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.

GREEK ISLAND HOPPING: TOP REASONS TO VISIT CRETE THIS SUMMER

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 12:00:00 Z

Are you in the hunt for the next summer escape? Are you flirting with the idea of a “modern Odyssey”? Greek island hopping should be on your bucket list and now is the time (new year-new resolutions) dreams to come true! Now that you have already dreamed yourself on a beach, keep on reading, because here you will find the best tips on how to organize your summer holidays in Greece.

It may look chaotic to choose the right place, with all these small islands in the Aegean Sea. But that’s why we are here to help you decide the best destination for your summer Holidays. If you haven’t already got it from the title this place is definitely Crete! We highly recommend, keeping your base in Crete and if you wish you can definitely make daily trips to other Greek islands. Here you will get why…

The best connection between Cyclades, Athens, Aegean Sea, Mykonos, Santorini

Crete has two big airports, one in Heraklion (70 km from Elounda) and one in Chania. During the season there are many flights directly to Crete or through Athens, which makes it a great opportunity for a stop at the capital.

Tip: The sooner you book the flights, the cheaper you will get the tickets.

Crete has developed a huge net of flights, ferries and cruises, so you can very easily find the perfect way to reach your desired destination.

Thira (Santorini) is highly recommended for a daily excursion since it is quite small and one day is enough to explore the entire island. You can either take the ferry from the port of Heraklion or book a daily excursion to Santorini with a guide. For more information you can ask us at Elounda Palm Hotel & Suites reception desk.

Another easy combination is Mykonos- Crete. Mykonos is the notorious island for its nightlife and lifestyle. Celebrities & millionaires from all over the world visit the island of the wind for their Greek summer holidays. Elounda from the other side is famous for its tranquility and the amazing landscapes. Is there anything better than partying for 3 days in Mykonos and then relax under the sun at your private pool in Elounda?

Here you can find online tickets for all the ferries to and from Crete.

A destination on its own

Crete is the largest Greek island and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It has such a big biodiversity that if you travel from the east to the west side, you do not have the sense that you are on the same island. That gives you the opportunity to explore different cities, completely different landscapes, while being on the same island and without traveling a lot.

You can spend half days of your holidays in Crete, at the cosmopolitan town of Chania and the rest half in fabulous Elounda. The list of Hotels in Crete is endless with exceptional quality and atmosphere for all types of accommodation. Cretans are ready to serve you with all kinds of comforts and services.

Hurry up to find the best offer before the season starts!

Relaxation + Adventures = Crete

Crete is the ideal place for any occasion and can cover the most demanding out there. Either you are looking for the perfect honeymoon destination; either you are looking for the safest destination for your family vacation, Crete is the answer.

Are you dreaming laid back summer holidays next to emerald beaches and romantic dinners under the stars? Then Elounda is the right place to escape for tranquilization and relaxation away from any kind of stress.

If you are on the more adventurous side, your holidays in Crete will definitely not disappoint you! Mountain or beach lovers, you will find many activities and excursions. The list is endless…Kayaking, Sup, Safari on the Cretan mountains, Scuba diving, hiking, climbing and even more. Just remember to create fun moments from your family holidays in Crete.

Crossroad of Gastronomy, Culture and History

Crete’s first civilization (Minoan civilization) was the first civilization in Europe. Crete has a rich cultural and historical heritage. A visit to Knossos and Phaistos palace-the first monumental buildings in Crete- will convince you. Cobbled streets, columns, objects and tools have remained unaltered in the centuries.

The journey continues to modern history and Cretan culture. Explore all the museums, exhibitions and (don’t skip) the fortress of Spinalonga. In 1903 Spinalonga became a leper colony, where sick people were isolated. Today you can visit the island with a guide or on your own.

Tip: Read the extraordinary book The Island. The story unfolds on the island of Spinalonga during the leprosy period.

While being in Crete the one thing that will thrill you the most is definitely… food! Cretan gastronomy- the mother of Mediterranean diet- will welcome you with magical flavors and aromas. Here you will find a Cretan food guide for all the must-try dishes.

Set your senses free and enjoy the absolute summer holidays in Greece. Start your Greek island hopping and you will come back every year for new adventures. Crete and all the Greek islands will always welcome you with warmth and hospitality.

Are YOU visiting Crete this summer?

Hurry up to find the best offer before the season starts!

Relaxation + Adventures = Crete

Crossroad of Gastronomy, Culture and History

Tip: Read the extraordinary book The Island. The story unfolds on the island of Spinalonga during the leprosy period.

Are YOU visiting Crete this summer?

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!

THE ISLAND OF SPINALONGA

Tue, 14 Jun 2016 12:00:00 Z

The island of Spinalonga (also known as Kalydon) is located in East Crete, close to the villages of Elounda and Plaka. After Victoria Hislop’s magnificent novel “The Island” became a bestseller and a successful TV series, Spinalonga topped the bucket list of travellers worldwide. The story takes place during Spinalonga’s final years as a leper colony and blends together fictional characters and documented facts about the history and daily life of the island.

The early history of Spinalonga

Picture by aver4henko via Pixabay

The island of Spinalonga is an ancient fortress first built to protect ancient Olous (Elounda), once one of the most important towns on Crete, especially between 3000-900 BC. Later in the 16th century, the Venetians built a fortress on Spinalonga over the ruins of an acropolis and it was considered impregnable. This did not stop the pirate Barbarossa (now featured in the Hollywood movie the Pirates of the Caribbean) attempting to storm the fortress. The Venetians, however, kept control of the island until the Ottoman Empire took possession of it in 1715 and created a Turkish village with around a thousand inhabitants.

Spinalonga – a leper colony

Picture by katetsib via Pixabay

After Crete gained its independence, the Turks were required to leave the Island of Crete. But the Turks living on Spinalonga were reluctant to leave. It is said that the Greek government turned the island into a leper colony to scare away the remaining Turks. So from 1903 until 1957, the island became a leper colony. Approximately 400 people inhabited the island over the half-century. Leprosy, the oldest known disease to man, was one of the most feared and reviled diseases. Although largely associated with unsightly deformities affecting the face and limbs, it can, in fact, take years for visible signs to manifest themselves.

The biblical notion of treating a leper as “unclean” and being clear evidence of past sins, was kept alive for many centuries. Not until the 19th century when it was found that leprosy, just like other diseases, was caused by a bacteria, did attitudes begin to slowly change. People from Crete and other parts of Greece suffering from leprosy were sent to live out their days on this small island. At that time leprosy was still seen as a highly contagious and incurable disease and sufferers were outcasts.

However, the banished inhabitants sent to Spinalonga did not dwell on the doom and gloom of their illness. Instead, they formed a thriving community. They had a busy shopping street, cafes, a cinema, a church, houses, allotments and of course a hospital.

Along with the inevitable deaths on the island, there were also births and marriages during the half-century of its history as a leper colony. Eventually, effective treatment was discovered for leprosy and by the end of the 1950s, the need for a leper colony on the island was gone forever. The government closed the colony, and the island has remained uninhabited ever since.

The Island of Spinalonga today

Today, the intriguing and atmospheric Island of Spinalonga attracts a great many visitors and is easily one of the main tourist attractions in Crete. The Island of Spinalonga can be accessed easily from the village of Elounda or Plaka but also from the town of Agios Nikolaos. Tourist boats depart on a daily basis during the summer season (for more information ask us at the Elounda Palm Reception desk). Make sure to visit Spinalonga during your stay in Elounda and the fascinating boat trip or even a private sailing trip to Spinalonga will definitely reward you. A guided tour will take you through the entrance where you will find part of a street that has been reconstructed to give an idea of how it would have looked when it was home to the people with leprosy.

You can feel the sense of a community the island must have had as you’ll find a little street with houses on either side and a little church. You can almost picture the people going about their daily business. Sad reminders though that this was a leper colony and not just a quaint Cretan village can be found at the graveyard where literally hundreds of people were buried.

Considering all of these, Spinalonga is truly a ‘must-see’ destination for anyone visiting the beautiful Greek Island of Crete.

Have YOU visited Spinalonga?

Considering all of these, Spinalonga is truly a ‘must-see’ destination for anyone visiting the beautiful Greek Island of Crete.