The largest of the Greek islands, Crete has so much to offer but if you are looking for pure indulgence, opulent luxury where you can disconnect from the world then Elounda beckons as your next destination.
Discover why Elounda will be your next rose and rest destination
Why choose Elounda in Crete?
Elounda, based in Lasithi region to the east of the island, is the ultimate destination for relaxation and rose. Amazing restaurants, rooftop bars, beautiful beaches and pure indulgence then you don’t need to look any further. This is a romantics dream destination and a girls spa retreat upgraded.
How to get to Elounda?
The best way to get to Elounda is to fly into Heraklion airport which is about an hour’s drive from paradise! . Just a few hours away by ferry are the Cyclades islands such as Paros, Naxos, Milos. So another option would be to fly into the international airport of Santorini, if you fancied combining Crete with some island hopping. Both ways will bring you in to Heraklion. I booked a transfer through Heraklion Taxi as the coach took 3 hours. 78€ each way which, as we were delayed so it was worth every penny!
Where to stay in Elounda?
There are a wealth of incredible 5 star resorts and hotels to choose from. I chose the Royal Marmin Bay Hotel as it was slightly more in my budget than some yet seemed utterly perfect. I was not disappointed. Well, only mildly on arrival that, for an adult only hotel, they only offered lemonade as a welcome drink!
The room was small but actually perfect for us, though the ‘sea view’ was a little over sold. However when we mentioned this the next day, the manager himself showed us another room and happily moved us to one that honoured the sea view expectations.
The hotel is built up into the mountain rocks and so the walk up and down was excellent for keeping that bikini bod in shape but who wants to do that on holiday? Not me! So we utilised the golf buggy service. We would just call or request one from the pool and someone would come and collect you. Super fast and efficient – no waiting around. Our breakfast driver would arrive with such humour and kindness and whizz us up to the restaurant knowing how hungry / hangover we were!
The breakfast was pretty standard buffet with gluten free bread available & tailored made eggs though unusually no bubbles. The views at breakfast were ridiculous – over the infinity pool to the ocean below and mountains ahead.
And that’s where we’d settle in for the day, given that we didn’t have a private pool like some of the other rooms. The pool officially opened at 10 am, just like the private beach. The staff went above and beyond to ensure we were fully relaxed, even assisting me in staying in the shade all day, as I burn quickly.
Some hotels simply make you wish you could stay indefinitely, and this was one of them. The only drawback was its slightly remote location, but taxis were readily available for dinner outings
Where to eat in Elounda?
Icaros Beach Bar at Royal Marmin Bay Hotel
Even if I wasn’t staying here I would still recommend lunch here. It is set on a the hotel’s private beach on the jetty. Small yet simply stunning with the the traditional Greek colours set on a back drop of turquoise waters.
Poseidon Restaurant at Royal Marmin Bay Hotel
I chose to eat at the hotel for our last night for ease and no taxis plus I had walked past Poseidon and knew the sunset would be sensational – it did not disappoint. Great service and fabulous starters and puddings … but the mains didn’t quite live up to the Greek standard we had experienced all week.
Captain Nikolas Fish Tavern in Plaka
The cutest smallest village just a short walk from where I was staying. On the water was beautiful boutiques and a lovely row of taverns. After a potter and many perfect gifts and clothes purchased, we ate at Captain Nikolas Fish Tavern on the recommendation of @holidayqueenuk.
Freshly caught red snapper washed down with the house rose (which is heavier than the typical blush but still dry and delicious.) The owner was a funny kind Greek man who gave us extra rose to help wash lunch down followed by a surprise pudding and ouzo – great fun and I reckon would have been even more banter and fun in the evening.
Ferryman – Elounda town
One of the most famous tavernas in Elounda – even the BBC has made a documentary about it. The Ferryman don’t have a website, just social media so they hadn’t received my reservation request but happily accommodated us. I ate more amazing fresh fish – this time sea bass. But it’s the setting that creates the magic.
Yacht Club – Elounda Mare Hotel
A real family feel with a singer and more views to get lost in. Scallops for starters were insane followed more sea bass – I chose a pudding that I can only describe as like a giant Ferrero Rocher.
Bouillabaisse Restaurant
Dinner was another hotel – the Minos Beach Art Hotel and its Bouillabaisse Restaurant – right on the water. (There is a theme when not on a rooftop!) Only a handful of covers so book in advance. I was able to savour as the sun set over the water another incredible meal (and the surprise discovery of frozen tomatoes and basil sorbet with bread to start – I asked for a second!) A very romantic setting.
Where to have a drink in Elounda including rooftop bars!
Sky Bar
Based at the Akti Olous Hotel, this had some the most spectacular views over Crete sea views. To read more click here.
Del Mar
Move over Mykonos, this walk way was giving Little Venice but much quieter. Spectualr choppy water splashing the sides – felt like we were floating on the ocean and no, not a relation to the infamous De Mar group.
Ikaros Art Hotel’s Rooftop Bar
Sunsetting over white washed buildings, move over Santorini! Down in Agios Nichols you will find the Ikaros Art Hotel and a small but perfectly formed rooftop bar which was a perfect pre dinner drink.
What to do in Elounda
Dance on a rooftop disco
Down in the capital of Lassi I stumbled across a rooftop disco. Not a club – an old fashioned disco, fun 80s/90s music and drinks with sparklers! If you are looking for some old fashioned fun then Alexandros rooftop is for you!
Take a boat trip to Spinalonga
Spinalonga – a little island opposite Plaka famously known as the leper colony and the setting for novel ‘The Island’ by Victoria Hislop. We chose the hotel’s boat captained by Gianni for a few quality hours on our own. We could pick what we did, where we went and he provided the wine (sounded fair to me!). Bring your own hat for fun!
Not cheap but worth every single penny (if you are as much of a sea lover as me) and it was the day of my birthday so highly justifiable expense. For a much cheaper option then there are plenty of organised tours like this one.
Drink local wine
Our favourite local wine fast became the nautilus rose – a beautiful blush. Usually Greek rose is much darker, still dry but not as light as the blush. This rivalled some of the most expensive pink liquid heaven I have had.
I would also recommend trying the blue Chardonnay- yes it’s actually blue! Sweeter and more a novelty but I had never had blue wine before so when in Greece, the home of all the blues, be rude not to!
Have a Greek salad
I mean did you even come to Greece if you didn’t have a Greek salad. Thoroughly recommend it to be washed down with that nautilus rose. Does anything say Greek holiday more!
Final thoughts on Elounda, Crete
Elounda is a slice of paradise. If your ideal getaway involves lounging by dreamy turquoise waters, indulging in lazy days with a good book, and savouring evenings under spectacular sunsets, then this destination is tailor made for you. If you are a bit worried you might be a bit restless – you can always hire a car and explore the island in between the rose and rest days!