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.

LAST MINUTE HOLIDAYS: SPRING IN CRETE

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 12:00:00 Z

When thinking of a Greek island what comes first in mind is the hot Greek summer, pictures of Greece’s sandy beaches, white houses with blue doors, endless sunbathing and sunset cocktails…

But what really happens if you visit Greece on a season other than summer? How is the weather in Greece in March, April and May? Is it true that Crete island is one of the best places to visit in Greece for a spring holiday? We have all the answers!

It’s true: Crete is one of the best destinations in Greece during spring time. The island is situated on the southernmost part of Greece and temperatures rise earlier compared to the rest of Europe. What’s more, spring is the most colourful time of the year, when Crete is in full bloom and beauty at its best. There are hundreds of things to do in Crete this time of the year, especially if you are lucky enough to visit during the Greek Orthodox Easter. As the days get warmer, sunnier and longer, if you visit Crete in spring you will be rewarded with the perfect weather for sightseeing, away from the crowds; there are no queues in Knossos palace and other important Greek attractions and the weather still permits you to enjoy the best beaches in Crete. Also, the flights to Crete from other European destinations are just starting (unless you prefer to have a stopover at Greece’s capital and fly from Athens to Crete). Flight rates are low and you can stay at a fraction of the price to some of the best hotels in Crete – including our very own Elounda Palm Hotel ( don’t forget to check out our current offers for the coming season! )

What to enjoy in March

Photo property of Elounda Palm Hotel

Maybe the temperature of the water is not ideal for swimming, but the weather in Crete in March is perfect for all adventurous explorers out there. The cooler days offer propitious environment for hiking on the mountains, exploring gorges and ruins, mountain biking and sightseeing.

At this time of year, you can live it like a local! Tourist season hasn’t started yet (most hotels in Elounda are closed), so you will have the chance to stay in Agios Nikolaos, interact easier with locals and discover the real Cretan lifestyle. All the overcrowded must-see spots and archaeological sites will be quiet at this time of year and ready to welcome you.

Crete in April

Picture courtesy of Maria Metochianaki

This is officially the start of the season when the hotels in Elounda open the doors to visitors, and the time of year with the best offers for cheap holidays. There’s a big range of availability in all types of accommodation in Elounda and every kind of excursion to cover your wildest expectations. Also, you will find good deals for flights and holiday packages; now is the time to book your last minute hotel room with private pool and -if lucky- find available one of our brand new private pool suites!

What makes April so important (especially this year) is the Greek Orthodox Easter, a holiday far more important than Christmas for Greeks; a big feast celebrated with big honours. Of course, the best part of Greek Easter in Crete is food! Locals are getting ready and prepare the household with easter delicacies for weeks before the grand day. Tradition and unique customs are being revived all over Crete and you will have the chance to taste at least one of the Cretan specialties we’ve hand-picked in our previous blog post here.

What to do in May

Picture courtesy of Maria Metochianaki

May, the month of flowers…! The flora and fauna in the island of Crete in May is at its peak. Cretan species of herbs and blooms overflow the fields and the mountains, spreading their tantalizing aromas. Also the region of Crete has a big variety of wildlife so nature lovers will have the rare opportunity to enjoy birdwatching and safaris in the mountains of Crete.

Now is the time to relax and unwind at Crete’s best beaches without the crowds. The weather is warm enough for diving at the turquoise waters and it’s a good chance to fuel up on your vitamin D with sunbathing. We can’t think of a better way to enjoy May other than at your Elounda Palm sharing pool suite holding a Cretan style cocktail prepared by our mixologist …

Crete in spring turns into an earthly paradise full of aromas and colours of nature. Once you visit Crete in spring and taste the authentic life of locals in Crete, you will keep coming back, every year! Time stops and everything moves peacefully under the spring sun and the cool breeze. Simplicity is the key to enjoy every moment on your spring holidays in Greece

Where to stay in Crete during your spring holiday?

Where else?! At the Elounda Palm Hotel you will be able to book your stay in our brand new private pool suites, our sharing pool suites and our beautiful sea view villa at the best rate! The first guests of every season are always special so you will enjoy the warmest welcome by our staff who -as locals- will share with you the best secrets!

What’s your favorite season to visit Elounda?

What to do in May

Picture courtesy of Maria Metochianaki

Where to stay in Crete during your spring holiday?

What’s your favorite season to visit Elounda?

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.

LAST MINUTE HOLIDAYS: SPRING IN CRETE

What to enjoy in March

Crete in April

What to do in May

Where to stay in Crete during your spring holiday?

What to do in May

Where to stay in Crete during your spring holiday?

What’s your favorite season to visit Elounda?

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