Elounda Akti Olous

Elounda_Akti_Olous
Elounda Akti Olous

Elounda Akti Olous

Beachfront setting opposite a small shingle beach Small, welcoming adults-only hotel with just 70 rooms Rooftop freshwater pool and Sky Bar with sweeping bay views Blue Sea à la carte restaurant right by the water Easy stroll to Elounda’s harbour, cafés and tavernas Free Wi-Fi throughout

Official rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Board options Bed and Breakfast, Half Board
Minimum guest age 16 years (adults-only)

Overview

 
Perfectly placed on the waterfront promenade of Elounda, Elounda Akti Olous is a small, friendly, adults-only hideaway with a big advantage: the sea is just over the road. Think leisurely breakfasts, strolls to the tavernas and lingering sunsets from the refurbished rooftop pool and Sky Bar. With just 70 rooms across two low-rise blocks, it feels intimate and relaxed – ideal if you prefer a laid-back base for exploring Crete’s beautiful Lassithi coast and Spinalonga Island.

A classic Cretan escape right on the water’s edge, Elounda Akti Olous blends postcard views with easy-going comfort. Sunrise over the bay, a shingle beach just across the quiet coastal road, and a brand-new rooftop pool and Sky Bar for Summer 2025 all come together to create an adults-only bolthole that’s made for unhurried mornings and golden-hour cocktails. For couples seeking Crete (Heraklion Area)’s charm without the bustle of big resorts, Elounda Akti Olous delivers the perfect balance. It’s around 2 hours 45 minutes from the airport. See more Greece holidays.

Map & location


Elounda, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece

Elounda Akti Olous couldn’t be better placed for soaking up Elounda’s waterfront atmosphere. The hotel sits right on the seafront road, with a small shingle beach just opposite and views across Mirabello Bay. Wander about 1km along the promenade to reach Elounda’s harbour, where you’ll find cafés, tavernas and boat trips out to Spinalonga Island – one of Crete’s must-see historic sites.

Elounda itself is a relaxed, upscale resort rather than a party hotspot, making this an excellent choice if you value quiet nights, leisurely dinners and long walks along the coast.

  • • Small shingle beach opposite the hotel
  • • Elounda resort centre & harbour 1km
  • • Spinalonga boat trips from Elounda harbour (local operators)
  • Approx. transfer time from airport 2 hours 45 mins from Heraklion (HER)

Facilities

Pool & outdoors


The property’s signature is its rooftop pool:

Rooftop Freshwater Pool
• Outdoor rooftop pool with sunbeds and parasols
• Freshwater, with views over Elounda Bay
• Sky Bar adjacent for drinks and snacks

Pool facilities and opening hours can vary by season and weather.

Beach
A small shingle beach sits just across the quiet seafront road from the hotel. Here you can dip into the clear bay, sunbathe on loungers (often run by local providers) and enjoy that classic Cretan coastal scenery without needing a car.

Spa, sports & wellness


Elounda Akti Olous leans into relaxed coastal living rather than a packed activity schedule, but you’ll still find useful facilities for a comfortable stay:

On-site facilities
• Reception with local information and excursion assistance
• Equipment hire via reception, including motorised scooter* and wheelchair* (subject to availability, local charges apply)
• Lift access in both blocks

While there’s no full spa or gym listed, Elounda is ideal for swimming, gentle strolls and boat trips, and nearby resorts offer more extensive wellness options if you fancy a day visit. Ask your Travelisto travel designer if you’d like to combine stays or arrange private tours.

Activities


Elounda Akti Olous is all about slow living and local exploration rather than organised entertainment. Typical ways guests spend their time include:

• Relaxing by the rooftop pool with a book and a cocktail
• Swimming and snorkelling in the bay opposite the hotel
• Coastal walks into Elounda and along the shoreline
• Boat trips to Spinalonga Island and hidden coves (locally arranged)
• Evenings in local tavernas sampling Cretan wine and meze

If you’d like to add guided hikes, winery visits, or cultural tours, our Travelisto team can build these into your itinerary.

Guest services


Guest services at Elounda Akti Olous are designed to keep things easy and relaxed:

• ?️ Reception with local information and excursion suggestions
• ♿ Motorised scooter* and wheelchair* hire (on request, local charge)
• ? Luggage assistance subject to staffing
• ? Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
• ? Daily housekeeping

*Local charges apply; services and opening hours may vary by season. For specific accessibility or medical needs, please speak to a Travelisto travel designer before confirming your trip.

Food & drink

Dining at Elounda Akti Olous centres around simple, well-prepared Greek and international favourites, with a strong sense of place thanks to its waterfront setting:

Blue Sea Restaurant
An à la carte restaurant right on the beach, serving Greek, Cretan and international dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. It’s open to the public as well as hotel guests, and is a lovely spot for a seafood dinner watching the water.

Buffet Breakfast Restaurant
A casual buffet-style venue serving breakfast, typically open from late April to late October. Ideal for starting the day with classic continental and hot options before heading out to explore or relax on the beach.

Main Bar (Lobby Bar)
Located in the lobby area, this bar serves drinks and light bites between late April and late October – a relaxed space for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap.

Sky Bar (Rooftop Pool Bar)
Set beside the rooftop pool and newly refurbished for Summer 2025, Sky Bar is the hotel’s star feature. Enjoy coffee, cocktails and snacks with sweeping views over Elounda Bay – especially magical at sunset.

Smart-casual dress codes may apply in the evening, and some items or à la carte choices can carry a supplement depending on your board basis and season. Reservations are recommended for popular times, particularly at Blue Sea.

What All Inclusive typically includes.

Rooms
Standard Double or Twin Room


Sleeps: Minimum 2 | Maximum 2

Cosy double or twin rooms that provide a simple, practical base close to the seafront. Layout and outlook can vary, but you’ll find the same core comforts as the side sea view rooms.

Amenities typically include:
• Balcony
• Flat-screen TV
• Free Wi-Fi
• Safety deposit box
• Hairdryer
• Coffee making facilities and kettle
• Fridge
• Bathroom with shower
• Air conditioning
• Daily room cleaning service

Superior Grove Double or Twin Room


Sleeps: Minimum 2 | Maximum 3

A more spacious option, these superior rooms have an extra bed to accommodate up to three adults and a slightly upgraded feel – ideal for friends travelling together or couples wanting more room to spread out.

Amenities typically include:
• Balcony
• Flat-screen TV
• Free Wi-Fi
• Safety deposit box
• Hairdryer
• Iron and ironing board
• Coffee making facilities and kettle
• Fridge
• Bathroom with bath or shower
• Air conditioning
• Daily room cleaning service and towel change

*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.

More info

Destination basics
• Country: Greece
• Island: Crete – Heraklion Region (Lassithi coast)
• Resort: Elounda
• Language: Greek (English widely spoken in tourism areas)
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time difference: GMT +2 (GMT +3 in summer)
• Average UK–Heraklion flight time: around 4.5 hours

Local area tips
Golden-sand and shingle beaches fringe this part of Crete, with Elounda Beach, Driros Beach and nearby Plaka all within easy reach by local transport or taxi. Don’t miss a boat trip to Spinalonga Island to explore its Venetian fortress and poignant history as a former leper colony, and on calm days look out for the ruins of ancient Olous beneath the water between the islands.

Many tavernas and shops in Elounda are seasonal, typically busier from May to October. Card payments are widely accepted, but it’s worth carrying some cash for small cafés and local buses.

Hotel information is based on the latest details supplied to us and may change, especially across seasons. Facilities, opening dates and services can be adjusted at short notice by the property.

For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Spain advice.

Prices & book

Find your dates

Live availability and real-time offers. Low deposits, full ATOL protection.

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FAQs
Is Elounda Akti Olous adults-only?
Yes. Elounda Akti Olous operates as an adults-only hotel with a minimum age of 16 years, making it a great choice for couples and friends looking for a quiet, child-free environment.
How close is Elounda Akti Olous to the beach?
The hotel is set directly on the seafront road, with a small shingle beach just across from the property. You can be from your room to the water’s edge in a couple of minutes.
What board options are available at Elounda Akti Olous?
Guests can book Bed and Breakfast or Half Board. Half Board usually includes buffet breakfast plus a three-course set dinner at the Blue Sea Restaurant, though details and opening times may change seasonally, so always check the latest information on arrival.
Does Elounda Akti Olous have a pool?
Yes. There is a freshwater outdoor pool located on the hotel’s rooftop terrace, complete with sunbeds and parasols. The Sky Bar beside the pool serves drinks and snacks, and the entire area has lovely views over Elounda Bay.
How far is Elounda Akti Olous from the centre of Elounda?
The hotel is approximately 1km from Elounda resort centre and the harbour area. It’s an easy, mostly flat walk along the seafront road, or a very short taxi ride if you prefer.
Is Wi-Fi available at Elounda Akti Olous?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, including guest rooms and most public areas.
How long is the transfer from Heraklion Airport (HER)?
The transfer from Heraklion Airport to Elounda Akti Olous typically takes around 2 hours 45 minutes by coach, depending on traffic and the number of stops. Private transfers can be faster and more direct.
Are there many steps or accessibility issues at the hotel?
The hotel has lifts in both blocks and offers motorised scooter and wheelchair hire at a local charge, but as a small traditional property with differing levels, it may not suit all accessibility needs. If you have specific mobility requirements, please discuss these with a Travelisto travel designer before booking.
Is the Blue Sea Restaurant adults-only?
No. The Blue Sea à la carte restaurant is open to both hotel guests and the general public and is not exclusively adults-only, although the hotel itself is.
What is there to do nearby?
Beyond the rooftop pool and beach opposite the hotel, you can stroll into Elounda for shops and tavernas, take boat trips to Spinalonga Island, visit nearby Plaka village, or explore further along Crete’s Lassithi coastline by hire car or organised excursion.