Elounda, Crete: things to do, Spinalonga and how to get there (2026)
The quiet resort in north-east Crete: the boat to Spinalonga, beaches, an ancient sunken city, and how to get there from Heraklion.
- The boat to Spinalonga takes about 15 minutes from Elounda and about 5 from Plaka.
- Also nearby: Kolokytha beach, sunken Olous, the salt pans and Agios Nikolaos.
- About 1h10 by car from Heraklion. No Chabad in Elounda; the nearest is in Hersonissos.
If you fly to Heraklion and want a calm, easy bay, Elounda fits. Visit Spinalonga early in the morning and arrange kosher food ahead with Chabad in Hersonissos.
Where is Elounda?
Elounda is a small resort town in north-eastern Crete on Mirabello Bay, about 11 km (15 minutes' drive) north of Agios Nikolaos. From Heraklion airport the drive is about an hour and ten minutes. Elounda is known for its luxury hotels, the calm water of the bay and Spinalonga island just offshore.
Spinalonga: the number-one sight
Spinalonga is a small island with a Venetian fortress that served as a leper colony in the 20th century. Today it is one of Crete's most visited sites.
| From | Crossing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elounda port (Schisma) | About 15 minutes | Boats every 30–40 minutes from 10:00; last return around 17:30–18:00 in summer |
| Plaka village | About 5 minutes | Short hop, sometimes less crowded |
- Tickets: boat fares and site entry change by season. Check the entry price on the Greek Ministry of Culture's official site and the boat fare at the port.
- When to go: early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the tour coaches.
- What to bring: a hat, water and comfortable shoes. There is very little shade.
What else to do in Elounda
- Boat trips around the bay: boats go to Spinalonga and around the bay, stopping to swim at Kolokytha beach. Entry there is over stones, so bring water shoes.
- Ancient Olous: ruins of an ancient city lie underwater beside the causeway to the Spinalonga peninsula (not the island). Stone foundations are visible in 1–2 m of water.
- Venetian salt pans: on the way to the tip of the peninsula there are old salt pans near a small Byzantine chapel. About a 5 km return walk.
- Plaka village: about 8 km north, with fish tavernas on the water and a direct view of Spinalonga.
- Agios Nikolaos: a pleasant town with a small lake in the centre, a promenade and restaurants, 15 minutes away.
Elounda with kids
The bay is sheltered, so the water is usually calm. For children, the boat to Spinalonga is an adventure. Some beaches have stony entry, so choose a hotel with an organised beach or a pool. More ideas in our Greece with kids month by month guide.
How to get to Elounda
- By air: fly direct from Tel Aviv to Heraklion. Details in our flights to Crete guide.
- By car: about an hour and ten minutes from Heraklion on the north-coast road. A rental car gives you the most freedom; see our car rental guide.
- By bus: KTEL runs from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, with connections to Elounda.
Kosher food and Shabbat
There is no Chabad house in Elounda. The nearest is in Hersonissos, about an hour's drive west. Ask them whether their Shabbat kit reaches the area, or order a delivery ahead. Details in our Chabad Crete guide and on the Shabbat times & kosher page.
FAQ
How long is the boat from Elounda to Spinalonga? About 15 minutes. Boats leave Elounda port every 30–40 minutes from the morning. From Plaka the crossing is shorter, about 5 minutes.
How long is the drive from Heraklion to Elounda? About an hour and ten minutes on the north-coast road. From Agios Nikolaos, about 15 minutes.
Is Elounda good for families? Yes. The bay is calm and the Spinalonga boat trip suits children. Pick a hotel with an organised beach, as some beaches have stony entry.
Is there kosher food in Elounda? No. The nearest Chabad house is in Hersonissos, about an hour away. Arrange with them in advance.
