Elounda Island Villas

Press Reviews

The Guardian, May 2011
"...simple apartments on a tiny island just off Elounda. You escape the crowds on this stretch of coast, which is bursting with resorts, and instead have your own islet where the only other buildings are three ruined windmills and a taverna - a good spot for watching fishing boats chug by as you tuck into courgette cakes and tzatziki. The apartments are basic but there's fantastic swimming on the doorstep and the views are gorgeous."

Guest Reviews

Reviews are only from people who have stayed there and booked through i-escape.

• “Elounda Island Villas helped make a perfect holiday! The villas are the only buildings on the peninsula, so secluded and quiet, yet having the proximity of the tourist town of Elounda just 10 minutes' walk away. The villas had everything we needed, with a decent kitchen space and good beds. They were cleaned regularly and new sheets/towels provided. We found the private balcony was great and ate quite a few meals on it. The wi-fi at the adjoining cafe was useful. Lida and her mum were the perfect hostesses - friendly and helpful. I can't fault the place - can't wait to go back!”
  Helen, United Kingdom (17.09.11)

• “My idea of a perfect Greek holiday. Lida was really helpful. The accommodation simple but spacious and comfortable. Fabulous sea views from our own terraces. Peaceful in a unique secluded setting on a peninsula connected by a causeway to the mainland, yet just a stroll from the lovely village of Elounda. I swam in the sea before breakfast each morning and my daughter had a run. Sparkling clear seas and beaches to discover. Good buses along the coast and places to visit and explore, in particular the fascinating island of Spinalonga.”
  Jane, United Kingdom (27.08.11)

• “We really enjoyed our stay at Elounda Island Villas - the location, in peaceful isolation on Kolokitha Island, is delightful, and the 20 minute walk across the causeway to the pretty little resort town of Elounda a daily pleasure, full of interest and variety to inspire all ages (from nearly 3, to 15, to 21 and 22, and up to 55 in our party). The apartments are well set out and airy, and equipped with all the basics you need on holiday, Lida and her family could not have been more welcoming and helpful throughout our time, and the little private beach perfect both for adults to swim out into the beautiful bay of Mirabello or to sunbathe with a good book, while also providing safe swimming and splashing and sandcastling for a nearly 3-year old who loves the water! We even caught, cooked and ate our own crab - how exciting!
  We will definitely recommend this idyll to our friends, and, God willing, will be back one day - my one regret? that we didn't sup more of the delicious smoothies!
  
  And as for Elounda itself, well, you'd have to stay a lot longer than two weeks to exhaust all the fine dining and activities on offer! We particularly enjoyed the Happy Train excursion into local villages, our day on Spinalonga (the subject of Victoria Hislop's book "The Island" and the reason we chose this holiday destination in the first place), and eating at Maria's Taverna in Plaka, Kalypso Piano Restaurant in Elounda and Kanali Taverna on Kolokitha, very close to Elounda Island Villas. The young folk also enjoyed the Beach Party, dancing at Katafigio Night Club as well as the Internet Cafe and playing pool at Babel.
  
  Something for everyone - a perfect holiday!”
  kristin tracy, United Kingdom (23.08.11)

• “Elounda Island Villas is very special for two reasons: firstly, the family owned business is lead in a very charming way and offers a kind and effective service. Secondly, the location is unique - next to its private beach, the only houses on the peninsula of Spinalonga, very idyllic, very relaxing - a small paradise. The hotel café is on an open, roofed terrace which has enough air to be comfortable with the Greek sun and at the same time splendid views onto the bay and the sea. Being remote, it is at the same time well connected: a 15 minute walk or a 2 minute drive and Elounda, the next town is reached.”
  Christi, Germany (19.06.11)

• “My daughter & I spent nine days at the Elounda Island Villas & we loved it's special location away from all the bustle of Elounda itself.
  We were delighted to find that we had a balcony on which to sunbathe as well as the small beach in front of the villas.
  
  Lida is now offering a nature walk of the Isthmus with a local guide, as well as a boat trip around the surrounding area for a reasonable charge. We especially enjoyed the walk up the hill, past the church & down to the sandy beach but go in the late afternoon or evening after the passenger boats leave as it is crowded & noisy.
  
  The cafe at the villas serves great lunches & the local tavernas in Elounda are memorable, especially the Lotus Eaters as well as the ferryman Taverna & we loved walking back from the village at night along the causeway to the villas, it was a great introduction to Crete!
  Lida was more than helpful & always was so friendly when ever we spoke.
  
  We especially enjoyed our visit to the island of Spinalonga but would advise anyone wishing to avoid the crowds to drive to Plaka & catch a boat from there out to the island (there are lots of free car parks in the village).”
  Lynne, United Kingdom (11.06.11)

• “There are many positives to this little place. It is situated only a short and scenic walk away from Elounda, so easy to get into town, but you benefit from being somewhere a bit off the beaten track. It is beautifully quiet, with lovely views over the bay if you get one of the apartments at the front. The apartments are cleaned every day and there is a little taverna for basic snacks and drinks. The apartments, whilst definitely basic, have everything you really need. Lina and her family were very friendly and we really enjoyed the delicious homemade baklava they treated us to one day!
  Some things to be aware of are that the apartments are very basic so don't go expect luxury and necessarily comfort! The beds are quite small and there is no aircon, only a fan (extremely noisy) which does not make for the most restful night's sleep. Do also go armed with insect repellant as this is mossie territory and we got savaged the first few nights, when it was very humid.
  But overall, this is a lovely little place and fine if you are working to a budget. We had a wonderful and restful time.”
  Helen, United Kingdom (08.10.10)

• “Elounda Island Villas is a delightful place to stay. Lida and her parents are charming hosts, the villas are simple but ideal and the island itself is divine.
  If you're looking for a tranquil and idyllic place to stay, with a lively town within walking distance then this is it. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend it and will hopefully return soon.”
  Daniel, United Kingdom (04.09.10)

• “The setting is beautiful but the rooms were just a bit too basic and needed cleaning. The couple who own it were a bit miserable, and it was their two lovely daughters who made us welcome. Great sea view from our balcony though and the time spent sitting on there was absolutely lovely.”
  Catherine, United Kingdom (22.07.10)

• “Brilliant location on island off Elounda - the road does in fact go all the way out to the island over a bridge. Leda and parents are v helpful, lots of info - relaxed environment. Many good beaches & snorkelling nearby - one directly in front of location, one a little walk up a road, and a sandy beach a mile or so up a road on the island. Disused windmills on way to Elounda, cafe (Kanali) next to bridge and a Byzantine stone floor next to cafe. Can be a bit hot at night with no aircon, but good breezes (and more) mostly kept cool at night.”
  Roland, United Kingdom (21.07.10)

• “Wonderful location for a quiet week away. Secluded, crystal clear water beaches lie just minutes away on foot, although the best one must be visited in the morning or evening to avoid the day-tripper boats. A small beach lies ten metres from the front door. Traditional, basic apartment without air-conditioning but still fantastic value for money and a perfect place to watch the sunset before heading into Elounda for Dinner. Great views from the apartment and a nice 20 minute walk along the causeway to the town.
  
  Perfect for relaxation, lazy days on the beach, getting away from the masses and exploring Eastern Crete on a relatively restrained budget. Thoroughly recommended.”
  Ellie, United Kingdom (13.07.10)

• “We spent an idyllic 4 nights in Elounda Island Villas. The photos depicted exactly what the accommodation would be like. We embraced the self-sufficient lifestyle stocking up our fridge whilst also enjoying getting coffees and the odd snack from Leda and her mother at on-site cafe. You can easily walk across the causeway to enjoy the cafes, bars and restaurants in Elounda. There are a choices of beaches - we mainly went to the flat rocks which we pretty much had to ourselves. The water was crystal clear. A highly recommended destination for a quiet break. I definitely hope to be returning.”
  Florence, United Kingdom (07.07.10)