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EXPLORE / CRETE

BEHIND

ELOUNDA’S

LUXURY

JET SET LEGEND

So much more than just a coveted Cretan destination,
the area surrounding Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection
holds myriad surprises just waiting to be discovered.

LOCATED IN EASTERN CRETE, north of Agios Nikolaos and south of the seaside resort of Plaka,
Elounda was once a picturesque fishing village in the lovely Mirabello Bay which has blossomed
into a globally recognized luxury destination known for its exclusive resorts and jet set lifestyle, pro-
viding the perfect location for the sophisticated Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection and soon-
to-be- Domes Resorts & Reserves Elounda Blu can be found at vibrant nearby Agios Nikolaos.Yet,
there is a side to Elounda that many don’t get to see, offering an authentic glimpse into the island’s
tumultuous and constantly changing history, along with its time-honored traditions and the customs
and lifestyles of its people. Explore these local attractions to find the keys to unlocking this rich world:

• Olous, the earliest recorded settlement on top da Blu.
of which Elounda is built today. • The restored Holy Monastery of Areti with its
• Picturesque Agios Nikolaos with its cosmopol- immaculate gardens, which dates back to the
itan atmosphere is filled with restaurants and years of the Venetian rule on the island (around
cafes. People have lived here for over 5 millen- 1200 AD).
nia, as it was first inhabited circa 3,000 BC. • The lagoon-like bay of Elounda with its boats
• Agios Nikolaos’ outstanding marina, which that rock entrancingly on the calm waters.
is awarded a Blue Flag every year for its clear • The picturesque fishing village of Plaka, op-
waters. posite Spinalonga.
• The beautiful abandoned village of Havgas • Across the water from Domes of Elounda, Au-
with its panoramic views over the perfectly tograph Collection, the eerie and scenic islet
shaped bay. of Spinalonga is filled with stories from the
• The villages of Kasteli and Fourni, almost un- past, with Victoria Hislop's novel "The Island"
touched by time. – which was adapted into a popular TV series
• Kritsa, a stunning traditional village with a mod- – taking place here.
ern twist built amphitheatrically on the hill and • Mirabello Bay means “Look! Beautiful!” – as
surrounded by olive groves, was the location of the Venetians exclaimed as soon as they saw it
Jules Dassin's film "He Who Must Die," based • The dreamy beaches located north and north-
on Nikos Kazantzakis' novel "Christ Recruci- west of Agios Nikolaos, just a stone's throw Right: View
of Elounda
fied." It's less than half an hour from Domes from Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collec- from the
of Elounda, Autograph Collection and future tion. fortress of
Spinalonga
Domes Resorts & Reserves addition, Eloun- • Lake Voulismeni at the center of Agios Nikolaos. islet.

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