Elounda is a world renowned tourist resort located on the North coast of Crete. The shaded beaches and crystal clear waters beckon the traveller. Elounda is only 10km distance away from the capital of the Lassithi province, Aghios Nikolaos, from where many excursions to Elounda are available. A short walk from the Lotus Eaters Restaurant is the beautiful fishing port of Elounda. Here you can watch the fishermen repairing their nets, and they are only too happy to have their photograph taken as they work. Elounda has many beaches with one very special beach located over the causeway but, you will have to get there early to really enjoy its tranquillity. We will be very happy to point you in the right direction. At the Lotus Eaters we consider ourselves very lucky, as we get to enjoy beautiful views every day. Come and share our good fortune.
Main Church Of Elounda
Those of you who have read the best selling novel "The Island" by Victoria Hislop will know of the island of Spinalonga (kalidon). The fortress on the island was built by the Venetians using building materials from an original ancient fortress. It was founded in 1579 by Luca Michiel and the island was used by the Venetians in defence of Crete primarily against the Turks and pirates. However, the Venetians were eventually defeated by the Turks but, the island was not. It became a safe haven for Venetians between until 1715. Later the island was inhabited by Turkish Muslims. When the Muslims left in 1903 the island became a leper colony by order of the Greek Government of the time. In 1957 the very last inhabitant left and now the island is one of the most visited sites in Crete. With the passage of time the small village and walls of the fortress began to crumble. In recent years much restoration work has been undertaken.
Spinalonga (The Island)
Spinalonga (Kalidon) The Island
About Elounda
Fishing Boats At The Port Of Elounda
A Place where the Past meets the Present
Elounda is not just a tourist resort it is also a fishing village and a place where the past meets the present. Close to our restaurant is the Sunken City of Olous that was settled in the Minoan times. This is the original Elounda, and at one time boasted 30,000 inhabitants. It was an important trading point. Olous is believed to be submerged because of either a landslide or a major earthquake of 780 A.D. Many ancient artefacts have been found in the waters that cover the city. These artefacts can be seen at the Louvre Museum in Aghios Nikolaos. On beautiful calm days the walls of the ancient city can still be seen from the causeway. And not only Olous awaits you but also a very special island called Spinalonga.
