Elounda Palm - Blog

ELOUNDA INSTAGRAM GUIDE: THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOTS IN THE AREA

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 12:00:00 Z

Elounda is a cinematic place on its own. Known for the breathtaking views, the crystal clear waters and the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos. We have collected all the must-see famous spots that worth a visit, not only to enjoy but for an Instagram photo shooting too. After your visit to Elounda, you will be considered an Instagrammer without even trying. Colours of nature are so vibrant and so unreal that you will swear that they are not filtered. Study hard before your arrival and be prepared to unravel the best-hidden spots of eastern Crete.

Kolokytha Beach

Picture by @robinplzr

Kolokytha is an idyllic beach in Elounda with turquoise water and white sand. Hmm yes, we know…. Welcome to paradise! And like all these were not already enough, kolokytha has the best sunrise. Kolokytha is not an organized beach, so there aren’t sunbeds or beach bars close by. Prepare your picnic bag and get ready to spend a whole day at the beach. Kolokytha beach is hidden after a hill so if you will have to hike 30 minutes at a wonderful route by the sea or just drive.

Spinalonga

Picture by @valizevesele.ro

Next stop, Spinalonga Island. If you haven’t visit Spinalonga, you haven’t visit Elounda. Beyond the history of the fortress, Spinalonga has to offer surreal views to Elounda Bay and unique shots in the alleys of the fortress, reminding medieval time. The scene is so tense that creates you the feeling that you lived here in real. Before you visit Spinalonga, do your research about the history of the island.

Vrouchas Village

Picture by @deaconu.domnita

The highest you reach, the better you get. One great road trip is to start from Elounda, continue all the way up to Vrouchas and then end up at Vlichadia beach. Find the trip here. For the way to Vrouchas there is a point of view (35°18’27.2″N 25°43’42.7″E) where you can admire the whole Mirabello bay and of course take breathtaking photos. There is enough space to park the car and a bench to enjoy a cold beer.

Pro tip: Ask at the reception desk which days Spinalonga is being illuminated and go there in the evening. You will be thrilled by the view.

Instagrammable Lake of Agios Nikolaos

Picture by @lillysophiew

The picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, 10 minutes-drive from Elounda, has numerous hidden spots where you can capture thrilling pictures. Just wander around and your camera will get fire. Number one photogenic spot with everyone posing here is the Lake of Agios Nikolaos. All the houses around and the small bridge in the middle, make the perfect scenery for the perfect shot.

Insider Tip: Go on the top of the lake, at the small park, the view from there is stunning.

Voulisma Beach

Picture by maria_nagimova

Voulisma beach is 20 minutes from Elounda, but it definitely worth the drive. The view of this beach, we promise, will blow your mind. A combination of emerald transparent water with white sand reminds a tropical scenery. The water here is so clear that your photos will have this floating effect. Go to the very right side of the beach for better shots.

Kritsa Village

Picture by @debonitadeore

The Cretan traditional village of Kritsa is a 20 minutes drive from Elounda and is one of the most beautiful villages in Crete. It has a lot of historical monuments and museums if you want to combine the visit, but of course, it is the perfect setting for successful Instagram shots. Find your spot and start clicking!

Elounda Palm’s Suite Infinity Pool

Picture by @romi_drach

Last but number one for all of us is the established photo at the infinity private pool of our Infinity Junior Suites. Laidback luxe vibes and a sense of summer is all you need for the absolute summer Instagram picture. Of course, if you post your picture on Instagram don’t forget to tag us @eloundapalmhotel and you will get featured on our Instagram page. (wink!)

Elounda is an earthy paradise, the absolute summer destination for all the Instagrammers and influencers out there. And if you are a commoner like as, Elounda will amaze you anyway. Create memories of a lifetime, welcome to Crete!

Have you been to any of these places? Tag us on Instagram to see your shots.

HOLIDAYS IN CRETE: 5 REASONS WE LOVE ELOUNDA

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 12:00:00 Z

Only a few days till Valentine’s day and we thought to open our heart to you and share our feelings for our big love, Elounda of Crete.

If you have ever been in love, you must be familiar with the feeling of loving every part of someone. This is exactly how we feel about our Elounda. This little fish village in east Crete is a secret haven for holidays in Greece for couples, ideal for Greek island hopping, great for family holidays in Greece and with absolute certainty, one of the best honeymoon destinations in Greece (wink wink Valentine!)

Amazing location with breathtaking landscape and the most beautiful sunrise are only some of the reasons to visit Elounda. And with more than a handful of the best hotels in Crete, once you visit Elounda and stay in the Elounda Palm Hotel’s brand new private pool suites (launching this spring summer 2019!) or our spacious sharing pool suites and comfortable rooms and bungalows, your Elounda holidays will remain unforgettable -without blowing your budget- and will bring you back for holidays in Crete every year. So, mind you dear guests, this paradise on the island of Crete will steal your heart (like ours!) and it doesn’t have to become the rival of your Valentine but your loving nest.

We have millions reasons to love this place, but here are the 5 that stands out the most:

1. The Island of Spinalonga

Picture by Brian Kloek via Agios Nikolaos Crete

Not so long ago (from 1903 till 1957) the island of Spinalonga hosted a leper colony, inhabited by people from all over Greece who were diagnosed with Hansen’s Disease, all isolated away from their families in this ex-Venetian castle. The extraordinary story of Spinalonga island and the stories of love and tears that surround this era still strike visitors to date.

After Victoria Hislop’s magnificent novel “The Island” became a bestseller and a successful TV series, Spinalonga topped the bucket list of travelers worldwide. The area has a cinematic scenery and remains a living legend in the modern society of Elounda and Plaka. Wandering around the narrow alleys of Spinalonga you become the star, overwhelmed by the vibes from all the stories of pain and love of the past.

Visiting the Island is very easy. You can hop on a boat either from Elounda, Plaka or from Agios Nikolaos or combine a guided tour to the island with a daily excursion and a swim in the crystal clear water of Mirabello gulf.

2. Luxury and Simplicity in Balance

Infinity Suite sharing pool- Elounda Palm Hotel

There’s abundance of hotels in Crete with private pool, luxury resorts and boutique hotels, but the hotels in Elounda are top notch. At the same time, the luxurious feel of your hotel room and private pool is balanced by the simplicity of the area and the casual vibe of authentic villages like Plaka, Mavrikiano and Fourni or the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos.

There are only a few destinations in Greece where you can find the best hotels and authentic surroundings; you either have to compromise with basic accommodation or touristic surroundings. Holidays in Elounda need no compromises!

In the Elounda Palm Hotel we pride for keeping elegance and simplicity at perfect balance, offering comfortable rooms, spacious sharing pool rooms and private pool suites, laid back feel, friendly customer service and authentic Cretan cuisine to pamper you but also make you feel like Crete is home.

Who needs more?!

3. Strategic Location

Photo property of Elounda Palm hotel

Elounda is located at a perfect spot…simple as that! It is less than an hour from the airport of Heraklion (the biggest airport in Crete) and one hour from the capital of Crete, Heraklion. That means easy access to the heart of the island, the north, the south, further east, but also easy access to the Cycladic islands of Mykonos, Santorini and beyond through the port of Heraklion for the best Greek island hopping! This is probably why smart travelers combine a relaxing stay in a hotel in Elounda after an adventure in a Cycladic island (like Mykonos) or the wild Chania on the west part of Crete.

Daily excursions to Knossos Palace, Festos Palace, the Museum of Heraklion, Lassithi plateau, Ierapetra, Matala, Sitia, Vai beach and the magnificent Chrissi island on a boat trip are only a few of the things to do from Elounda, hassle free. And after a long day on the road, relaxing by your infinity suite sharing pool with views of the Mirabello bay makes you feel you’re at the right place, at the right time!

4. Fish and Seafood Paradise

Photo property of Elounda Palm hotel

As you may have read from our last blog post on Cretan cuisine, the menu on a Cretan table is mainly dominated by meat dishes (goat and lamb at their best!). However, we have great news for all the fish lovers and pescetarians out there; you just found your ideal holiday destination in Crete! Elounda and Plaka are fish villages with many restaurants and tavernas serving different kinds of fresh fish and seafood, cooked in many delicious ways!

Committed to our love for authentic dishes, at the Elounda Palm Hotel you will find fresh fish for lunch at the pool restaurant and on the a la carte dinner menu at Dacos Restaurant prepared by our chef, Vassilis and his team, with love! Pair your seafood meal with ouzo or Assyrtiko wine from our meticulously drafted wine list.

For an unforgettable experience you can even go fishing with a sailing boat and eat the catch of the day with your “colleagues” during your boat trip on the gulf of Mirabello. For more information ask us at the reception.

5. Great Holidays for Couples and Families

Picture by stokpic via pixabay

Hands down, Elounda is the best honeymoon destination in Crete and one of the top in Greece and worldwide for a special occasion and a romantic getaway! Holidays in Greece for couples may be an easy task, but there aren’t many destinations which tick all the right boxes. Exquisite sharing and private pool rooms: check! Location: check! Romantic stories and scenery: check! Authenticity: check! Check, check, check!

Visitors in Elounda are not here to party, but are here to unwind, relax and enjoy, come in touch with the sea, nature and the local culture, stroll around picturesque villages, eat delicious food and interact with very friendly locals. So, while the party boys and girls are headed to another location, couples of all ages, friends, solo travelers and families visit Elounda for their dose of relaxation and adventure.

The Elounda Palm Hotel is ideal for a romantic holiday in Greece. Here you can pamper yourself in one of our beautiful pool suites, enjoy a massage in our brand new spa and gaze the stars holding a delicious cocktail from our renowned Mellow Bar by the pool, in a simple, laid back and elegant environment.

At the same time, little monkeys love the Elounda Palm. In a cosy setup, parents can treat themselves by the pool while their little ones have fun in the secluded playground only footsteps away, thus keeping every member of the family happy and content!

Have you ever been to Elounda in Crete? Share with us what makes YOU love 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?

5 EASY TIPS TO FEEL LIKE A LOCAL ON YOUR HOLIDAYS IN CRETE

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 12:00:00 Z

If you’ve already booked your holidays in Greece and will be visiting Crete on your Greek island hopping, then we sure hope to see you in our cosy Hotel Elounda Palm! Most importantly, we want to help you make the most of your stay in the island of Crete.

Crete is known from ancient times for its hospitality. According to Greek mythology Zeus who was born and raised on the island of Crete, was the protector of foreigners who visited Crete and made them feel welcome. Therefore it is believe that Cretans inherited the hospitality from the father of Gods, Xenios Zeus.

Hospitality in Greek is “Filoxenia” which comes from the words “Filos(=friend)” and “Xenos(=stranger)“. It means that you approach strangers treating them like they are your friends so as to make them feel like home. Cretans nowadays maintain their reputation and try to be the best hosts.

Cretan hospitality cannot be described, you have to experience it. Although here are some of the “musts” you will “taste” if you visit Crete.

**#1 Drink “Raki” and say “Ya mas” with everyone, everywhere**

Picture courtesy of Maria Metochianaki

From your arrival at Elounda Palm Hotel to the last taverna you will go, everyone will welcome you with a shot of Raki and say “Ya mas” out loud. Raki is the traditional liqueur of Crete, made from grapes and nearly every family produces its own raki, so there’s plenty of it everywhere! You can find it in every store with traditional products or you can ask a local to give you a bottle to take it back home with you.

“Ya mas” is “Cheers” in Greek, which means to drink to our health! If you want to show off (just a little bit) you could say “Eviva do” which is used in the Cretan dialect.

Caution: the one who treats you the raki, also has to drink!

Don’t be afraid, drink as much as you want, as long as you stick to raki and won’t mix it with other spirits. Good quality raki will not give you a hangover the next day! A morning dive in the private pool of your Villa in Elounda Palm will be just enough to wash all worries away!

#2 Talk with old people in the villages even if they don’t speak any English

Picture by 2078645 via Pixabay

It’s very common for people to greet you in the streets even if they don’t know you. Especially in the villages, older people will talk to you and maybe invite you into their houses.

The other day we were on a trip in south Crete, close to Elounda and we sat by the beach to have some coffee. An old man came close to us and said “Kalimera (=good morning)”. We were not sure what he wanted but he immediately invited us in his house for a coffee and brought us a full bag of apples and oranges which he had just cut from his garden. We were surprised by his kindness and his generosity.

It is so beautiful when people are pure and real, with an open heart.

#3 Dessert after lunch or dinner (or both!)

Picture courtesy of Maria Metochianaki

Insider’s tip: If you go to a local taverna or a restaurant in Crete, you don’t have to order dessert because they will bring it anyway! They will offer you homemade delicacies like fruit preserves, honeyballs aka “Loukoumades” or Greek orange pie with ice cream. And of course on top of that a huge fruit platter with local seasonal fruits.

And don’t forget the raki! They serve it also at the end, because it helps with digestion.

**#4 Dance “Syrto” with the locals**

Picture ourtesy of Nikos Rouvalis

In the past, locals celebrated big religious feasts where young boys had the chance to meet the girls from the area and choose their beloved one (so no need for dating apps)! Once they found their match, they invited her to a traditional dance.

Nowadays there are many feasts in Crete, all year around, but mainly in the summertime. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the Cretan folk music by the melody of Lyra, lute and mandolin accompanied with a lot of dancing.

If locals see you watching from a corner, they will drag you into the circle of the dance, or you could always be brave and just try to follow the steps of the others on your own! This is not a Greek dancing competition!

#5 Make lifetime friendships

Picture by mohamed_hassan via Pixabay

People you meet in Crete will not forget you, and you will definitely not forget them! This is why many people come back again and again – the boutique Elounda Palm hotel is a hub for families and couples who visit Crete for years (raise your hand if you’re one of them)! It is not only the beauty of the island that makes it so special. It is the people and the unforgettable moments with them, that will last for a lifetime and make you feel that you belong here.

These are only some of the highlights of Cretan hospitality to be experienced on your next holidays in Elounda! Just unwind, be yourself and you will feel like home. We hope our tips will help you discover the Cretan tradition and feel like a local during your stay in Crete.

Have YOU experienced Cretan hospitality? Share your story with us!

P.S. Here is one of our favorite stories.

Elounda Palm Boutique Hotel renovates existing rooms and common areas

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 12:00:00 Z

Elounda Crete, June 26, 2016: we are proud to announce that Elounda Palm Boutique Hotel, located in the gulf of Elounda Crete, has finished the resent renovation of 20 of its 64 rooms, in addition to changes in its common areas. The new rooms feature, a more minimal and light decoration with Cretan chic touches. The new lobby feels more welcoming and fresh with a new art installation by local artist Alexandros Arampatzoglou, from Cicada Sculpture Gallery, as its main feature. By the pool the new Mellow bar with its amazing chill out lounge overlooking the sea, is introducing a new concept in bar mixology with its Cretan herb infused cocktails. On the ground floor the new hotel bio shop offers our customers a variety of locally produced products ranging from organic honey and olive oil to herbal teas, local delicatessen and cosmetics. For our customers we have initiated various activities that they can perform during their stay such as Reflexology, Private in room Massage sessions with a local certified chiropractitioner‏, open air cinema and Mountain bike rental in addition to a variety of other activities that they can book through our front desk. Finally we have recently launched our new website in cooperation with 2 leading industry experts, X2 Interactive and the photographer Christos Drazos. For the year 2017 we are planning to renovate the remaining rooms of our hotel, offering even better services to our valued customers.

You can find our new website at www.eloundapalm-crete.com

Elounda Palm - Blog

ELOUNDA INSTAGRAM GUIDE: THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOTS IN THE AREA

Kolokytha Beach

Spinalonga

Vrouchas Village

Instagrammable Lake of Agios Nikolaos

Voulisma Beach

Kritsa Village

Elounda Palm’s Suite Infinity Pool

Have you been to any of these places? Tag us on Instagram to see your shots.

HOLIDAYS IN CRETE: 5 REASONS WE LOVE ELOUNDA

1. The Island of Spinalonga

2. Luxury and Simplicity in Balance

3. Strategic Location

4. Fish and Seafood Paradise

5. Great Holidays for Couples and Families

Have you ever been to Elounda in Crete? Share with us what makes YOU love 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”

5 EASY TIPS TO FEEL LIKE A LOCAL ON YOUR HOLIDAYS IN CRETE

**#1 Drink “Raki” and say “Ya mas” with everyone, everywhere**

#2 Talk with old people in the villages even if they don’t speak any English

#3 Dessert after lunch or dinner (or both!)

**#4 Dance “Syrto” with the locals**

#5 Make lifetime friendships

Elounda Palm Boutique Hotel renovates existing rooms and common areas

– View of the recently renovated rooms

– Mellow Bar and Chill out Area

– Bio Shop