosmopolitan town with the breathtaking scenery and the glorious beaches will make you have the most romantic holiday of your life.

Idyllic Dinners

Photo Property of Elounda Palm Hotel

Gastronomy is the cherry on the cake! Imagine a blow minding gourmet plate with the best presentation. That’s how you could describe your experience here. A huge variety of really good food and local wine served with the best views. Dream a romantic dinner under the stars and sea at your feet, with high-level service, since Elounda is known for the exceptional restaurants and facilities. Double joy for your palate and your soul!

Food in Crete is based on quality and authenticity. The secret is the exclusive virgin local products, which are used in the well kept traditional recipes. Check out here for more information about Cretan Food.

Wines of Crete are some of the best wines worldwide with one of the oldest winemaking culture. Enjoy your wine under the moonlight at your private pool and feel dizzy in the hug of your lover. “We got goosebumps already!”

Tip: Check our wine list and ask our team of experts for a wine recommendation.

Stunning Private Sailing Trips

Picture by Avanti Sailing

Can you think of any better backdrop of Romance than a sunset sailing trip at the gulf of Mirabello? Elegant sailing boats with all comforts will grant you one of the best experiences. Nothing is like a calm trip on the crystal clear water and the smell of the sea. Unwind and release your senses to the breeze. Share this experience with your “amore” and reach your relationship to the next level. The scenery is also ideal for a photo shooting, a great way to capture all these amazing moments of your romantic holidays. Plenty of activities, dining, and photo shooting are available during your trip so make sure to ask for more information at Elounda Palm Hotel & Suites reception desk.

**Honeymoon is “*Suite***”

Photo Property of Elounda Palm Hotel

It is not a proper honeymoon in Elounda without a Suite with Private Pool and all that jazz! A little privacy for your romantic getaway is necessary! Breakfast in bed and cocktails by your pool is what will make your honeymoon stand out. Elounda is a famous destination for all these dreamy Suites & Villas with Private Pool and now is your turn to enjoy the magic with your other half. Don’t panic in advance for the cost. Make sure to book as soon as possible and you will find many offers available.

Absolute Relaxation and Wellbeing

Picture by Canva

Elounda has to offer beautiful landscapes, emerald beaches and a stunning sunrise. Nature offers tranquillity and peace which makes it the perfect destination for couples. Romantic sceneries are great for meditation, relaxation and escape from the stressful daily life. Your honeymoon is a good opportunity to share serenity moments with your loved one and make a strong mental bonding. Don’t skip a massage and a spa day! Pumper yourself at the Elounda Palm Wellness Center and be beautiful from inside out.

From ancient times of Greek mythology to the present, Crete has a big tradition in “Love”. Love stories have been unfolded; poems and songs have been written in the name of love. Love is in the DNA of Cretans. They leave with a lot of passion and love, in their lives. While you are being in Crete is impossible not to be affected by this culture and flood with strong emotions. You will explore the sexy and romantic side of everything. Besides “romantic” and “erotic” are Greek words!

In Elounda Palm Hotel & Suites we admire the passion for love. We take special care to all newlyweds and couples to make sure you will have an unforgettable romantic escape!

Are you planning your honeymoon in Elounda?

THIS FOOD WILL MAKE YOU BOOK HOLIDAYS IN CRETE EVERY YEAR

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:00:00 Z

Dear guests, our mission today is to decipher a menu of a taverna in Crete and what a delicious mission that is! Our aim is to encourage you to order some must-try dishes and make your holidays in Crete a more authentic experience. So, whether you are ordering food from the in-room menu of your private pool villa, the restaurant of a beachside hotel in elounda, or your nearby taverna, we’ll help you do it like a true local.

Before we get into listing our favorite food from Crete, we would like to share some thoughts and data. For those that are repeat visitors to Crete island, we hope you will agree that one of the greatest things you will experience on your holidays in Crete is Cretan diet. Food is a main characteristic of the island’s tradition and so is food throughout Greece. However, Crete’s gastronomy is extraordinary, some dishes cannot be found in other parts of Greece and if you try it you will want to come back for holidays in Crete every year!

Did you know that the World Ηealth Organization characterizes Cretan diet as one of the healthiest and most sustainable diets in the world? Some 100 year old grannies that live in villages of Crete will agree! Cretans became a case study because of their health and longevity in comparison to other civilisations. Some will support that the gastronomy of Crete is considered the birthplace of the Mediterranean diet.

In Elounda Palm Hotel we honor Cretan gastronomy through our buffet and poolside restaurant but also in-room menu, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our breakfast buffet has a certificate of Cretan Gastronomy and includes sweet and savory Cretan dishes such as “mizithropitakia”, “kaltsounia”, Cretan omelette, goat’s milk, yoghurt, cheese and plenty of vegetables, olives, olive oil and dry barley rusk “dacos”bread. Here you will have the opportunity to start your day with authentic traditional ‘superfood’ dishes.

So without further ado, here’s a list of our top choices to try on your holidays in Elounda:

“Chorta”

Picture courtesy of Maria Metochianaki

In Greek, all the greeneries that can be boiled are called “Chorta” and they differ from season to season. “Chorta” was the main food for the old people in Cretan villages, because it was easy to collect from the mountains (no cultivation needed). They are wild plants which grow on the mountains and the only way to find them is during a good hike. All you need is a knife, a plastic bag and a good “yiayia” granny to show you the ones that are edible (because not all “Chorta” are suitable to eat nor taste the same)! You can try them boiled or cooked, “tsigariasta” in the pan or sometimes even raw. Some types of “Chorta” are: “Vlita”, “Tsimoulia”, “Stamnagathi”, “Seskoula”, “Vrouves”.

Tips

You can order “Chorta” nearly in every taverna (sometimes they are not on the menu).

If you feel adventurous, you can try collect them on your own. Don’t forget to get tips from a local though…

“Skioufichta”

Picture by DanaTentis via Pixabay

“Skioufichta” or “tsi heras” (i.e. ‘by hand’) are Crete’s version of hand-made pasta. We don’t feel that pasta needs any special introduction; it’s hard not to like pasta after all! You will find “skioufichta” in many different versions. The most traditional way to have them are boiled in bone broth and served with dry “anthotiro” cheese. You will find “Skioufichta” mainly in east Crete.

Tip:

When in the Elounda Palm hotel try Vassili’s (our chef’s) version of “skioufichta” with mushrooms and local soft cheese for lunch. Yum!

Goat Meat “Psito”,” Antikristo”, “Tsigariasto” or “Frikase”

Picture by Divily via pixabay

Let us take the opportunity to pay tribute to the very ‘misunderstood’ goat and lamb, especially for those guests who are put off by the assumption that a smelly dish will arrive on the table! Indeed, the goat is not on the every day menu of a Cretan home, but it’s a MUST on every festive occasion because of its delicious taste and skill required to create the perfect goat. So if a locally sourced, slow cooked goat is served, don’t miss the opportunity to try it, please!

Tip:

The goat comes in many forms. The most authentic recipes are:

“Tsigariasto” is slow cooked in olive oil, normally light in texture and taste.

“Antikristo” is the Cretan form of the Argentinian ‘asado’, placed in special sticks and cooked around a fire.

“Psito” is the most usual version, cooked in the oven with herbs and potatoes.

“Frikase” is the combination of goat and “Chorta”.

Cretan Cheese

Picture by AlexKlen via pixabay

Did you know that the base of the economy of Crete is agriculture? Even in today’s modern world you will find old-school shepherds on the mountains of the island of Crete, surrounded by goats! Their mission is one: to breed goats,sheep (geeps) and produce meat and milk products. People from Crete love their cheese! The most popular varieties are “Kefalotiri”, “Mizithra” , “Graviera” ,“Anthotiro” and “Xigalo”.

Tip:

You can visit the store “To Mpakaliko tou Lagou” in Agios Nikolaos and Neapoli to discover the cheeses of the area. If you have the chance to buy cheese directly from a shepherd, seize the day!

“Hochli boubouristi” aka Escargot

If you are French, you probably relate with our passion for “hochli”. Otherwise, eating snails may not sound as the most appealing choice on the menu. Still, this is one of the most authentic and traditional dishes in the cuisine of Crete, so we do encourage you to try. Trying the sauce by dipping a piece of bread in it is a good starting point. If you like the taste then you can move on to the real thing! There are versions of this Cretan dish. “Boubouristi” are snails on the pan, sizzled in wine and rosemary. Another popular recipe is escargot in the pot with “xinochondro” (Crete’s version of couscous ).

Tip:

The collection of snails is a traditional ‘hobby’ of Cretans, especially after a rainy day (after all, snails love the water). Today’s “hochli” are usually grown in snail farms, however the traditional way was to hike on the mountains and collect ‘free range’ “hochli”! We all have a picture of our parents, years back, leaving the house all excited with a torch on a rainy night going snail hunting…

Picture courtesy of theTravelPorter

“Dolmadakia” or “Kolokithoanthi”

You’ve probably heard of “dolmadakia” before. “Dolmadakia” are essentially stuffed vine leaves with rice and herbs, sometimes with rice and minced meat. What’s special about this recipe in Crete is the version of “dolmadakia” wrapped in zucchini flowers instead of vine leaves, also known as “Kolokithoanthi”. Both vine leaves and flowers are collected only a specific time of the year and it is not easy to find them on the market.That’s probably why zucchini flowers sell for GBP 1 a piece in London’s Harrods store!!!

Tip:

Try them with yoghurt and a lot of lemon.

Cretan omelette

Picture by Schnauzer via Pixabay

Omelettes are made everywhere in the world… but not the Cretan way. They are very thick, usually made with fried potatoes, “apaki” (meat) or “chorta”. Cretans like vegetables with their omelette and so will you, after trying the local version.

Tip:

It might sound odd but try the omelette with a side dip of sheep’s yoghurt.

“Gamopilafo”

“Gamopilafo” translates to Greek as ‘the wedding pilaf’; that’s because its rich filling texture and taste are the perfect treat for a special occasion. So if you’re on a honeymoon in Crete, you deserve to treat yourself with a good “gamopilafo”! The essential ingredient of a “gamopilafo”, besides the obvious pilaf rice, is goat broth. Till nowadays, the “gamipilafo” remains a staple of every Cretan wedding, so if you’re invited to a wedding in Crete, don’t skip this dish!

Tip: Enjoy it with grated “mizithra” on top!

“Kaltsounia”

Picture by Kuzcomerlin via Pixabay

Warning: once you try one you will want to eat a whole box! Those little pies, stuffed with sweet “mizithra” cheese and drizzled with cinnamon are ‘to die for’. “Kaltsounia” were usually prepared only during Greek Easter time. However, with the years (and more mizithra on the table) those darlings are served as a dessert and are a perfect combination with a sip of raki.

Tip:

Often you will find “kaltsounia” on the Elounda Palm hotel’s morning buffet- try them!

“Sfakianes Pites” or “Mizithropites”

Photo property of Elounda Palm hotel

The “kaltsounia” recipe is not the only dessert that’s made of cheese. Depending in which part of Crete you are, you will find a version of this dish which are essentially thin, fried pies filled with sour “Mizithra” cheese and served with honey. The recipe has two names, so depending whether you are on the west or east part of Crete island you will order them as “Sfakianes pites” or “Mizithropites”, respectively.

Tip:

“Mizithropites” make a perfect breakfast, snack and dessert so feel free to order them any time of the day, guilt-free!

“Dakos”

Picture by DanaTentis via Pixabay

We’ve left the most popular Cretan recipe for last, the “dacos” dried rusk served with tomato (chopped or blended), any type of white goat cheese (“feta” or “mizithra”), oregano and plenty of extra virgin olive oil. You will find many varieties of dacos rusk. Some are made of wholegrain wheat and others also include barley; this means that some “dacos” may be hard on your teeth so, before taking a bite on your own, you may want to soak the rusk in water for a few seconds! Commercial dacos is usually teeth-friendly

Tip:

If you want to do it like a local, dacos is the perfect snack, lunch or dinner when you want to keep it light or accompany your cold beer on a hot summer day by the Elounda Palm Hotel’s pool!

So there you have it dear guests.The gastronomy of Crete is a high plant based diet, with loads of fruit, vegetables and dairy products. If you ask us, we feel that the secret sauce behind the delicious flavors are the pure, good quality ingredients. Greens fresh from the gardens and the fields of Crete, extra virgin olive oil, honey, nuts, herbs all put an authentic touch to the flavors and aromas of every dish. So be adventurous and explore the Cretan gastronomy; you will be rewarded in every bite!

For guests who want to explore the gastronomy of Crete (even try make some hand-made dolmadakia) you will find here an excellent selection of tours and workshops, ready to book.

Share with us your gastronomic experience from your holidays in Crete!

What’s your favorite dish?

9 Hidden tavernas you need to try near Elounda and Agios Nikolaos

Fri, 19 Aug 2016 12:00:00 Z

Agios Nikolaos (aka ‘Agios’ or ‘Agnik’) and Elounda in Crete are famous for a few things which makes them a unique travel experience; one of them is that the area has a few of the best hotels in Crete, if not in Greece; another is the mysterious Spinalonga island, -among other interesting local attractions- which makes it at the top of most visited Greek historical sites, after the Acropolis. Still, one thing most people don’t know is the mind-blowing food you can find in this part of Crete. While most visitors enjoy their hotel’s menu, long buffets, room service and Michelin starred restaurants (which are top notch-truth be told), the area has a few gastronomic gems hidden in secluded villages that you would never find out, unless a local told you. If only Michelin inspectors knew….!
If you’ve had too much of grilled chicken and choriatiki and are curious to try authenticpaidakia, hochlious, mizithropita, meat in wooden ovens and raki, we are about to share a few of the best kept secrets in Crete (lucky you!). So, without further ado, here are a few of our favourite tavernas in villages close to Agios and Elounda which should make it to the top of your list of unique things to do in Crete (in random order, as we couldn’t decide which one’s the best!).

#1 ‘O Platanos’ – Fourni village

Fourni is one of the cutest and well preserved villages we’ve visited in Crete. It’s located about 20 minutes drive, on the mountains, from Plaka near Elounda. After lots of turns (and no lights to make this easier) you will reach magnificent Fourni situated amidst an olive grove, in a plateau. If you can make it during sunset the ride and arrival will be more rewarding. Head to ‘O Platanos‘ taverna which is in the central ‘piazza’ of the village just under a huge sycamore tree (which also makes it one of the most fun things to do with kids in the area).

What to eat: Paidakia (aka lamb chops), eggs with staka and ask for the casseroles of the day (usually rabbit and hen). The kataifi dessert is a great ending to this delicious feast.
Where to call: +30 2841090776

#2 ‘Miliaras’ – Latsida village

About 15 minutes from Agios Nikolaos and on the way to the airport (after the exit for Neapoli) you’ll find a tiny, almost invisible AND in Greek(!), sign that directs you to Latsida on your right hand side. Once you make a right and follow the road, you’ll soon reach Latsida village and your hot-spot ‘Miliaras‘ is the first taverna on your left; you’ll probably spot it because it’s usually packed with locals (and we’re not surprised, as it’s one of the best places to eat in this area!)

What to try: Souvlaki pork skewers (the best in Greece!), cheese-balls (gigantic fried cheese balls to-die-for), hochlious boubouristous (aka snails with vinegar and rosemary on the pan) , anthous (which are vine lives OR zuccini flowers stuffed with rice) paired with xygalo (soft cheese from sheep and goat’s milk) or old-school tzatziki. For those who can’t have pork, the taverna also serves heavenly paidakia lamb chops.
Where to call: +30 2841 034050

#3 ‘Stavrakakis’ – Exo Lakonia village

Enter the destination ‘Exo Lakonia’ in your Google Maps and you will reach a taverna beneath a magnificent fouchsia bougainvillea. The taverna does not have an official name, but is known by the surname of the owner (that is Mr Stavrakakis!). There you will find the usual traditional Cretan meze menu, all prepared with fresh and local ingredients. Interesting fact: Just across the street, where you least expect it, you will find one of the area’s most unusual local attractions; the Museum of Classical Vehicles!

What to try: Hortopitakia (liitle pies with herbs and wild greens), mizithropitakia (pies with soft white cheese), anthous, but also a variety of grilled meat (such as sausages and paidakia) and often casseroles.
Where to call: +30 2841022478

#4 ‘To Rakadiko Tou Kamari’ (aka ‘The Hope’) – Mavrikiano village

Only a short drive from Elounda and Plaka you will reach the village of Mavrikiano and the taverna ‘To Rakadiko Tou Kamari‘ aka ‘The Hope’! The taverna serves local delicacies with beautiful views to the bay of Mirabello; so what else can you ask for your holiday in Crete, really?!

What to eat: Go for the grilled meat!
Where to call: +30 697 229 5150

#5 & #6 ‘Christinis’ and ‘Ta Kato Kafeneia’ – Limnes village

We still remember a mouthwatering slow cooked meat with potatoes that we tried in Limnes, at ‘Christinis’ taverna a few years ago and that’s how this place made it to our list of what to do in Crete this summer. Another time, we drunk lots of raki over a ‘light’ souvlaki, omelette and traditional Cretan tapas dinner at ‘Ta Kato Kafeneia’, whose old spot used to be in the heart of this charming little mountain village, but who have now moved on the main road, almost next to ‘Christinis’. Either way you go, be prepared to nibble great meat with your raki.

What to eat: Slow cooked, wood oven meat (when available) or yummy biftekia burgers at ‘Christinis’,souvlaki and omelette at ‘Ta Kato Kafeneia’.
Where to call: ‘Christinis’: +30 2841 032269 | ‘Ta Kato Kafeneia’: +302841033323

#7 ‘O Platanos tis Kyra Lenis’ – Vrachasi, Neapoli village

Approaching the 46th kilometre of the national road from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, the mountain village of Vrachasi hides ‘Platanos’ taverna where Kyra Leni (Mrs Eleni) serves her old time classics for the ones in the know and those who seek an authentic travel experience. Make sure to carry a jacket with you as it gets chilly up there…

What to eat: Sofregada which is a casserole of wild mixed greens and snails (aka hochlious) and other casseroles of the day.
Where to call: +30 28410 31488

#8 ‘Vilaeti’ – Agios Konstantinos village

‘Vilaeti’ is a small traditional guesthouse in the village of Agios Konstantinos in Lasithi plateau, which is a long drive from Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. However, Vilaeti is known well to locals because of its delicious meat delicacies that make the drive to Agios Konstantinos worth it for a mouthwatering meal!

What to eat: Meat roasted in a traditional wood oven and Greek style ‘asado‘ lamb called Antikristo, not to be missed!
Where to call: +30 6977248456

#9 ‘Bogazi’ – Mochlos village

If you have had enough of meat and mountains and want a seafront, fish-y alternative, then you need to visit the village of Mochlos, which -according to locals- has the best fish you can find in the area of Lasithi and is one of the best things to do in the area in the summer. As with a few other villages we’ve brought up (above), this fish village is a long ride from Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. However, if you are into adventurous tours and seek for a unique experience you can join one of our day trips in the gulf of Mirabello and reach the spot by sea with a catamaran! In this way you will admire some local attractions from the sea, you will swim in turquoise crystal waters and will seal this day with a delicious fish lunch or sunset dinner. Out of all seafront tavernas, we would pick the Bogazi.

What to eat: Fresh fish. Full stop.
Where to call: +30 284 3094200

General tips: You don’t necessarily need a reservation for these places (unless it’s high season); most of them won’t even accept one. However, it may be useful to call in advance to make sure they are open and that there’s a casserole of the day (unless you don’t mind having an omelette or souvlaki for dinner, which is still worth the ride). On a different note, if you wish to explore the area’s culinary scene in more depth we recommend you join a food tour or a cooking class; and if you stay in touch, we will soon introduce you to the most extraordinary hosts in town!

PS: Original post by theTravelporter.com

Elounda Palm - Blog

DISCOVER ELOUNDA: THE BEST HONEYMOON DESTINATION IN CRETE

Idyllic Dinners

Stunning Private Sailing Trips

Honeymoon is “Suite”

Absolute Relaxation and Wellbeing

Are you planning your honeymoon in Elounda?

THIS FOOD WILL MAKE YOU BOOK HOLIDAYS IN CRETE EVERY YEAR

“Chorta”

“Skioufichta”

Goat Meat “Psito”,” Antikristo”, “Tsigariasto” or “Frikase”

Cretan Cheese

“Hochli boubouristi” aka Escargot

“Dolmadakia” or “Kolokithoanthi”

Cretan omelette

“Gamopilafo”

“Kaltsounia”

“Sfakianes Pites” or “Mizithropites”

“Dakos”

9 Hidden tavernas you need to try near Elounda and Agios Nikolaos

**Honeymoon is “*Suite***”