Elounda is a town and former municipality in the Lasithi district of eastern Crete, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform, it has been part of the municipality Agios Nikolaos, of which it is a municipal unit. It is a tourist destination, particularly for luxury hotels. The island of Spinalonga, located in the Gulf of Elounda, is a popular tourist attraction.
Elounda is situated on the north coast of Crete, about 8km north-east of Agios Nikolaos and 25km north-east of Heraklion. It is a small fishing town that has become a prosperous tourist resort. The primary industry is tourism, with several hotels and holiday apartments to cater to the influx of visitors.
There are several beaches in Elounda, the most popular being those at Plaka and Kitroplateia. Plaka is a long sandy beach with crystal-clear waters and is well-organized with sunbeds and umbrellas. It is a popular spot for windsurfing. Kitroplateia is a smaller beach located in the town center. It is a sheltered beach with a pebble surface and is ideal for swimming.
Elounda has several archaeological sites that are worth visiting. The most notable is the ruins of the ancient city of Olous, which was built in the 7th century BC. The site includes a theatre, a temple, and other interesting buildings.
Elounda is an ideal destination for a relaxing holiday. There are many things to do, including swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, exploring the archaeological sites, and simply enjoying the stunning scenery.