i will not name out any possible accommodation as it could be advertising and i live in that area in general. i will tell you though, that there are lots of one bedroom apts and studios to choose from. For me if you are a first timer in the area i would advice to find a 3 - 4 star hotel for the first time so you will have a base for eating sleeping etc and to look around when there so as you will find some really good accommodation for the next time.

Thank you, I have been thinking along these lines myself. The only thing is we like the freedom of self catering not restricted to times etc. But thanks for you advice.

I've said it before, I'll say it again - refer .elounda77.net for all Elounda.

Been to Irene Apts 3 times - great. Olive Grove and Garden Apts get good reviews and new. Beware some are way out of the centre, which is not an ultra loud area, so not the end of the world if you are close by.

DA

Kozi,

After holidaying in Spain and then going to Greece you may find the facilities of a 3 or 4 Star rating a touch below the 3 or 4 Star rating of Spain, this however should not make your stay any less enjoyable. We had taken holidays in Greece for many years and then opted for a 2 week stay in supposedly an "up market" part of Majorca (Peurto Polensa -Hotel Uyal) and after 2 days realised that we had made a mistake. The Hotel was fine, weather superb, food good, the down side being a feeling of oppression from too many Hotels and Apartment blocks which seemed to be everywhere. Not been back to Spain since!

I reckon you will find Greece a pleasant change to Spain with open spaces usually within a 10 minute walk from wherever you stay.

Dont be put off going for a SC option, this often the best as you can pick and choose where to eat each night and if you so wish why not eat somewhere different each time. If I could give just one tip to anyone doing a SC Greece holiday for the first time, it would be to buy a cheap £9.00 toaster before you go and take it with you, its the only thing missing from SC studios.

Have a great time wherever you choose in Greece but expect the quirky and dont be in a rush to leave a Taverna in the evening after eating, the Greeks seem not to understand our rush to pay and leave!

We went to Elounda a few years ago and loved it. We stayed in Plaka just around the bay, about 5 mins in the car and there is a regular bus back and forth. Plaka is a very small fishing village and we stayed up the hill in huge studios (Goldensun - now defunct), using the owners pool across road and the beach (pebbles) was a 5 min walk. Elounda was lovely and quiet, very safe... lovely beach and restaurants on the front. We had a lovely 'greek bbq evening' and they ended up playing regular pop music which meant we could all get up and dance later on including the kids. We met people who had gone AI for two weeks and got fed up with the food being the same after the first week so used to go to the restaurants for dinner, so SC is the best I think. Not many shops though. Fur shops and jewellery shops, general gift shops etc. nice 'English' Book shop if I remember rightly.

Spinalonga is a must to visit - big boat leaves Elounda or a cheaper smaller boat around the bay in Plaka. Ag. Nik nice to visit too, as well as Golden Bay enroute. Very nice area but transfer quite a way from Airport, if we went that way again we would hire a car or take a taxi as they drop everyone off on the way through Malia etc.

Thanks for advice, the place we have been going to in Spain for the last 15 years is not your normal Spain with high rise buildings so think Elounda will be much the same as what we are used to. Just like to relax with no loud music or lager louts. The only problem I am having is trying to get there in July from Glasgow but will keep trying.

have you try excel airways ?

Booked Elounda Akti Olous Beach Hotel, so we are going.

Looking forward to it.

Have a great time. I am sure you will love it!