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About Elounda

Some of Crete's very first luxury resorts were built around Elounda — a group of seven coastal villages — in the 1960s. It didn’t take long for these low-key fishing villages to become a glamorous seaside destination, and an A-list favourite. Still one of Greece’s most exclusive spots, the area is home to some superb five star hotels and resorts, and it can be tricky to decide which might be right for you and your family. Our Gurus have done the hard work for you, putting together a fabulous selection of the best places to stay in Elounda — including adults only and all-inclusive options.

Many holidaymakers are delighted to simply unwind on private beaches, swim in the sea, feast on cracking cuisine or hit the hotel spa. If you’d like to venture further afield, we’d suggest popping in to some of Elounda’s lovely villages, where you’ll find whitewashed houses and eateries clustered around pint-sized ports on the Aegean Sea. Chat to locals, tuck into flavoursome seafood, or hide in the shade with a cold glass of wine and a good book.

Sailing and fishing trips, snorkelling, kayaking and swimming are also good fun. Spinalonga Island, once a Venetian fortress and later a leper colony, is now uninhabited but fascinating for a day trip, whilst the sunken town of Olous is a very interesting sight. Explore the Kolokytha Peninsula, or wander around nearby Agios Nikolaos before returning to your choice of the best places to stay in Elounda for sunset cocktails overlooking the ocean.

The Best Places to Stay in Elounda

For Couples

  • Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites, a more intimate spot than most of Elounda's resorts, has gorgeous views over Mirabello Bay. A collection of luxurious contemporary suites and villas, this privately owned property has an intimate, tranquil feel, perfect for very special romantic holidays.
  • Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel is an adults-only hotel with a strong eco ethos. The first energy-efficient, ecologically green hotel in Greece promising five-star style, it's a beautiful choice for a seaside getaway. Elegant interiors feature crisp white linens on big beds, marble bathrooms and all the mod-cons.

For Families

  • Domes of Elounda sits on its own private beach overlooking Mirabello Bay. Families will appreciate the kids club, family pool and wealth of outdoor activities. There are also three good restaurants, a spa and beautiful interiors. Fabulous.
  • Elounda Peninsula's suites and villas each come with their own pool and hot tub — and many offer flexible family options. Little ones can play at the kids club, whilst older children will love the tennis and football facilities. The gourmet Japanese restaurant is a real stand-out.
  • Elounda Bay Palace, an impressive property surrounded by leafy gardens, is another family favourite. There's an excellent kids club to keep the youngsters happy, and superb facilities including mini golf, billiards, darts, tennis, scuba diving, sailing, waterskiing, fishing and more. Great fun for all ages.

For Classic Style

  • Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas opened in 1971 and continues to set the benchmark for luxury on Crete. Sumputous suites boast ocean views, there's Cretan, Italian, Japanese and Polynesian cuisine served in the restaurants, and a pampering spa. With private pools and two beaches, this is a top-notch holiday resort.
  • Elounda Mare, a Relais & Chateux property, is in many ways a classic five-star island hotel. Particularly brilliant for grown-ups, the hotel has a private beach, access to private yachts, a golf course, water sports, a huge spa and grand suites with private pools.

For Absolute Luxury

  • The Blue Palace takes lavish indulgence to the next level, with 251 swish bungalows, suites and villas, 140 of which have private pools. Stroll down to the private beach, savour gourmet cuisine at multiple restaurants and recharge at the award-winning spa. A sensational luxury experience.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly to Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport, just under an hour from Elounda by car or bus.
  • Crete is wonderful for a road trip, and there's lots to see if you're happy to explore the island independently! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Expect hot summers, with temperatures averaging at around 26°C - 30°C between June and August, which is also peak season. For fewer crowds and cooler weather travel in April, May or late September, when the cities and coast are still immensely appealing.

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Best Hotels in Elounda

  • Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel Elounda (Lasithi) 88 rooms from €187

    Active Holiday  -  With great conditions for watersports on Mirabello Bay, make this an active holiday on the water
    Hotel boats for hire  -  Enjoy a day out on a yacht; enquire to book from the hotel's fleet on Ferettis
    Honeymoons  -  Book a suite with your own private hot tub for a honeymoon with added luxury
    Beach Life  -  With its own private beach, this hotel is perfect for a seaside retreat
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    This 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 €241

    Families  -  The young ones are kept happy with loads of activities at the kids club and playground, while parents get time to relax
    Active Holiday  -  Never a dull moment with mini golf, billiards, darts, tennis, scuba diving, sailing, waterskiing, fishing and more
    Restaurant  -  Thalassa Waterfront restaurant serving delicious seafood dishes and Aretoussa Restaurant - Greek & international cuisine
    Sailing  -  Either charter your own boat or take a skipper, and set sail directly from the hotel
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection

    Impressive 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 €293

    Spa  -  The spa includes an indoor seawater pool, a hammam, a sauna & steam, a frigidarium & tepidarium plus a wide range of treatments
    Resort  -  With everything you could want on-site, this is a great choice to come and simply unwind
    Families  -  Numerous activities for children from tennis lessons and watersports to drawing classes
    Beach Life  -  With a private sandy beach this is an easy choice for a beach getaway
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    A 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 €321

    Families  -  Family suites and private villas with pools - plus babysitting services and a kids' club
    Spa breaks  -  An award winning spa specializes in unique treatments and medicinal treatments
    Foodies  -  Sumosan - an award winning restaurant on site serves Japanese gourmet cuisine
    Diving  -  Crystal clear waters and fascinating flora and fauna to discover
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary decor and great sea views. All suites come with an outdoor pool and, along with its adjacent sister hotels, there’s an abundance of facilities, including 10 restaurants and bars, a spa, kids’ club and watersports. Bliss. See More

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  • Elounda Mare Elounda 74 rooms from €377

    Romantic Break  -  Enjoy couples' treatments in the spa and choose one of the suites with a private pool for an intimate stay
    Families  -  Although the feel is somewhat quiet, there is an excellent kids' club and a wide choice of activities
    Active Holiday  -  There's so much to do without even leaving the property's grounds from watersports to tennis or golf
    Spa breaks  -  Each month offers the option of a particular programme, be it cleansing, massage, facials or detox
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux

    Luxury hotel spread across a hilly cove shares impressive facilities with its sister hotels. Expect private beaches, yachts to charter, watersports, 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 €382

    Scuba course  -  Explore the crystal clear waters of Crete, with the PADI certified dive center ranging from elementary to specialised courses
    Total relaxation  -  With palatial suites, private pools, a pampering spa, and unbeatable service you are sure to leave relaxed and refreshed
    Weddings  -  Overlooking the deep blue Mirabello Bay, this is a fairytale location for a wedding plus the property has its own chapel
    Hotel Entertainment  -  With plenty of bars and pools plus mini golf, table tennis, basketball and a bridge club there is never a dull moment
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection

    An 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 €389

    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.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  I Escape, Kiwi Collection, Small Luxury Hotels

    Ultimate, 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 €491

    Beach Life  -  The property has a private beach area (complete with an open-air cineam in the evenings) - ideal for a quiet beach getaway
    Honeymoons  -  This is honeymoon stuff- blue skies, crystal clear waters, indulgent spa, luxury accomadation and sunset cruises
    Scuba course  -  The hotel offers scuba lessons plus night dives and boat dives, the perfect way to explore this beautiful coast
    Spa breaks  -  A luxe spa combines the benefits of Thalassotherapy with the commitment to luxury and personal attention
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection

    An 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

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