Things to See and Do in Crete
Clean Safe Beaches
A Blue Flag Beach means: A beach with crystal-clear water, good level of supervision and safety throughout the summer months, regular cleaning of sands and facilities. The Elounda area has several Blue Flag beaches. More Beach info:
Elounda Public Beach - This is a pristine sandy beach with shallow shelving water. It is fully serviced and has all the amenities, such as WCs and showers, for enjoyable bathing and water sports. It is close to snack bars, cafes and shops.
Plaka - just up the road from Elounda, the beach at Plaka is quieter, but pebbly. It is in an area of outstanding beauty and has several restaurants and bars close by.
Further a-field - a short drive by car are the beaches of Ammos in Aghios Nikolaos, Ammoudara, Amide, Almiros and many more - twenty-one in all.
The Archaeological Museum of Aghios Nikolaos
This Museum is one of the most important in Crete, and has been open since 1969. It houses collections of important finds from the whole area of Eastern Crete, from an area extending from Malia to Zakros on the far eastern coast. For those interested in Minoan culture, this Museum is a must.
Spinalonga Island
The most famous island on Crete, this rocky stronghold and fortress is situated to the northwest of the Bay of Elounda and part of the view from the roof terrace of Albion House.
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Pines
A few kilometres from Pano Elounda is the small village of Pines, with its windmills and traditional architecture.
Vrouchas
Following the road north through Plaka, visitors will come to the village of Vrouchas with its excellent views over Spinalonga and the Bay of Elounda. At the entrance to the village there are again some ancient windmills, which are undergoing restoration.
Loumas
On the plain of Loumas there are the two settlements of Pano and Kato Seles - the name means 'nape of the hillside'. Views here are superb and take in a magnificent panorama of the Cretan Gulf. From Seles there is a dirt track, which runs down to a small rocky beach, which is excellent for sun bathing - take a blow up mattress or lilo as the compacted sand is very hard!
Lenika
This village is on the western side of the Gulf of Mirambello on the road between Aghios Nikolaos and Elounda on the border that ran between Elounda (Olous and Lato thousands of years ago). In the village are the ruins of a temple to Aries and Aphrodite.
Mesa and Exo Potami
The most mountainous villages of the region lie on the road to the Lassithi Plateau. These settlements were built in the ravines and on the slopes of Mount Selenas (names for the moon or 'selini'). Hundreds of large and small springs of clear fresh water irrigate the plains where lush vegetation includes apple and walnut trees, vineyards and a variety of vegetables.
Kritsa
Southwest of Aghios Nikolaos at the foot of Mount Kasteollos is the village of Kritsa. It is the largest village in the area and is a place of particular historical and mythological interest. Today it is a thriving tourist centre and in the summer attracts coach loads of tourists all bent on spending money in the linen and handicrafts shops, which abound there. During World War II Kritsa was the site of a fierce battle and a monument built by local artist Nigel Ratcliffe commemorating the events there has recently been erected on the road between Kritsa and the archaeological site of Lato.
Katharo Plateau
A wonderful place for botanists and bird watchers, this Plateau is reached by continuing to climb from Kritsa. It was here that scientists discovered fossils of elephants and dwarf hippopotamus, although today the visitor will see only large flocks of goats and sheep.
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Tapes
This is one of the oldest villages of the area - it has been continuously inhabited since Minoan times, for proof of this takes a look at the ruins in the Kasteras area.
Exo Lakonia
Situated at the south end of the municipality of Aghios Nikolaos, the area was inhabited in Minoan times, as can be seen by the settlement ruins at Fioretzides village. The road from Aghios to Exo Lakonia is disappointing, however, as it runs through the more commercial part of town.
Prina
This village is reached by travelling through a beautiful wooded area of pines, which were included in the Venetian census of the 16th century. In spring time the area is a paradise for orchid lovers.
Kalo Horio
The village has existed since Minoan times, as can be demonstrated by the significant archaeological finds that have been discovered here. Here visitors can find a beautiful sandy beach and enjoy the lush, fertile surroundings.
Lato
This area takes its name from the goddess Lato, who was the mother of Apollo and Artemis. Its ruins are in good condition and date back to the 4th-2nd centuries BC. Lato has stunning views over the surrounding countryside and visitors will clearly understand why some 3,000 years ago, the Doric people chose to settle here.
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Panagia Kera
This wonderful Byzantine church has been featured in many films - from The Moon spinners to the BBC series 'The Lotus Eaters'. The church can be found 1 km east of the village of Kritsa at Logari. It is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, to Saint Anthony and Saint Anna.
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The Church of Aghios Nikolaos
This church lies to the north of the town. It is the oldest example of classic early Byzantine architecture. This small church was built between the 7th and 9th centuries.
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The Church of Panagia the Brefortrophus
This tiny, one-room church is situated in the centre of town. Founded in the 12th century, it is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the town of Aghios Nikolaos.
The Folklore Museum of Aghios Nikolaos
This Museum was opened in 1985 by The Cultural Organisation. It is housed on the ground floor of the Port Authority, overlooking the lake. Visitors interested in traditional Cretan handicrafts will be fascinated by the displays of textiles - woven work and embroidery. There are also examples of Cretan costume, weapons, manuscripts, etc., as well as a replica of a traditional Cretan house, complete with household goods and old photographs.
Traditional Festivals and Feasts
Festivities for Christmas begin on 6th December (St. Nikolaos Day) and continue until New Year's Day and Epiphany when Father Christmas arrives from the sea. Easter is the most special time of the year in the Greek orthodox calendar.
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