5 Best Hotels in Elounda, Crete

Set on the edge of the gulf, with sweeping views across to the bay from its rooftop terrace pool, this hotel may be the answer to affordable accommodations in Elounda. Rooms are perfectly functional and kept very clean, and many overlook a small shingle beach that fronts the property, with a beachside restaurant where you can take breakfast. Quiet, it is certainly more budget than boutique but a 10-minute stroll gets you into the heart of the town.

The original luxury resort hotel in Elounda, and one of Greece's most renowned, is set in 40 acres of gardens next to 1 km (½ mile) of seashore, and offers a dazzling array of delights. It features five restaurants; soothing whitewashed walls, shady porches, flagstone floors, and a guest-friendly variety of accommodations, from villas with their own swimming pools to large, gracious doubles in a hotel block. All have terraces or gardens and are beautifully appointed with Greek-influenced decor; the higher-priced villas are truly jaw-dropping, but some of the nicest are the hideaway villas in gardens above a stretch of shoreline reached by stone steps from your own waterside veranda.

For those who value privacy and comfort, this may be the ultimate Elounda destination—with less of a resort feel than its larger neighbors, it is a second home to those in search of relaxation and personal service. Family-run, all of the villas feature private pools, while the suites offer easy access to the main pool. These are exceptional accommodations with elegant and individual decoration. Perched on a hillside, there is a private beach served by shuttle bus 10 minutes away, but really this is a place to unwind in the impressive surroundings and take in the spectacular views of the gulf below.

This Relais & Chateaux property is one of the longest established in Elounda, and it blends charm and sophistication with a comfortably relaxed atmosphere. Quiet and calm, it suits those in search of seclusion. There is a classic theme throughout, with dark wood, rustic furnishings, and exposed stonework. Antiques, tapestries, and folk art are showcased along the marble-clad halls and lobbies. At its best, it offers an old-world charisma missing from some of its more flamboyant neighbors.

Previously known as the Blue Palace, the views overlooking the Gulf of Mirabello and Spinalonga, framed by traditionally influenced architecture, are worth the price of admission alone. Beautifully landscaped, there is a sense of drama to this intimate escape. The hillsides are a procession of low-walls, natural stone, and garden paths shaded by Cypresses and Olive trees. Gently tumbling down toward the white-pebbled private beach, well-presented rooms and bungalows are smart in neutral hues, with private pools adding a splash of color to many.