Elounda is a particualrly scenic resort located on the North East coast of Crete, approximately 7km from the bustling prefecture capital of Agios Nikolaos.
Whilst Agios Nikolaos sits on the western shores of the large Mirabello Bay, Elounda to its north has its own almost enclosed bay approximately 5km by 2 km. At the southern end of the bay a narrow canal cuts through an isthmus giving access to Mirabello, whilst at its northern end sits the evocative island of Spinalonga. The wider Elounda area essentially consists of a number of small villages in close proximity. The area immediately around the harbour and main shopping street is Schisma, with Kato (lower) Elounda, Pano (high) Elounda, Kato Pines and Pano Pines in order being progressively higher up the road after it passes the church and heads into the hills. Mavrikiano sits overlooking the bay, yet is still only a short walk from the centre. Leaving the centre and following the coastline leads first to Tsifliki, a sleepy hamlet, before reaching Plaka which sits opposite the island of Spinalonga.
The area of Elounda has been a population centre for thousands of years and the sparce remains of the ancient city of Olous are now under the sea close to the canal. Olous was a Dorian city at its height during the half millenia BC, frequently locked in a power struggle with the inland city of Lato (located close to the village of Kritsa). Although only a few walls now bear testament to the existence of Olous, the name Elounda and its variations are directly related to that of its ancient predecessor with Olous, Olondi and Spin Olous morphing into the modern names of Elounda and Spinalonga The tiny island of Spinalonga, or to give it its true name Kalidon, is a popular excursion for tourists staying as far afield as Malia and other large resorts on the island. Its history is varied and reflective of Crete's turbulent past, at times having been a Venetian fortress and in its saddest incarnation as the last leper colony in Europe, the last sufferers of the disease only leaving their exiled existence in the 1950s. Most of the buildings from the various centuries remain and it is a destination guaranteed to fill the visitor with both awe and humility.
Trip boats depart for the island from both the harbour at Schisma and the quayside at Plaka. Spinalonga is the setting for the recent bestselling book "The Island" by Victoria Hislop Elounda is a moderate sized village resort, a far cry from the the large towns of Heraklion, Rethymnon and Chania and the big tourist resorts such as Malia and Hersonissos. It is large enough, however, to offer all necessary amenities such as banks and ATMs, numerous shops selling most things including groceries and provisions, books and newspapers, fishing tackle and chandlery, gold and jewellery, clothing, souvenirs and toys. There are also pharmacies in the village, should you need to visit. A market predominantly selling food and clothing is held every Friday morning on the road running in front of the church.
Elounda has a plethora of places to dine out or enjoy a drink including traditional ouzeria, kafenions and tavernas, modern bars and restaurants, located throughout the centre and in the villages beyond.
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