Elounda

Elounda

Elounda is the internationally famous upscale summer resort, just north of Agios Nikolaos, where many heads-of-state and rich and famous are known to frequent.

Elounda's lacy seashores wash upon leeward sandy beaches with crystal clear water lends a particular beauty to this special spot.

Elounda is 10-kilometre drive from Agios Nikolaos along a rising, sloping road gives one the chance to marvel at the exquisite view of the Merambello Bay below.
The present Elounda is built on the southern shores of Elounda Bay, which is a kilometre west of its namesake - the ancient village of Olounda, or Olous. The ancient Olous was one of the most important of the hundreds of cities of ancient Crete with more than 30,000 inhabitants and it was built on the neck of the land that joins Crete with the peninsula of Nisi. During ancient times, the isthmus was wider and at a higher level.

Olous disappeared either because of a landslide or as a result of the large earthquake of 780 A.D. Many ancient artefacts and inscriptions have been discovered from here, most of which are on display in the archaeological museum of Agios Nikolaos, or at The Louvre.

When the weather is calm the remains of Olous can be seen on the sea bottom. Besides swimming on the protected beaches of Elounda, you can also enjoy a stroll on the narrow tongue of land which connects with the "island," named Kolokitha, just across. On the far side of Kolokitha is a bay with a beautiful beach, which, in the morning, is practically void of people. However, around noon the tourist boats from Spinalonga arrive and its tranquillity vanishes.

LINK:

• Check the beaches of Elounda, Plaka, Driros and Agios Nikolaos at the Lassithi Beach Guide

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