Latest news with #Elounda
Bloomberg
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Bloomberg
Southern Greek Islands Hit by 6.1-Magnitude Earthquake
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A 6.1 magnitude earthquake shook southern Greek islands early Thursday. The epicenter was in the sea 58 kilometers (36 miles) north-northeast of Elounda, which is on the northern coast of Crete. It was 69 kilometers (43 miles) deep, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Associated Press
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Associated Press
6.1-magnitude quake shakes southern Greek islands
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A 6.1 magnitude earthquake shook southern Greek islands early Thursday. The epicenter was in the sea 58 kilometers (36 miles) north-northeast of Elounda, which is on the northern coast of Crete. It was 69 kilometers (43 miles) deep, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Telegraph
08-05-2025
- Telegraph
Why this stylish Greek hotel is the perfect family getaway
Combining sweeping sandy beaches, lively water parks and several millennia's worth of ancient history – including the Palace of Knossos, the home of the mythical minotaur – Crete is probably the most popular of the Greek islands when it comes to fun family holidays. With its crescent-shaped beaches, quaint harbour bobbing with colourful fishing boats, and fairy-lit tavernas dotted along the waterfront, the tiny town of Elounda on the northeastern coast feels like a real Crete secret. Book a holiday package to Elounda Bay Palace with British Airways Holidays, and you'll fly directly into Crete's Heraklion Airport. It's an easy 40-minute transfer to the resort, so the kids can be splashing happily in the Aegean Sea while you kick back with a cold drink within an hour or two of landing. Set in 20 acres of lush landscaped gardens, Elounda Bay Palace Hotel's big USP is its waterfront setting and the spectacular views across Mirabello Bay. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, this sprawling resort is ideal for families who are looking for both adventure and relaxation, but with some luxury thrown in too. Naturally, it runs the full gamut of five-star facilities, ranging from saltwater infinity pools overlooking the bay to attentive service, family-friendly meals and fine dining, kids' clubs and nightly entertainment galore. Its two Blue Flag sandy beaches both have plenty of complimentary sunloungers and parasols as well as a beach butler service. And when parents crave some downtime on their holidays, Elounda's babysitting services and kids' clubs for ages four to 12 years will keep the nippers and older children happily entertained. If you have activity-hungry teenagers who want something more lively, beach volleyball competitions, water sports and tailored sports programmes will keep them occupied. In addition to the resort's numerous facilities, the friendly concierge team can also arrange excursions such as catamaran cruises, fishing trips or private boat tours over to Spinalonga. Alternatively, those looking to do some sightseeing will want to visit the Palace of Knossos, Crete's biggest archaeological attraction. Built around 2000 BC, when it was the capital of Minoan Crete, this fascinating Bronze Age site, with its labyrinthine ruins, is packed with minotaur myths and legends which kids will love to explore. Much of the accommodation at Elounda Bay Palace has been designed with families in mind, without compromising on style. From the spacious interconnecting rooms, airy waterfront suites, garden bungalows and luxury villas with private pools, Elounda Bay Palace caters well for a wide variety of groups – ideal if you want to bring the grandparents along. The room styles vary from contemporary to charming and classically Grecian. Of course, dining is a big part of any family holiday, and while the authentic tavernas and beachfront bars of Elounda are temptingly close, all hotel guests stay on a half-board basis with a buffet breakfast and dinner in the hotel's main restaurant, though you can exchange the latter for à la carte dining credits, which offer freedom and flexibility. The main restaurant is Aretoussa, which offers buffet-style cuisine and themed dinners throughout the week, while Ariadne is the hotel's charming Greek taverna and Thalassa restaurant showcases Crete's incredible seafood, set right on the water's edge. Meanwhile when it comes to relaxing with a cocktail and light bites by the beach, look no further than F Restaurant. Guests also have the option to dine next door at the sister property, Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas, home to Dionysos, its modern Mediterranean fine dining restaurant, and Blue Lagoon, which serves a variety of Japanese and Peruvian fusion dishes. It's a leisurely 15-minute stroll along the scenic coastal path into the village – perfect for an ice cream served with views or an evening walk after dinner. Alternatively, the resort's beachfront Erato Lounge and Veghera Jetty Bar feature nightly live music and entertainment until the early hours. Well, you are on holiday after all. British Airways Holidays packages include a generous checked baggage allowance for each customer and come with full Atol protection for complete peace of mind. Secure your holiday to Elounda Bay Palace with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly*. *Based on two sharing. Full balance due four weeks before departure for short-haul holiday bookings. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
Telegraph
08-05-2025
- Telegraph
Enjoy a luxurious getaway in Crete at Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas
With shimmering Pantone-blue waters, tumbles of whitewashed cottages and rainbow-hued fishing boats clinking sails in the harbour, Elounda on Crete's northeastern coast is like a postcard sprung to life. A hundred miles south of the mainland in the southern Aegean Sea, Crete is the largest and the best known of Greece's many islands. With a rugged mountainous interior, sweeps of white-pebble beaches and millennia-old ruins around every corner – not to mention soaked in 300 days of sunshine a year – it's easy to see why Crete is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. Book a holiday package with British Airways Holidays and fly directly into Heraklion. After an easy 40-minute transfer to Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas, you could be nibbling Cretan olives and sipping ouzo overlooking the bay by sunset. With its swaying palms, blushing bougainvillaea and curved stone paths winding through the 40 acres of landscaped gardens, the Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas – a member of the Leading Hotels of the World – evokes the feeling of a lush private estate. One of the first five-star hotels to open in Crete, it's bookended by a pair of Blue Flag sandy beaches and designed to offer privacy and a space to truly unwind. Start the day with sunrise yoga or a water aerobics class in the saltwater pool or maybe hit the running trail through the vast landscaped gardens. Alternatively, you can enjoy a long and leisurely breakfast on the terrace – you are on holiday after all. For the more active, days can be spent jet skiing or windsurfing, playing tennis or badminton. There's also a kids' club with a host of activities, games and even swimming lessons that are sure to keep little ones happy and content. If you're struggling to shake off stress, a few treatments in The Penthouse Spa should do the trick. A true sanctuary, it offers guests a range of holistic rejuvenation options – from therapeutic massages to a full detox programme. In true Elounda style, all of the rooms and suites are elegant and plush, from the deluxe sea view rooms and suites to spacious family villas with private pools. Crete is the inspiration for the décor – think whitewashed walls, natural stone and local artwork adorning the walls. Several suites open out onto the water, while others feature large private terraces or private swimming pools – perfect for that al fresco soak under the stars. However, it's the attention to detail that really elevates Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas to luxury status – from the pillow menus and complimentary beach bag in all the rooms to the attentive beach butlers who will happily serve a cocktail to your sun lounger. There's little chance of going hungry on a holiday in Greece, so famous as a country of feeders. From rich lamb kleftiko fragrant with fresh oregano, to the ruby-red tomatoes that taste of summer, peppery olive oil and thick yogurt drizzled with wild honey, most produce is grown locally or in the hotel's kitchen garden, and much of it is showcased in the hotel's five à la carte restaurants. Dionysos offers modern Mediterranean fine dining served under century-old olive trees. Blue Lagoon brings authentic Japanese and Peruvian dishes to Crete, while Argonaut offers incredible Italian food overlooking the sparkling lights decorating Mirabello Bay. And for those nights when you don't fancy leaving your luxury villa, you can choose the private dining service and enjoy a quiet supper on the terrace. If you want to explore the island further, the concierge team can arrange a tour to visit famed archaeological site the Palace of Knossos, or Lassithi Plateau, known as the birthplace of Zeus. Or if you'd prefer to hit the water, unique experiences include a sunset cruise around the bay to a private boat trip over to Spinalonga. Of course if you just want to kick back and bask in the splendour of Elounda's beautiful bayside setting, few could blame you. British Airways Holidays packages include a generous checked baggage allowance for each customer and come with full Atol protection for complete peace of mind. Secure your holiday to Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly*. *Based on two sharing. Full balance due four weeks before departure for short-haul holiday bookings. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
