Elounda Mare hotel

Location

, Elounda, Crete, 72053

Paradise exists only in the mind, so they say, but Elounda Mare has in reality created a prety fair imitation Overlooking the glazzed blue waters of Mirabello bay, a rambling confection of whitewashed bungalows strung together by bougain villea-laced path ways and sunny little courtyards, exactly like a Cretan village.

About 2 km from both hotels is the picturesque fishing village of Elounda with its small harbour surrounded by shops, taverns and cafes where you can sit and watch the world go by. On the islet of Spinalonga, opposite the small village of Plaka with its lovely pebble beaches, the Venetians built a seemingly impregnable castle. On the Spinalonga peninsula is the ancient town of Olous where snorkelers and divers can discover the submerged ruins of an ancient city destroyed by a cataclysmic earthquake.

Aghios Nikolaos, 9 km from Elounda village, is a lively small town with a harbor where yachts mingle with cruise boats. Connected to the harbor by a canal is the Voulismeni lagoon, a traditional shelter for small fishing vessels surrounded by lively cafes and taverns.

The 13th century Byzantine church of Kera stands at the entrance to the picturesque village of Kritsa, 20 km from Elounda. Its frescoes are considered to be the most beautiful of Crete.

A must is of course Knossos, Crete's most important ancient palace around which the Minoan civilization grew and prospered. The Iraklion Archaeological Museum houses a stunning collection of Minoan jewellery and artwork including the original frescoes from Knossos.

Another interesting excursion is the Plateau of Lassithi where the legendary Dikte cave is located. Zeus, father of the Gods, is said to have been born here. Another large cave, on Mount Idi, is said to have been his hiding place from his cruel father, Cronus.