The charming seaside resort of Elounda is one of Crete's most fashionable holiday resorts. It's home to some of the most exclusive high-end hotels on the island and attracts an upmarket, international crowd. The town itself retains the tranquil feel of its fishing village roots and has a long, Blue Flag awarded stretch of beach, plus a relaxed buzz in the evenings. Take a look at our top accommodation recommendations below.
The award-winning Blue Palace Elounda offers spectacular 5* luxury with its own private beach. Located in Mirabello Bay you'll enjoy idyllic views across to Spingalonga Island. This child-friendly hotel is ideal for seaside family getaways and also offers special honeymoon packages.
Enjoy a drink and the best views around in the open-air bar or have a relaxing swim in the stunning infinity pool. There's also a heated indoor pool in the spa where you can enjoy some holiday pampering, plus delicious dining choices in the five restaurants.
At the 5* Elounda Bay Palace Hotel you can grab a sunlounger right on the picturesque beachfront before you take a dip in the sea with superb views across the bay.
There are three pools, including a children's pool, two bars and four restaurants, with one on the beachside serving delicious Cretan cuisine. Other activities include yoga classes, watersports and volleyball, and you're also only a 10-minute walk from the centre of Elounda town.
Elounda Beach Hotel is an award-winning 4* seaside hotel with two private beaches. Located in a scenic spot surrounded by natural beauty you'll enjoy superb views of sea and mountains. The interiors and surroundings here are luxuriously elegant and the range of accommodation includes luxury sea view rooms with balconies and charming secluded bungalows.
You'll find a huge open-air pool to relax by and for activities you can pick from PADI certified diving courses, tennis, football and more. There are also four bars and five restaurants to choose from, serving a range of tasty cuisine including sushi and traditional Greek dishes.
Olive Grove Apartments are in a quiet complex suitable for couples and groups of up to four people heading off on Greece holidays. Located in the centre of Elounda, just a couple of minutes from the main square, it's an ideal base for enjoying the town's shops, restaurants and bars. There's a large pool in the centre of the complex with sunloungers and a snack bar – perfect for relaxing away from the crowds.
The Self Catering apartments have a traditional Greek pastel-coloured style and consist of one bedroom apartments with balconies. There are also three single beds and a sofa bed in the lounge area, and a kitchenette where you can prepare meals.
An exclusively adults-only hotel, the 4* Elounda Blu is a fantastic resort for honeymooners and couples looking for the ultimate romantic break. Located on a hillside slope just a few steps away from the manmade sandy seashore there are superb views out over Mirabello Gulf.
You can take a swim in the pool or have a snooze on the sun terrace before deciding which of the three restaurants you'd like to eat at. There are also two bars where you can socialise with a few drinks. One of these is a beachside bar, so you could catch the sunset in the early evening before taking a slow stroll along the shoreline.