Dörfer & Städte

Elounda

Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi · Free

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

About

Luxury resort with boats to Spinalonga.

Elounda is a village on the Mirabello gulf, known for its luxury hotels and as the starting point for boats to Spinalonga.

Elounda is made up of seven villages and the uninhabited peninsula of Kalydon, with about 2,250 inhabitants. The village of Schisma is the centre. Elounda was a quiet fishing village until the 1970s, when tourism began to grow. Today it's known for luxury hotels, the Spinalonga boats and the sunken city of Olous.

The village of Schisma is the centre of Elounda, with its harbour, square and seafront tavernas. Boats leave from here for Spinalonga and for trips around the bay. The Kolokitha peninsula, connected by a narrow isthmus, has walking paths, an early Christian mosaic and quiet beaches.

Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lasithi, built around a lake and a harbour on the beautiful Mirabello gulf. The area includes Elounda, Plaka and the island of Spinalonga to the north, and Kritsa, Lato and the Katharo plateau in the hills behind. The coast has many small beaches and calm bays, and the town is lively in the evening with cafes and restaurants around the lake. Boats leave for Spinalonga and trips around the bay.

Around Agios Nikolaos

Nearest town: Elounda, about 1 km by road
Nearest airport: Sitia airport (JSH), about 46 km by road

Lasithi, the eastern end of Crete, is quieter and greener than you might expect. Agios Nikolaos wraps around a small lake and a lively harbour, with cafés on the water and beaches within walking distance. Just north, Elounda and Plaka look across to the fortress island of Spinalonga, one of the most moving places on the island. More about Lasithi