Starting your tour of Lassithi County from the capital, we suggest that you first explore the northern coast, in order to get a taste of the most representative part of the county.
On the northeastern coast, after Agios Nikolaos, you will come to Elounda, the famous tourist resort preferred by famous personalities from Greece and abroad for their summer holidays. Recently, its luxury hotels have also become popular locations for conferences.
Its current name is attributed to ancient Olounda, from the city that was built on the isthmus joining Elounda and Kolokytha islet. The isthmus was cut off and flooded in 1897, on orders from a French admiral. The remains of the ancient city sank to the bottom of the sea, but can still be seen when the water is calm and clear. Olounda is referred to by ancient historians as a prosperous,
autonomous and independent city. Excavations in the area brought to light burials in clay reliquaries, containing earthenware vessels, gems, copper daggers, etc. An excavation in the isthmus connecting Elounda to the cape of Spinalonga uncovered a paleo-Christian basilica with a mosaic floor.
The modern version of Elounda includes Pano and Kato (Upper and Lower) Elounda, Schisma Eloundas, Pano and Kato Pines and Mavrikiano, but tourism is most developed in Kato Elounda. Spinalonga island is located opposite Elounda. The island was created in 1526, when the Venetians constructed a canal and cut off the end of the peninsula (currently Nissi). They were not the first to think of this location, as there used to be a fortress there in antiquity also, and its building materials were actually used for the Venetian fortifications. The initial name, which referred to the entire peninsula, has its roots in the Greek language.
It came from the word Stinelonda (= in Elounda) and was affected by the phonetically similar older name (Spinalonga) of a Venetian islet, currently named Giudeca.
For half a century from 1903, is was used as a quarantine area for the "chanseniki", the lepers, and became a place of martyrdom for these marginalised and stigmatised patients. To reach Spinalonga you can take a boat from Elounda or Agios Nikolaos, or cross the small bridge joining it to Elounda. For some reason this place has become a great tourist attraction, and today it has luxury hotel complexes, which appear to be favoured by famous holidaymakers from all over the world. However, there is also more modest accommodation, such as pretty furnished apartments at very good prices. The settlement is of outstanding natural beauty and has a number of good beaches. You can swim at the Elounda municipal beach, which is organised, with a lifeguard and water sports facilities. The salt-marshes of Elounda are considered an important wetland. Walk through the narrow streets of Ano Elounda, stop to enjoy a'raki' and admire the scenery spreading amphitheatrically beneath you.
The Aretio monastery, which is not far from the area, is also worth a visit. Then comes Plaka, a beautiful quiet beach with crystal waters and
spread with fine pebbles, facing Spinalonga. The beach usually attracts local holidaymakers and is not equipped with umbrellas and deck chairs. It does however, have showers and canteens. Do not miss a seafood meal here. In the central taverna named after its proprietor, you will taste the freshest and most delicious fish ever. The owner makes no joke of quality; he will serve you fish caught an hour ago at the most, or he will send you away for a stroll and tell you to come back when the fresh fish has arrived.