Spinalonga is a must-visit for those staying in the Lasithi region, and it’s easy to do so with organized tours departing from Agios Nikolaos or Elounda. Alternatively, you can make your own way over on local boat rides.
Aristea Hotel is around 10 minutes’ drive from the uninhabited island and provides a 24-hour front desk and housekeeping services. It’s also not far from a secluded beach and the picturesque Mirabello Bay.
1. Selena Village Hotel
The hotel staff was very friendly and helpful. They took care of all our needs quickly and efficiently. The room was clean and comfortable. The views of the sea and Spinalonga were breathtaking. We will definitely stay there again.
Located within a 20-minute walk of Porto and 2.9 miles from the uninhabited Spinalonga Islet, this 3-star property is within close proximity to a range of popular attractions. It also provides guests with a bus shuttle, an airport shuttle and a 24-hour front desk.
Each of the 72 cosy rooms at Selena Village Hotel includes a flat-screen TV and heating. They all offer a private bathroom with a hair dryer and toiletries. Those staying at the accommodation are invited to sample the varied buffet breakfast each morning. Refreshing drinks can be enjoyed at the onsite pool bar.
A selection of premium amenities can be found at the boutique hotel, including a spa centre and an outdoor pool. Those looking to relax after a day of sightseeing can make use of the on-site massage services. A wide variety of dining options are also available in the surrounding area.
The staff at Selena Village Hotel is multilingual and can provide assistance in English, Italian and Greek. They are available to ensure that your stay is as enjoyable as possible.
KAYAK has a great deal on Selena Village Hotel, with prices starting at $62. The average price for this hotel in the last 2 weeks was $83. Staying here during the low season may help you find some amazing deals. The lowest prices are usually seen in September and August. This is because the weather is beautiful and there are less tourists in town.
2. Alikes Apartments
Situated not far from Ieros Naos Konstandinou kai Elenis, Alikes Apartments provides free parking and airport shuttles for guests. It is around a 5-minute walk from a sandy beach and offers rooms with satellite TVs. Rooms are simple and include tea and coffee making facilities, as well as a refrigerator.
Located in the heart of Elounda, Alikes Suites & Studios is within walking distance of local bars and restaurants. It also has an outdoor pool and a fitness suite, providing a relaxing setting for guests to unwind in.
The hotel’s comfortable studios and apartments are equipped with an in-room safe, a kitchenette, and a private balcony. They also have easy-to-clean tile floors, white or gold walls, and basic furniture. Studios for two people offer a double bed, while those for three provide an additional sofa bed.
Alikes Apartments also has a gym and an outdoor terrace with spectacular views of the sea and mountains. Its convenient location means guests can easily explore the area’s popular attractions, including Spinalonga.
The most popular way to visit the island is on a tour, either booked through an organised tour operator or independently. The trip to the island takes around an hour and can be arranged from Agios Nikolaos or Plaka. However, it is possible to reach Spinalonga on a day trip from Heraklion and Sitia as well. The island’s tragic history fascinates many visitors and even inspired the best-selling book The Island by Victoria Hislop.
3. Emilia Apartments
The 3-star Emilia Apartments is located not far from the uninhabited Spinalonga Islet and provides guests with a private car park. It is also not far from the center of Elounda and is within a short driving distance of the secluded Kolokitha beach.
The hotel features an in-house restaurant that is perfect for those looking to dine out during their stay. There are also a variety of bars and cafés in the area where guests can enjoy drinks and snacks. The guest rooms at this property include an en suite bathroom, air conditioning and a refrigerator.
Guests can take advantage of the free wireless internet access that is available throughout the hotel. Those staying at the property are welcome to make use of the washing machine, which can help keep their clothes clean and fresh. A flat-screen TV and a DVD player are also included in all the rooms at the Emilia Apartments.
All of the apartments at this property are well-equipped and offer a kitchenette, a refrigerator and a dining area. They also have a dishwasher, an oven and a stovetop. The accommodation is also equipped with a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer.
The hotel is conveniently close to the local bus stop. It is also less than a 20-minute drive from the airport. A range of activities can be enjoyed in the surrounding area, such as fishing and cycling. It is a good idea to book a tour to discover everything that Spinalonga has to offer. Visitors to this fascinating ghost town are sure to be enthralled by its rich history and tragic past. It even inspired Victoria Hislop to write her best-selling book, The Island.
4. Elounda Palace Hotel
Sophisticated, well-appointed rooms offer king beds draped in Luxury Collection 320-thread-count cotton sateen sheets with separate sitting areas and patios. You’ll find flat-screen TVs, minibars and safes. Room service is available 24/7. A few suites have spa tubs. Housekeeping is twice daily (except for Sundays). WiFi is free.
This resort is set on a private beach overlooking the turquoise waters of Mirabello Bay on Crete’s northeastern coast. It’s a good choice for honeymooners, families and business travelers alike, with a kids’ club and numerous dining options, plus a comprehensive array of indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, including two pools, three children’s pools, five floodlit tennis courts (fees apply), and a fitness center with yoga and Pilates classes.
You can get a massage at the Espace Vitalite Chenot Spa, try out a few strokes on the golf course, or dine at one of the property’s four restaurants and a lounge bar. A caique (traditional Greek fishing boat) can be rented for sailing excursions, and the hotel offers family activities like theater lessons and Cretan dance classes.
The resort is a quick, easy walk from the port of Agios Nikolaos and a short taxi ride from honey-toned Spinalonga, where you’ll visit one of Europe’s last active leper colonies. It’s also an hour’s drive from the island capital of Heraklion, a good base for exploring the island. The small village of Plaka is a pleasant place to shop for handicrafts and visit local tavernas. The resort’s concierge can help with sight-seeing information and arrangements, restaurant reservations, car rentals, and wedding planning. The hotel’s restaurant, Thalassa, serves international and Greek cuisine, while Aretoussa Restaurant offers seafood meals. There are also a couple of bars where you can sip cocktails or wines.
5. Sentido Elounda Blu
Located just a short drive from Spinalonga, Elounda Sunrise Apartments offers an ideal base while visiting Elounda. It features an outdoor pool, free private parking and a sunbathing terrace. All of the rooms at the resort are well equipped and offer a refrigerator, a microwave and a TV. They also have a washing machine, a dryer and tea and coffee making facilities.
The hotel is close to a number of popular restaurants, serving a variety of food. It is also within walking distance of the centre of Elounda. For those who want to see the beauty of the surrounding area, there are a number of popular sights that can be easily reached on foot.
To discover the area, guests can enjoy a number of activities including snorkelling and swimming. There are also a number of bars and cafés in the vicinity. The staff at the resort are always available to provide recommendations.
Those staying at the resort can take advantage of the complimentary Wi-Fi and free parking, while also enjoying an in-house gym and a Jacuzzi. In addition, a sauna and a massage service are available.
Those staying at the resort can take a day trip to visit the historic town of Spinalonga, which is a former leper colony. Tours from Agios Nikolaos are regularly scheduled and cost around 25-30 Euros. Alternatively, there are also half-day cruises with stops for swimming and lunch that can be booked locally. The boats are inexpensive and leave regularly from Plaka. It is also possible to catch a boat at the port in Elounda, though this is often much more expensive. The boat ride lasts for 10 minutes or less, and is well worth it.