It’s the smell of salty air, the briny breeze, the allure of quaint fishing hamlets, and the exquisite taste of nature’s finest elements. Feel the untainted essence of this destination and explore Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, the hidden treasures of Crete.
Elounda isn’t just a destination; it’s an embrace. The sun-kissed beaches and the azure waters of the Mirabello Bay create a picturesque setting. Elounda whispers tales of ancient civilizations. The historical island of Spinalonga tells stories of bygone eras. The local cuisine is a feast for the senses. Fresh seafood, Cretan cheeses, and olive oil-rich dishes offer a taste of the Mediterranean diet at its finest. In Elounda, every moment is a brushstroke on a canvas of timeless beauty.
Plaka: A quaint fishing village with seaside delights, lush greenery, and a vibrant square. Indulge in delicious cuisine and embark on a boat journey to the intriguing islet of Spinalonga.
Agios Nikolaos, with its blend of traditional charm and contemporary buzz, is a town that dances to its rhythm. Stroll along the Marina, where yachts and fishing boats tell of seafaring tales. The focal point of the town, Lake Voulismeni, is shrouded in myths and legends.
Kritsa: Wander through Kritsa’s cobbled alleys, where local artisans sell handmade textiles and crafts, echoing centuries of tradition.
Distance Phāea Blue Palace: 23.6km (37min)
Nearby beaches: Ammoudi, Mirabello, Karavostasi, Voulisma
Kastelli: A village with Venetian architecture, quaint alleyways, and traditional Cretan experiences. Explore at your leisure as you wander through charming alleyways adorned with arched doorways, tiled roofs, vibrant flower-filled yards, and leaf-shaded terraces.
Distance Phāea Blue Palace: 12.6km (23min)
Nearby beaches: Limanakia & Sarantari (Hersonissos)
Fourni: Explore the mountain roads to Fourni village and discover breathtaking views, ancient churches, and monasteries along the way.
Distance Phāea Blue Palace: 11.3km (21min)
Nearby beaches: Limanakia & Sarantari (Hersonissos)
Monasteri of Areti: Nestled 25 km north of Agios Nikolaos in eastern Crete and established between 1580 and 1596, this hidden oasis pays homage to the Holy Trinity. Wander through charming courtyards featuring a winepress, warehouses, and a stable. The catholicon, a single-spaced arch-covered church with a stone belfry from 1618, holds centuries of history.
Distance Phāea Blue Palace: 16.2km (26min)
Nearby beaches: Limanakia & Sarantari (Hersonissos)
Neapoli: A historic gem with old mansions, Ottoman fountains, Megali Panagia church, the Folk Art Museum that add to the village’s cultural richness.
Distance Phāea Blue Palace: 18.5km (33min)
Nearby beaches: Limanakia & Sarantari (Hersonissos)
Lato: Between two hills in a strategically enchanting location, Lato stands as the epitome of classical-Hellenistic preservation in Crete, captivatingly echoing the timeless allure of ancient Greece.
Distance Phāea Blue Palace: 25.2km (41min)
Nearby beaches: Ammoudi, Mirabello, Karavostasi, Voulisma
Pano Elounda: A hidden gem in Elounda, with authentic Cretan food and traditional setting.
Distance Phāea Blue Palace: 4.8km (10min)
Nearby beaches: Plaka, Voulisma
Limnes: One of Mirabello’s oldest villages, nestled below Ancient Driros, the village boasts fertile plains, water mills, and two Byzantine churches adorned with impressive frescoes.
Distance Phāea Blue Palace: 18.2km (32min)
Nearby beaches: Makria Ammos, Psili Ammos
Archanes: Nestled in rolling hills amidst olive groves and vineyards, it’s a quaint village featuring meticulously restored old houses and charming squares. This is a longer ride …
Distance Phāea Blue Palace: 78.4km (1 hr 20min)
Nearby beaches: Arena, Ammoudara
Psychro: Explore the Diktaean Cave, steeped in legends as the birthplace of Zeus, and feel the mythological pulse of the island.
Distance Phāea Blue Palace: 60.9km (1 hr 31min)
Nearby beaches: Potamos (Malia)
Spinalonga Island: Once a hidden gem, the enchanting island of Spinalonga, nestled off the southern coast of Crete’s Lasithi region, has become an unmissable destination for Elounda’s visitors. Setting sail on a boat trip to Spinalonga unveils the remnants of a 16th-century Venetian fortress, concealing the island’s unique history as Greece’s official leper colony from 1903 to 1957.
As you approach Spinalonga, the imposing medieval fortification guarding the strategic Bay of Mirabella captures your attention, evoking the resilience of its past. Embark on a captivating 1.5km journey around the island’s perimeter, passing through Dante’s Gate—the historic tunnel marking the entrance to the renowned leper colony. Dive into a blend of history, mystery, and breathtaking views, making Spinalonga a timeless tale waiting to be explored.
The Palace of Knossos: Knossos Palace, a symbol of Minoan civilization near Heraklion, Crete, is a journey into the depths of European history and mythology. The palace, linked to legends like King Minos, the labyrinth, and the Minotaur, showcases the sophistication of a culture flourishing 4,000 years ago. The site features intricate drainage systems, multi-storied structures, and ornate frescoes. The palace, covering 43,000m² with over 1,300 rooms, highlights the grandeur of Europe’s oldest city. The tour of Knossos Palace offers insights into this ancient world, including the royal quarters, shrines, storerooms, and the oldest Throne Room in Europe. The frescoes, like the Bull-leaping and Leaping Dolphins, are iconic. A visit to the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion complements the experience, showcasing unearthed artifacts.
Archaeological Museum: Located in Heraklion, it stands as a treasure trove that complements the awe-inspiring journey through Crete’s rich history. This museum is a sanctuary of unearthed artifacts, offering a profound glimpse into the Minoan civilization that flourished over 4,000 years ago. As you explore the museum’s halls, you’ll encounter relics from the ancient world, each piece telling a unique story of this fascinating era. From intricately designed pottery to symbolic sculptures, the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion is a captivating voyage through time, providing a deeper understanding of the grandeur and sophistication of Europe’s oldest city.
Elounda, Crete 72053 Greece
