Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas
Stunning Gulf of Mirabello views from almost every angle Rooms, suites & villas with sharing or private pools Excellent choice of restaurants from gourmet to beachfront Italian & sushi Relaxed, low-rise resort feel with lush gardens and a serene spa Certified Sustainable Hotel meeting a GSTC‑recognised standard Free Wi-Fi throughout
Overview
Nestled on a shimmering bay on Crete’s northeast coast, Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas is a bona fide Mediterranean classic – and a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World. Think low-rise whitewashed bungalows and chic villas stepping down to the sea, some with private heated pools and expansive terraces, all wrapped in lush gardens and views across the Gulf of Mirabello. With a serious spa, fine-dining restaurants and warm Cretan service, it’s a luxurious yet relaxing escape for couples and families who like their beach time with a side of style.
Gallery
21 photos
Map & location
Elounda, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece
Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas curves around a quiet stretch of the Mirabello Gulf on Crete’s sought-after northeast coast. The setting is blissfully peaceful yet convenient: you’re directly on the seafront with hotel jetties and small sandy coves, while traditional Elounda village – with its seafront tavernas and harbour – is a short taxi or bus ride away. From here, boat trips hop across to atmospheric Spinalonga Island, and road trips unlock Lassithi Plateau villages and hidden beaches.
- Seafront setting direct access to the sea
- bars and restaurants (outside hotel) 900m
- Elounda resort centre 2km
- Heraklion (HER) airport 68km
- Approx. transfer time from airport 2 hours 45 minutes
Facilities
Pool & outdoors
At the heart of the resort sits a large outdoor saltwater pool with a spacious sun terrace, cushioned loungers and parasols – all framed by bougainvillea and palm trees. Fresh pool towels are provided.
Spread along the seafront, you’ll find small sandy and shingle coves and swimming platforms, giving you multiple spots to dip into the calm, clear waters of the Mirabello Gulf. Inflatables are permitted in the main pool, and there’s easy access to the sea directly from the hotel grounds, making it feel almost like a private peninsula.
For more active days on the water, an external operator (based at the hotel) offers watersports including canoeing, pedalos, motorised watersports, giant inflatables, snorkelling and scuba diving (usually with a minimum age of 10 years and additional charges).
Spa, sports & wellness
Wellness and activity are taken seriously at Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas.
Spa & wellness
• Spa with sauna, steam room and a wide menu of massages and body/beauty treatments (charges apply; generally open 10:00–19:00; minimum age 8+ for selected services).
• On-site hairdresser for blow-dries and styling (extra charge).
Fitness & sports
• Fully equipped, air-conditioned gym with cardio machines, free weights, strength equipment and stretching space (typically open 09:00–19:00; 14+ years).
• Organised activities such as aerobics, aqua aerobics, pilates, yoga and dance classes.
• Courts and facilities for tennis, basketball, badminton, mini-golf, table tennis and volleyball.
• Cycling tours available for exploring the surrounding hills and coastline (extra charge).
Children & family facilities are extensive, and there’s a handy on-site mini-market for everyday essentials. Programme details, timings and availability may change by season and occupancy.
Activities
• Daily and weekly activity programme (seasonal)
• Fitness classes including aerobics, aqua aerobics, pilates, yoga and dance
• Tennis, mini-golf, basketball, badminton, volleyball and table tennis
• Watersports from an external operator: canoeing, pedalos, motorised watersports, giant inflatables, snorkelling and scuba diving (typically 10yrs+, extra charges)
• Cycling tours into the surrounding countryside (supplement)
• Evening entertainment with live music and in-house shows (seasonal, usually more frequent in summer)
Guest services
• 24-hour reception and concierge-style assistance
• Currency exchange services and luggage storage
• Equipment for hire (subject to availability & charge): bottle warmers, fans, kettles, pushchairs, motorised scooters, sun tents and wheelchairs
• On-site mini-market for essentials and souvenirs
• Children’s club (4–12yrs) with arts & crafts, small team games, sports, story time, water-based fun and drama/music activities (seasonal opening, usually 10:30–19:00)
• Indoor supervised play area and outdoor playground with shaded areas
• Spa reception for wellness bookings and on-site hairdresser (extra charge)
• Free Wi‑Fi throughout the resort
Food & drink
Dining is a real forte here, with a line-up that feels more like a small village than a single resort.
Key venues include:
• Artemis Main Restaurant – buffet breakfast with show-cooking stations and an airy terrace overlooking the gardens.
• Argonaut Italian Restaurant – beachfront à la carte spot for relaxed Italian lunches and dinners, with kids’ menu and highchairs.
• Dionyssos Gourmet Restaurant – refined international cuisine for special-occasion dinners, with polished service and extensive cellar.
• Kafenion Greek Restaurant – traditional Cretan and Greek dishes in a taverna-style courtyard; ideal for trying local favourites.
• Blue Lagoon Restaurant & Sushi Bar – Japanese flavours and sushi with a stylish, over-the-water feel by the beach.
You’ll also find four distinct bars: a casual beach bar, elegant Lytto Lobby Bar, relaxed Neraida Pool Bar and the atmospheric Veghera Jetty Bar jutting over the sea (adults-only), perfect for sunset cocktails.
A smart dress code applies in the evenings (long trousers requested for gentlemen in some venues). Reservations may be required, and supplements can vary depending on your chosen board basis and season. Information and opening times are based on the previous season and may change.
Rooms
Bungalows & Waterfront Suites
Single-storey bungalows and waterfront suites bring you closer to the sea and gardens, many on the ground floor with terraces:
– Classic Bungalow Sea View: ground-floor units with terrace, ideal for couples wanting more privacy.
– Island Waterfront Bungalow / Wellness Island Waterfront Suite: positioned right by the water with sunbeds and terraces.
– Open Plan Deluxe Bungalow Suite Sea View: extra space in an open-plan layout, great for up to 3 guests.
– Ambassador Bungalow Waterfront Suite: ground-floor suite with whirlpool bathroom and generous outdoor space.
All bungalows/suites include Wi‑Fi, TV, pillow menu, turndown service, bathrobes and slippers, coffee facilities and luxurious bathrooms, many with whirlpool tubs.
Suites & Family Options
Families and groups can spread out in larger configurations:
– Family Hotel Suite Sea View: separate sleeping areas for up to 5, plus balcony/terrace.
– Premium / Deluxe / Luxury Hotel or Bungalow Suites Sea View: flexible layouts sleeping 3–4 (with infant in some), combining a lounge-style area and bedroom.
These are ideal if you like the feel of an apartment but with full hotel services.
Private Pool Villas & Signature Collection
For maximum indulgence, choose a villa with its own pool and expansive sea views:
– Grand Villa Sea View with Private Heated Pool (up to 4 guests)
– Family Villa with Private Pool (up to 6 guests, with kitchenette facilities)
– Premium Waterfront Junior Suite with Private Pool
– Hideaway Villa, Island Villa & Luxury Bungalow with Private Pool
– Presidential Bungalow Suite with Private Pool
– Yachting Villa with Private Pool
These feature private swimming pools with sunbeds, generous terraces, often multiple bathrooms (some with whirlpool baths), plus upgraded amenities. Kitchens or kitchenettes in some villas add extra flexibility for longer stays or families.
All accommodation benefits from daily cleaning with linen and towel changes, in-room safes, ironing facilities and climate control.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
daily cleaning with linen and towel changes
, in-room safes, ironing facilities and climate control.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
More info
Good to know
• Destination: Elounda, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece
• Language: Greek (English widely spoken in resort areas)
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time difference from UK: +2 hours
• Average UK–Heraklion flight time: around 4.5 hours
• Transfer: approx. 2 hours 45 minutes by road from Heraklion Airport (HER)
Elounda itself is known for its pretty bay, relaxed seafront tavernas and easy boat trips to Spinalonga Island, a former leper colony steeped in history. Nearby beaches range from sandy stretches with loungers to quieter pebbly coves.
Resort details, opening times and inclusions can change from season to season; our description is based on the latest information available at the time of writing. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Greece advice.
Prices & book
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