Elounda

We selected the [listingCount] homes worth renting in this location

Book a stay in one of the best homes in [destination]

Imagine sipping a glass of cold Vidiano under the shade of a carob tree, surrounded by luscious fauna – that’s exactly what you can expect from a stay at this stone villa in Plaka. The villa itself is traditional, and you can see this in the interiors, too – those seeking authentic charm over modernity will appreciate the original features. The garden is definitely a highlight, with open spaces to share Greek dinners and secluded spots under the shade for downtime with your book. When you’re ready to venture out, you’ll find Plaka beach, waterfront restaurants and local shops within 900m of the home.

Aegean Ode

Just imagine dangling your bare feet into the crystal clear water off your own stone-built jetty. It's just one of the incredible experiences on offer at this luxury home close to Elounda. Boasting four en-suite bedrooms and perfect for a family or a group of friends, it's a smartly modernised home with a stunning setting, right on the coast. 

Built in the 1970s and retaining a bohemian charm with antique tiles and colourful furnishings, it's a magical place with gardens going right down the gently lapping shore. You'll even have access to a semi-private little beach – ideal for morning swims. An oasis of calm, our favourite spot is the terrace, with its comfy seating and view across the water and the mountains. 

Fully staffed with a maid, chef and a team of gardeners, you need not lift a finger but keen cooks will enjoy getting to grips with the well-equipped kitchen and the barbecue, or just head into town for a meal at one of the many excellent restaurants. Just be sure to be back in time to see the sunset over the sea from your garden – it's really something special.

Elemental Colour

With direct sea views and a private balcony, this compact apartment is ideal for those looking for a Cretan getaway in popular ​​Agios Nikolaos. A modern minimalist design lets the blue backdrop do the talking here, with a tempting freestanding tub in the bedroom offering a luxurious way to take in the vistas. While at capacity one guest will be sleeping on the sofa bed in the living area which will make the space a bit cramped, we reckon you’ll be spending your days exploring the city’s bustling harbour and beaches, or even taking advantage of the plethora of extra services on offer, including boat trips and beauty treatments. 


A Handful of Sky

Up on a hilltop overlooking the sea, this stone villa has views as far as the eye can see. Three kilometres from the town of Elounda and facing east, at the end of the day you’ve got an unparalleled view of the sun setting over the water. Head into the charming harbour town of Agios Nikolaos, a ten-minute drive away, for an evening of shopping, tavernas or perhaps a day chartering a boat. 

Gardens bloom with olive trees and wildflowers all around the villa. Bag a poolside beanbag lounger to soak up the sun or relax in the shade of the veranda. A banquet-sized dining table provides the alfresco option on the terrace, alongside that fabulous view, so you can watch yachts cut across the ocean as you dine. Perhaps the best place to enjoy the view is from the sun-trap roof terrace, lined with sofas. Pathways through the wild countryside are shared with another villa and lead to secret playparks and hammocks in the trees.

Inside, it’s calm and white with boho touches like big wicker lamps and wildflowers in vases. The main living room is flooded with sunlight from floor-to-ceiling windows and a second living room is centred around an old-style fireplace with candles glowing. A Scandi-chic desk sits on a raised area should you need to work remotely and there’s a home gym and games rooms for fitness and leisure.  

The Sea At Golden Hour

This immaculate villa made from natural materials calls out for group celebrations and special occasions. It's high above the Cretan Sea, so you can soak up the sunshine while watching the waves wash in and out of shore. In complete isolation and privacy, this modern home uses bi-folding glass walls and patio doors to optimise the landscape vistas and gorgeous surroundings. 

We particularly love the infinity pool overlooking Mirabello Bay, complete with sun lounge chairs and a decked terrace. Top up your tan poolside, before cooling off with a refreshing dip for lunch. Gather the group together for an alfresco meal with traditional mezze platters being passed around the outdoor dining table. If a cat nap is on the cards, the comfortable bedrooms ensure a restful sleep, and you'll wake up to stunning ocean views, thanks to the sleek, retracting glass. 

There are a few surprises at the villa too for that added level of luxury. Whether you're an active type looking to maintain your daily fitness routine in the gym or after a leisurely evening in front of the home cinema, it's all catered for at this crowd-pleasing pad. 

If you can peel yourself away from this slice of paradise, the nearest sandy beach is well within reach here (1km). For those exploring further afield, Plaka Beach makes for a great family day out and is only a 10km drive away, while the charming town of Elounda is just a short drive from your doorstep for those culture-seekers. But whatever you get up to, ensure to return to your luxurious jacuzzi in the master bedroom for a romantic evening watching the sunset over this beautiful island. 

Stone & Sea

As soon as we saw that infinity pool – and the stunning view beyond – we were sold. The private pool, sauna and workout area offer the chance to unwind in complete privacy. And yet, being on a complex, there's plenty of opportunity to mingle and enjoy the shared amenities here, too – this includes the on-site creche, ideal if you're travelling with children. On top of that, you'll find two restaurants and a bar (one serving up your complimentary breakfast each morning), and you'll have access to the private beach club, accessible by a free shuttle bus. And with charming spots such as the nearby fishing village of Elounda a short drive away, you'll find plenty to do.

An Angel's Song

Nestled on the side of a hill with a pretty view of the sparkling Aegean Sea, this villa is an excellent option for a large group looking for a week or so of pure escapism.

You'll feel a sense of peace as soon as you cross the stone bridge leading to the property and enter the gardens filled with olive trees and Mediterranean foliage. Head around to the rear of the address and you'll find a pair of infinity swimming pools with loungers and a hammock arranged invitingly around the sides. There's also a barbecue and plenty of terraces on which to enjoy food fresh off the grill.

It's not just the swimming pools that come in twos — there are two separate homes inside, each with a kitchen and lounge, which offers extra flexibility. Both have been treated to the same contemporary styling, with white walls, eye-catching lighting fixtures and an open fireplace for when after the sun's gone down. 

As you would hope with such proximity to the sea, there's a superb range of beaches nearby, starting from as close as five minutes' drive away. The resort town of Agios Nikolaos only takes eighteen minutes to reach in the car.



Pair of Aces

Soak up the brilliantly blue views from this stellar holiday home. It sits up high, overlooking the incredible Elounda Bay – but the prime position is not the only elevated thing about this home. It's been created to ensure every guest can enjoy pure relaxation – there's a multi-level outdoor area with plenty of space for each guest to soak up the sunshine, including from the stunning freeform infinity pool, as well as the covered dining terrace where you can sip cocktails at sunset. Inside the home is stylish and modern, yet still retains a ton of traditional Cretan charm, with its whitewashed walls and built-in furniture.

Apollinia

Located on the outskirts of Plaka, this stylish villa occupies a prestigious hillside spot, offering sensational views over the Elounda Gulf. Boasting chic furnishings and great attention to detail, the warm hues of the home blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings. Start the day by stepping onto the terrace to enjoy the spectacular seascapes from one of the comfy day beds, before a cooling dip in the private infinity pool. 

Venture down to the garden's lower level and you'll find a lush green lawn with a children's play area, perfect for keeping the little ones entertained. If you ever manage to tear yourself away from the villa, you needn't venture too far to get a taste of Plaka, with steps from the terrace leading down to a pebble beach. Relax on the shores and let the waves wash over your toes for a while. Hikers will no doubt appreciate the area's towering mountains that house numerous caves to explore.

At the end of an adventure-filled day, head home to whip up some Greek-inspired dishes in the outdoor kitchen. We highly recommend dining alfresco beneath the pergola, then moving over to the outdoor lounge to enjoy a few cocktails while the sun sets over the horizon.


Harmony in the Hills 

With gorgeous views of Agios Nikolaos and the glistening sea, this studio-style apartment is perfectly suited for a relaxing coastal stay. Akti Koundourou Beach is just a few steps away, with the lively harbour a short walk from your door. When you're not out exploring the local tavernas, cafes and landmarks, spend unhurried mornings sipping your espresso on the private balcony with panoramic views. Another highlight is the freestanding bathtub, while we appreciate the high-end touch that's been given to the entire apartment. Only a small kitchenette is available, so don't expect to cook big meals here – that said, you've got plenty of dining options practically on your doorstep.

Dramatic Sea

Pure relaxation awaits you when you choose to stay at this fabulous holiday home, based in a peaceful spot in Elounda and offering gorgeous views out over the Gulf of Mirabello. This home has style in spade loads, with a calming colour scheme with splashes of colour, together with contemporary decor that makes it feel fresh and modern. You’ll love starting each day by being met with the view of the ocean through your floor-to-ceiling windows. The outside provides plenty of places to have fun in the sun, with your own private infinity pool that has an incredible view of the ocean and the rolling hills in the distance. There’s also an outdoor dining area that makes the perfect spot for cocktails while you watch the sun set over the sea.

A stay here means you’ll get to benefit from all the facilities of the boutique villa-hotel complex that it’s based on. There’s two authentic restaurants, a vibrant bar, a dreamy spa and a colourful children’s playground, all of which you’ll have unlimited access to. The resort also boasts a private beach club located just 10 minutes from the villa, and you’ll get your transfers there and back included in your stay.

Sapphire Serenity

Nestled in the hillside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, this villa is all about kicking back and letting the day pass you by. While the interior could do with an update, the place has everything you need to feel right at home, including a wellness room with a Jacuzzi tub. Though we think you’ll spend most of your time outside – just look at those views from the balcony and private pool. If exploring is on the agenda, you’ll find Plakas Beach and a handful of restaurants just a short walk from your doorstep.

Blue Daze

United Kingdom luxury cottages

England luxury cottages

Wales luxury cottages

Scotland luxury cottages

Edinburgh airbnb alternatives

York airbnb alternatives

Cornwall luxury cottages

Cumbria luxury cottages

Devon luxury cottages

Dorset luxury cottages

Kent luxury cottages

Norfolk luxury cottages

Northumberland luxury cottages

Pembrokeshire luxury cottages

Somerset luxury cottages

Suffolk luxury cottages

The Cotswolds luxury cottages

Yorkshire cottages

United Kingdom

London airbnb alternatives

London luxury aparthotels

London luxury serviced apartments

London luxury short stay rentals

London luxury vacation rentals

London

Paris airbnb alternatives

Paris luxury aparthotels

Paris luxury short stay rentals

Paris luxury vacation rentals

Paris

Los Angeles airbnb alternatives

Los Angeles luxury vacation rentals

New York airbnb alternatives

New York luxury short stay rentals

New York luxury vacation rentals

Joshua Tree airbnb alternatives

Palm Springs airbnb alternatives

Palm Springs luxury vacation rentals

San Diego airbnb alternatives

United States

Italy luxury villas

Rome airbnb alternatives

Rome luxury vacation rentals

Milan airbnb alternatives

Florence airbnb alternatives

Venice airbnb alternatives

Apulia Luxury Villas

Sicily luxury villas

Tuscany luxury villas

Lake Como

Sorrento airbnb alternatives

Amalfi Coast airbnb alternatives

Italy

Spain luxury villas

Barcelona airbnb alternatives

Barcelona luxury aparthotels

Barcelona luxury vacation rentals

Madrid airbnb alternatives

San Sebastian airbnb alternatives

Canary Islands luxury villas

Costa del Sol luxury villas

Ibiza luxury villas

Malaga airbnb alternatives

Mallorca luxury villas

Marbella luxury villas

Spain

Portugal luxury villas

Lisbon airbnb alternatives

Porto airbnb alternatives

Algarve luxury villas

Madeira luxury villas

Portugal

Greece luxury villas

Athens airbnb alternatives

Crete luxury villas

Corfu airbnb alternatives

Mikonos airbnb alternatives

Rhodes luxury villas

Santorini airbnb alternatives

Greece

Berlin airbnb alternatives

Cape Town

Copenhagen airbnb alternatives

Dubai airbnb alternatives

Tel Aviv airbnb alternatives

Barbados luxury villas

Cyprus luxury villas

French Riviera luxury villas

Other

Top Destinations

Destinations

Elounda Accommodation

Elounda Accommodation for Groups

Elounda Airbnb Alternatives

Elounda Boutique Hotel Alternatives

Elounda Holiday Rentals

Elounda Hotel Alternatives

Elounda Long Stay Rentals

Elounda Monthly Rentals

Elounda Self-Catering Apartments

Elounda Short Stay Rentals

Elounda Vacation Rentals

Types

Book a stay in one of the best homes in Elounda

We selected the 392 homes worth renting in this location

Who's coming along?

Home spotlights in Elounda

We selected the top 3% holiday homes in Elounda

Most popular homes in Elounda

Check upcoming rates & availability for Elounda

Frequently asked questions