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Places to see and things to do in Elounda and Plaka, Crete

This page includes suggestions for places to see and things to do in the area around the village of Elounda. Take a short boat trip to the historic island of Spinalonga, go for a BBQ cruise, enjoy a relaxing coffee by the harbour, grab some sun on one of the plentiful local beaches or just do a bit of shopping in the varied shops that the area has to offer.

Spinalonga Island (Kalidon) : Visitors can get to the island by boat from either Elounda quayside or Plaka pier. The shortest trip is the brief crossing from Plaka straight across to the island. The boat from Schisma (Elounda harbour area) travels the length of the bay and is in itself an enjoyable journey that offers great views of the coastline and the hills behind. There is a small entry charge to walk round the island and explore the Venetian, Ottoman and twentieth century buildings. Boats depart approximately every half hour during the summer and it is a 'must see' experience for any visitor to the area.

Salt Pans, Olous, Canal, Peninsula and Byzantine Mosaic : All representing important periods in the area's history, these sites of interest may not be particularly visually impressive but they do offer an insight into the region's past. Follow the road along the coastline to the causeway and southern end of the bay. Little of the ancient city of Olous now remains beneath the waters but two millenia ago it was an important powerhouse in the area. The canal bridge offers wonderful views to water in both directions. Look across Mirabello to the mountains beyond and look in the other direction for views of Elounda, Oxa and Spinalonga. The Byzantine mosaic lies close to the canal, as does a small and picturesque chapel.

BBQ Cruise : For those who fancy making a bit more of their Spinalonga boat trip or just enjoy a party at sea, BBQ cruises and evening cruises are a regular occurence. Daytime cruises are available embarking/disembarking at Elounda's quayside and piers and from various operators in Agios Nikolaos. A BBQ cruise will typically comprise boarding the boat for Spinalonga, a walk around the island, board again, cruise round to a beach opposite Kolokithia island where a barbeque meal is prepared and eaten before guests board for the final time for the journey back to their original point of departure.

Local Beaches : Fancy lounging in the sun, splashing in the shallows or just catching up with a few summer bestsellers? Beach lovers will find plenty of places where they can lie back and relax by the shore. The town's main beach is next to the harbour and considerable in size, plus there are many smaller sandy or pebble beaches within easy walking distance of the main accommodation areas of Elounda Schisma and Plaka. Sunbeds and parasols are available for a small fee on a number of the beaches which also have toilets and freshwater shower points.

Watersports : If you would like to get on the water instead of being by it then some of the local watersports opportunities may be more your idea of fun. Pedaloes and sea kayaks are popular, as is a snorkel mask and flippers, with those who tend towards the more sedate options whereas waterski, windsurf and scuba diving lessons can all be found alongs the shores of the bay for those who prefer to be a bit more adventurous.

Mount Oxa : For the more energetic, Mount Oxa is the site of an ancient Dorian city and also an imposing natural feature on the landscape of the area. It may be reached via a path and moderate walk and offers stunning views over the bay, up to Spinalonga and out across Mirabello bay.

For the kids : There is a small children's playpark at the end of the beach in addition to the kids' clubs and activities organised by the various holiday companies for their guests.

Village communities : Explore the small hamlets and villages that make up the wider area. Other than Elounda Schisma and Plaka, both sitting at the water's edge, visitors should also enjoy Kato and Pano Elounda, Mavrikiano, Pines, Kastelli, Fourni and Nikithiano, Tsifliki, Vrouhas and Seles.

Further afield : If you would like to see a bit more of Crete then the nearby town of Agios Nikolaos,the village of Kritsa and ancient Dorian city of Lato, the southern town of Ierapetra, the Lassithi plateau, Heraklion and the Minoan palace of Knossos are all worth exploring, to name just a handful of Crete's many natural and historic wonders..

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