Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pláka
PLÁKA
, some 5km north of Eloúnda, stands on the shore directly across the sea from
Spinalónga and used to be the colony's supply point. This small seaside village consists
of a few
rooms
and a clutch of fish
tavernas
- a couple of which arrange boats
excursions across to Spinalónga. The
Taverna Spinalonga
's proprietor Aris also does boat
trips to isolated beaches not reachable by road and fishing trips (€80/hr, up to four
people). A small pebble beach lies to the north of the village.
Spinalónga
Daily: June-Sept 9am-7pm, Oct & April-May 9am-3pm, Nov-March Sat & Sun 9am-3pm • €2 •
T
28410 41773 • Boats run to
Spinalónga every 30min in high season from Eloúnda (€10 return) and Pláka (€8 return); tickets can be bought at the signed dockside
As a bastion of the Venetian defence, the fortress-rock of
Spinalónga
withstood the
Turkish invaders for 45 years after the mainland had fallen; the infamous part of the
islet's history, however, is more recent; it served as a
leper colony
for five decades until
1957. Even today, despite the crowds of visitors, there's a real sense of the desolation of
those years as you walk through the gated tunnel entrance and emerge on a narrow
street below the castle, with the roofless shells of houses once inhabited by the
unfortunate lepers all around. A short row of buildings here, which were once stores,
has been restored and houses a small
museum
with photos and artefacts.
7
ARRIVAL AND INFORMATION
ELOÚNDA AND AROUND
By bus
Services run from Áyios Nikólaos to Eloúnda and
Pláka from 6am to 7.30pm, every 2hr.
Services
The friendly Olous Travel (
T
28410 41324) on the
main square in Eloúnda gives out information, can help
with
accommodation and changes money.
ACTIVITIES
Watersports
Driros Beach
T
694 49 37 760,
W
spinalonga-windsurf.com. Windsurfing, waterskiing,
kayaking and sailing courses at Driros Beach near Eloúnda.
Also rents out outboard dinghies.
ACCOMMODATION
ELOÚNDA
Ì
Akti Olous
On the Olous road, seafront
T
28410
41270,
W
greekhotels.net/aktiolous.
This is one of the
good mid-range hotel options, with a beach bar, restaurant
and roof garden pool with
pano
ramic view. Rooms have
a/c, fridge and TV. May-Oct.
€70
Elounda Bay Palace
T
28410 67000,
W
eloundabay
.gr.
If you fancy indulging in a little luxury this swanky
hotel has en-suite a/c rooms, suites and bungalows with
TV, mini bar, three pool
s, spa
and two private beaches with
watersports. May-Oct.
€260
Milos
Upper part of town
T
28410 41641,
W
pediaditis
.gr.
Ask at “The Bookshop” on the main square. Attractive,
clean and comfortable rooms, studios and apartments
whic
h come wit
h se
a views and a pool. May-Oct. Rooms
€45
, apartment
€60
Oasis
Off the square, on the road heading inland
T
28410 41076,
W
pensionoasis.gr.
This friendly place,
just 100m from the centre in a rural setting, ha
s en-
suite
rooms with kitchenette, fridge and TV. June-Oct.
€40
PLÁKA
Taverna Spinalonga
On the main street
T
28410
41804.
Clean, simple rooms in the heart of the village,
across the street from the taverna and with a view to
the
island. En-suite bath and fridge. Ask Aris at the taverna.
€40
EATING, DRINKING AND NIGHTLIFE
ELOÚNDA
Aligos
On the square.
One of the livelier café-bars, open
throughout the day until late, for drinks and snacks and,
later, loud music.
Daily 9am-late.
Ferryman
T
28410 41230.
The ultra-chic
Ferryman
is
one of the town's best (and priciest) tavernas. Freshly
prepared starters, fish and meat dishes, and a lovely
waterfront setting
. April-Oct daily lunch & dinner.
Ì
Megaro
T
28410 42220.
This friendly place serves
fresh, well-prepared fish, seafood and steaks, inside or
on a pontoon terrace on the water. Salads and starters
are delicious too - try the halloumi and aubergine salad,
€6.
April-Oct daily noon-late.
Vritomartes
T
28410 41325.
Situated in a plum spot in
the centre of the harbour, noted for the fish, which can be a
bit pricey, but they also have more economical options such
as the fish dish for two at €18.50.
April-Oct daily lunch &
dinner.