Elounda
Search the best hotels in Elounda
About Elounda
Some of Crete's first luxury resorts were built around Elounda in the 60s, and it didn’t take long for this down-to-earth fishing village to became a glamorous A-List destination. The village is still one of Greece's most exclusive destinations, and many of the best places to stay in Elounda offer five star luxury with all the trimmings.
Things not to miss:
When it comes to local sightseeing it's easy to find a friendly boatman to take you out fishing or for a look around.
- On the edge of Elounda you’ll find the sunken city of Olous, which isn't really a city, more of a sunken village, but it's still an interesting sight to see walls and windmills underwater.
- Spinalonga Island makes for an excellent day trip from Elounda. The island was a fortress guarding the South West entrance to the Gulf of Elounda. It's unoccupied now, but its ancient Venetian fortifications and pebbly beaches were once home to a leper colony - which only closed down in the 1960s.
- To the south of Elounda is a man-made causeway leading onto the Kolokytha Peninsula.
Crete is hugely busy during the peak summer months and the best places to stay in Elounda are extremely popular. So either book well ahead, or come in the cheaper and quieter shoulder season when the weather is still warm, but the crowds have gone.
The best places to stay in Elounda
For a private beach
- Elounda Mare is a five star luxury resort with a private beach, access to private yachts, a golf course, watersports facilities, an enormous spa and grand suites with their own private pools if your budget will allow.
- Domes of Elounda is situated on its own private beach overlooking Mirabello Bay. It enjoys idyllic views and has beautiful interiors. There are three good restaurants, a spa and oodles of activities for those who like a bit of action.
For an epic view
- The Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas is an indulgent hideaway in a spectacular location. As well as amazing sea views, the hotel has 204 rooms, from simple, airy spaces to relax and sleep in, to palatial suites, plus a choice of restaurants - serving everything from Mediterranean to Asian food - a pampering spa and private pools, and all sorts of activities. So it’s perfect for doing as much, or as little as you fancy.
For Families
- If you're searching for a luxury family resort consider the Elounda Bay Palace, an impressive property surrounded by sub tropical gardens. There's an excellent kids club to keep the youngsters happy, and superb facilities for those who like to do more than sit by the pool.
- Or try the Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites, which has gorgeous views over Mirabello Bay, and luxurious decor and services, but it's only got ten suites and 18 self catering villas, so it's much smaller and more personal.
For private pools and ultimate luxury
- The Blue Palace combines the best of villa and hotel. Half the villas have their own private infinity pools, and there's a private beach. The hotel features fine dining and an award winning spa. Perfect for honeymooners, who may enjoy the champagne cruises available. Plus loads of other on site activities including Greek cookery classes.
- Elounda Peninsula is a deluxe hotel with stylish interiors and stunning views. All rooms come with their own pool and hot tub. Plus there's an award winning gourmet French restaurant. Families are well catered for too with flexible accommodation and kids club to keep the little ones entertained.
For a private apartment
- Explore the options at our online partner Booking.com.
Travel Information
- The nearest airport to Elounda is Heraklion (51 miles).
- For car hire, visit our online partner Rentalcars.
- The best time to visit Elounda is from May to October (average daily temperatures don't dip much below 24 degrees celcius) but be warned it will get very busy in July and August.
Still not sure?
- Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Elounda.
- Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Lasithi.
- Broaden your search to include the best places to stay in Crete.
- Or email one of our gurus for advice.
Weather
Monthly Weather in Elounda
Best Hotels in Elounda
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Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel Elounda (Lasithi) 88 rooms from £162
Active Holiday - With great conditions for watersports on Mirabello Bay, make this an active holiday on the waterHotel boats for hire - Enjoy a day out on a yacht; enquire to book from the hotel's fleet on FerettisHoneymoons - Book a suite with your own private hot tub for a honeymoon with added luxuryBeach Life - With its own private beach, this hotel is perfect for a seaside retreatThis five-star eco hotel overlooks the famous Mirabello Bay in Elounda, Crete. All rooms boast sea views and Egyptian cotton sheets; the best have a private terrace hot tub and marble bathroom. Take your pick from three gourmet restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar. A luxury beach holiday. See More
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Elounda Bay Palace Elounda 152 rooms from £209
Families - The young ones are kept happy with loads of activities at the kids club and playground, while parents get time to relaxActive Holiday - Never a dull moment with mini golf, billiards, darts, tennis, scuba diving, sailing, waterskiing, fishing and moreRestaurant - Thalassa Waterfront restaurant serving delicious seafood dishes and Aretoussa Restaurant - Greek & international cuisineSailing - Either charter your own boat or take a skipper, and set sail directly from the hotelRecommended by - Kiwi CollectionImpressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. Suites have private pools. An epic choice of restaurants and bars. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday. See More
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Domes of Elounda Elounda 118 rooms from £254
Spa - The spa includes an indoor seawater pool, a hammam, a sauna & steam, a frigidarium & tepidarium plus a wide range of treatmentsResort - With everything you could want on-site, this is a great choice to come and simply unwindFamilies - Numerous activities for children from tennis lessons and watersports to drawing classesBeach Life - With a private sandy beach this is an easy choice for a beach getawayRecommended by - Mr & Mrs SmithA stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay. See More
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Elounda Peninsula Elounda 50 rooms from £279
Families - Family suites and private villas with pools - plus babysitting services and a kids' clubFoodies - The Calypso - an award winning restaurant on site serves French gourmet cuisineSpa breaks - An award winning spa specializes in unique treatments and medicinal treatmentsDiving - Crystal clear waters and fascinating flora and fauna to discoverRecommended by - TabletExperience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary, stylish decor and sea views. All rooms come with an outdoor pool and private hot tubs. An award winning restaurant, a superb wine list and a well-known spa on site. Total bliss. See More
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Elounda Mare Elounda 74 rooms from £327
Romantic Break - Enjoy couples' treatments in the spa and choose one of the suites with a private pool for an intimate stayFamilies - Although the feel is somewhat quiet, there is an excellent kids' club and a wide choice of activitiesActive Holiday - There's so much to do without even leaving the property's grounds from watersports to tennis or golfSpa breaks - Each month offers the option of a particular programme, be it cleansing, massage, facials or detoxRecommended by - Relais & ChateauxA five-star luxury hotel made up of pretty bungalows spread across a hilly cove. Expect a private beach, yachts to charter, watersport, a golf course, a Sixth Sense spa, and fine dining. Rooms, suites, bungalows, and separate royal suites boast private pools. This is an indulgent choice. See More
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Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas Elounda 204 rooms from £331
Scuba course - Explore the crystal clear waters of Crete, with the PADI certified dive center ranging from elementary to specialised coursesTotal relaxation - With palatial suites, private pools, a pampering spa, and unbeatable service you are sure to leave relaxed and refreshedWeddings - Overlooking the deep blue Mirabello Bay, this is a fairytale location for a wedding plus the property has its own chapelHotel Entertainment - With plenty of bars and pools plus mini golf, table tennis, basketball and a bridge club there is never a dull momentRecommended by - Kiwi CollectionAn indulgent luxury hideaway in a fabulous location. Smart rooms and suites make the most of the epic sea views. A range of restaurants serve standout cuisine from Mediterranean to Asian. Activities to suit all and a truly pampering spa. A benchmark for luxury on Crete. See More
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Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites Elounda 45 rooms from £338
Spa breaks - Spa villas have their own sauna, steam bath, and gym, while the Elexir Spa Gallery offers a whole range of expert treatments.Honeymoons - Wonderfully intimate and romantic, with secluded private gardens and pools, and butlers bringing you juice each morning!Families - Trust the team of professionals from the kids club to keep the kids happy and allow for parents to truly relax.Sailing - Sailing, motor boating and yachting are available at the hotel, an ideal romantic day trip.Recommended by - I Escape, Kiwi Collection, Small Luxury HotelsUltimate, intimate luxury, combining self-catering villa living with hotel services. A welcome alternative to the larger resorts, luxury here is discreet, with a genuine personal touch. A charming and pampering hideaway with stunning views. See More
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Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa Elounda 251 rooms from £426
Beach Life - The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getawayHoneymoons - This is honeymoon stuff- blue skies, crystal clear waters, indulgent spa, luxury accomadation and sunset cruisesScuba course - The hotel offers scuba lessons plus night dives and boat dives, the perfect way to explore this beautiful coastSpa breaks - A luxe spa combines the benefits of Thalassotherapy with the commitment to luxury and personal attentionRecommended by - Kiwi CollectionAn ultra-luxurious haven combining the best of villa and hotel facilities, with over half the villas having private infinity pools. Elegant, with a private beach, fine dining restaurants and an award-winning spa. Coastal perfection. See More