Elounda

The lagoon of Elounda is between the coast and a small peninsular that acts as a breakwater, which today is separated from the mainland by a channel that was dug by the French at the end of the 19th Century. A narrow bridge joins the peninsula with the mainland. The village has many shops, restaurants around the shoreline and several bars.

The village of Elounda is beside the sea and has a view of peaceful Elounda Bay and Spinalonga. The village itself, has a number of restaurants and tavernas and many quality hotels are near by with a vast array of wonderful colourful gardens.

Elounda's has a wide and varied selection of food at the excellent restaurants perched on the waterside. Traditional meze is ideal for groups, couples and families and is the best way to enjoy great delights such as stuffed vine leaves, stuffed peppers, kalamari, snails, horta (green salad), liver in wine, meat and fish. Some places now offer pizzas cooked in the oven, and pasta dishes are now more widespread. There is also a large variety of sea food on offer, lobster, swordfish and many more. Finally there are also take-away grill rooms together with sandwich bars for light snacks.

The modern town of Elounda lies on the shores of a lagoon that covers the lost city of Olos. Some days when the water is calm, the ancient city walls can be seen beneath the sea, making scuba diving very popular

Elounda is a fast growing resort area and is noted for it's coves and rocky coastlines, not to mention the beautiful village of Elounda itself, with it's fishing harbour and the remains of a Byzantine basilica.
Elounda has a wonderful indented coastline, shaded beaches, crystal clear waters and a tranquil atmosphere.

The island of Spinalonga with it's Venetian fortress, was a originally a refuge for Christians during the Turkish occupation. It was later used as a leper colony for which it is more famous.