Elounda Bay Palace

🌊 Excellent seafront location with intimate sandy coves
🏓 Huge choice of sports, watersports and activities
♾️ Infinity-style outdoor pool plus indoor pool
💆 Excellent spa shared with neighbouring Elounda Beach Hotel
♻️ Certified Sustainable Hotel (GSTC-recognised standard)
📶 Free Wi-Fi throughout

Official rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rooms: 262 | Blocks: 2 | Floors: 3 | Lifts: 2
Board options: Half Board
Child age guideline: up to 14 years

Elounda Bay Palace enjoys a privileged position on Crete’s northeast coast, set directly on the waterfront in the exclusive Elounda area. Golden grains of sand curve around the bay, with loungers arranged for easy days by the water. A little further along the coast you’ll find quieter coves and the villages around Plaka, while boat trips head out towards historic Spinalonga Island – once a Venetian fortress and later a leper colony, now one of Crete’s most evocative sights.

Elounda resort centre is just 1km away, giving you easy access to tavernas, cafés and small shops, while the harbour makes a picturesque evening stroll. This stretch of Crete is ideal if you want a calmer, more sophisticated base but still be within reach of archaeological sites and the livelier town of Agios Nikolaos.

Beach: seafront, on the hotel’s own small sandy coves
Elounda resort centre: approx. 1km
Nearest shops, bars & restaurants: within 1km
Agios Nikolaos: approx. 9km

Approx. transfer time from airport: 2 hours 45 minutes

Elounda, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece

Dining is a real highlight at Elounda Bay Palace, with six restaurants and three bars creating a mini culinary village.

Start the day at Aretoussa Main Restaurant, the buffet venue serving breakfast and dinner with show cooking and indoor–outdoor terrace seating. Evenings feel refined yet relaxed, with a smart dress code (long trousers requested for gentlemen).

Along the seafront, you’re spoiled for choice with à la carte options (some seasonal and with supplements depending on board basis):
• Argonaut – Italian-inspired dishes for lunch and dinner, right on the beach.
• Ariadne Greek Taverna – classic Cretan and Greek flavours, perfect for long lunches and laid-back snack-style grazing at the water’s edge.
• Blue Lagoon – Japanese specialities for dinner with a romantic, lantern-lit setting by the bay.
• Dionysos – a more formal international restaurant open for dinner.
• Thalassa Restaurant – signature beachfront restaurant for Greek, local and international cuisine in an atmospheric seaside setting.

Bars are scattered to match your mood: sip aperitifs in the elegant Erato Lobby Bar, order poolside refreshments at the Poseidon Pool Bar, or linger over sundowners at the Sail-In Beach Bar as the sky glows over Mirabello Bay.

Smart casual dress is generally required in the evenings, and reservations are recommended for the popular à la cartes; opening times and inclusions can vary by season and board basis.

The resort is designed around water, from its infinity-style main pool to calm, sheltered coves.

Outdoor pools
• Large saltwater outdoor pool with spacious sunbathing terraces, sunbeds and parasols – a focal point of the resort.
• Separate freshwater outdoor children’s pool, perfect for younger guests.
• Complimentary pool towels are provided.

Indoor pool
• Heated indoor freshwater pool (typically open March–October), ideal for cooler days or a relaxing post-spa dip.

Beach & coves
Elounda Bay Palace fronts several small, intimate sandy beaches with sunbeds, parasols and easy access into the sea, creating a more private feel than a single stretch of sand. Crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming or snorkelling, and the on-site watersports centre (run by an external operator) offers canoeing, pedalos, motorised watersports, scuba diving and more (usually with local charges and minimum ages).

Pool and beach facilities and opening dates can vary by season and weather.

Spa & wellness
Guests at Elounda Bay Palace can enjoy the Elounda Beach Hotel Spa complex next door, featuring:
• Sauna, steam room and Turkish bath (age restrictions may apply)
• Wide choice of massages and body treatments (local charges)
• Advanced facials and beauty services (18+ for most treatments)
• On-site hairdresser (chargeable)

Sports & fitness
• Air-conditioned gym with cardio equipment, free weights, strength machines and aerobics studio (min age typically 16)
• Daily fitness activities such as aerobics, aqua aerobics, pilates, yoga, mini-golf, table tennis, tennis, badminton, volleyball, basketball and small-sided football (programme and availability vary by season)

Entertainment & kids
• Occasional daytime entertainment with team sports and light activities
• Evening entertainment on selected nights, often including live music (mainly in peak season)
• Kids’ club (approx. 4–12yrs) with games, small-team activities and consoles (seasonal, usually 6 days per week)
• Children’s playground with swings, slides and shaded areas (age/height restrictions may apply)

Other facilities
• 24-hour reception and concierge
• Currency exchange and luggage storage
• On-site mini-market and gift shop
• Mobility assistance equipment hire (including wheelchair rental and scooter charging point – charges may apply)

Facilities, opening dates and age restrictions are subject to seasonal operation and may change without notice.

Accommodation at Elounda Bay Palace is spread between the main hotel and low-rise bungalows dotted through the gardens and along the seafront. All feature air-conditioning, Wi‑Fi, flat-screen TV, safe, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer and minibar (charges apply), plus daily cleaning with regular linen and towel changes.

Classic Rooms (Mountain / Side Sea / Sea View; including Sole Use)
Bright, comfortable rooms in the main building with either mountain, side sea or full sea views.
• Sleeps: typically 1–3 guests depending on configuration
• Facilities: balcony, bathroom with bath and shower attachment, pillow menu, minibar*, Wi‑Fi and air‑conditioning.

Deluxe Sea View Rooms (including Sole Use)
Stylish upgraded rooms with contemporary décor and sea-facing terraces.
• Sleeps: up to 3
• Facilities: terrace, coffee-making facilities, pillow menu, bathroom with bath or shower, minibar*, Wi‑Fi and air‑conditioning.

Classic & Family Rooms (Mountain/Garden Views)
Options include Classic Mountain View and Two Bedroom Family Rooms with Garden View.
• Sleeps: up to 6 in Two Bedroom Family Rooms
• Facilities: balcony or terrace, 1–2 bathrooms (often with bath and shower attachment), pillow menu, minibar*, Wi‑Fi and air‑conditioning – ideal for families wanting extra space.

Bungalows (Sea View / Side Sea View / Garden View)
Low-rise bungalow accommodation closer to the gardens or seafront, some on the ground floor.
• Deluxe Bungalows Sea View – ground-floor units with balcony or terrace, some with sunbeds.
• Superior Bungalows Side or Front Sea View – enhanced bathrooms (usually bath plus separate shower).
• Facilities: terrace with loungers, pillow menu, minibar*, air‑conditioning, Wi‑Fi.

Suites & Pool-Access Options
For more indulgence and space, a number of suite categories are available:
• Deluxe Hotel Suites Sea View – spacious hotel suites with separate sleeping and living areas and two bathrooms (bath + separate shower).
• Family Open Plan Suites Garden View – open‑plan spaces ideal for families.
• Luxury Suites with Sharing Pool & Sea View – suites opening onto a semi‑private pool shared with a small number of rooms.
• Junior / Executive Bungalow Suites with Pool View or Sharing Pool – larger bungalows on the ground floor with terrace, sunbeds and either private or shared pool access.
• Sea Breeze & Sea Whisper Bungalow Suites – sea‑view suites, some with kitchenette facilities (double cooking rings and fridge) and sharing or private pools, perfect for longer stays.
• Sea Breeze One Bedroom Suite with Private Pool – a standout option with private swimming pool, terrace and sea views.

Signature Villas
• Mediterranean Villa with Private Pool & Front Sea View – villa-style accommodation at the top of the portfolio, with private pool, extensive terraces, two bathrooms and additional amenities such as ironing board, coffee machine, sunbeds and turndown service.

*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.

🎾 Air-conditioned gym with cardio, weights & studio
🏀 Multi-sports including basketball, football & volleyball
🏸 Racquet sports: tennis, badminton, table tennis
🤿 Watersports centre with canoeing, pedalos & motorised options*
🏌️ Mini-golf and organised team games (seasonal)
🧘 Yoga, pilates, aerobics & aqua aerobics sessions
🎵 Occasional daytime and evening entertainment, including live music in high season
🧒 Kids’ club (approx. 4–12yrs) and playground

*Some activities are run by an external company and may have local charges and age restrictions.

🛎️ 24-hour reception & concierge service
💱 Currency exchange and tour assistance
🧳 Luggage storage
🦽 Wheelchair hire & mobility scooter charging point*
🛍️ On-site mini-market and boutique-style shopping
🧴 Spa reception and hairdresser*
👕 Laundry and dry-cleaning services*
👨‍👩‍👧 Child-friendly facilities including highchairs and kids’ club
🌐 Free Wi‑Fi throughout the hotel

*Local charges may apply for some services.

Crete is Greece’s largest island, combining beautiful beaches with mountain villages and ancient sites. Elounda sits on the quieter, more exclusive northeast coast, looking across to Spinalonga Island.

Need-to-know:
• Country: Greece
• Island/Region: Crete (Heraklion Area)
• Resort: Elounda
• Language: Greek (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time difference from UK: +2 hours
• Average UK–Heraklion flight time: approx. 4.5 hours

Local price guide (approximate):
• Local beer: ~£4.20
• Three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant: ~£42.00

Hotel check-in is typically from 15:00 and check-out around 11:00 (subject to change). Seasonal facilities, kids’ clubs, entertainment and watersports may operate to specific dates or weather conditions.

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

Elounda Bay Palace Prices & Book
Choose your dates in the search box for live availability and offers. Book with low deposits. ATOL Protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Elounda Bay Palace on a private beach?
Elounda Bay Palace is set directly on the seafront and has several small, intimate sandy beaches and coves that feel very private, though like most beaches in Greece they are technically public. Sunbeds, parasols and beach service create a private‑club atmosphere for hotel guests.

2. What board basis is offered at Elounda Bay Palace?
The hotel is typically offered on a Half Board basis. This includes buffet-style breakfast and dinner in the main restaurant. Guests also benefit from a daily credit allowance towards evening meals in the à la carte restaurants (excluding drinks and subject to change/availability).

3. Is Elounda Bay Palace suitable for families?
Yes. Despite its luxurious feel, Elounda Bay Palace is very family-friendly. There’s a children’s pool, kids’ club (usually for ages 4–12 years), playground and family room types with extra space and multiple bathrooms. The calm bay and gently shelving beaches are ideal for children, too.

4. How far is Elounda Bay Palace from Heraklion Airport?
The transfer from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Elounda Bay Palace is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes by road, depending on traffic and individual transfer routing along the scenic northeast coastline.

5. Are there any dress codes in the restaurants?
Yes. The hotel maintains a smart-casual dress code in most restaurants in the evening, with long trousers requested for gentlemen and beachwear not permitted in the main and à la carte restaurants. It’s best to pack a few resort-smart outfits for dinners.

6. Does Elounda Bay Palace have heated pools?
The indoor freshwater pool is typically heated during the main operating season (usually from late March to late October). Outdoor pools are not heated but benefit from Crete’s warm climate for most of the season.

7. Is Wi‑Fi included at Elounda Bay Palace?
Yes. Complimentary Wi‑Fi is available throughout the hotel, including most public areas and guest rooms, so you can stay connected while relaxing by the pool or in your room.