TRAVEL
EATING ELOUNDA
Olondi
Regularly voted number one restaurant in the region , Olondi ( search Olondi Taverna Restaurant on Facebook ) is a family-owned traditional Cretan restaurant set right on the water offering views across to Spinalonga and hearty dishes to a backdrop of waves crashing lightly on the rocks beneath .
Fresh seafood , locally-sourced vegetables and aromatic herbs are the stars of the menu here , often accompanied by a glass of crisp Cretan wine or traditional raki recommended by affable owner , Renate . Standout dishes included exquisite calamari with crisp light batter , fresh local prawns and incredible lobster , which can be ordered simply grilled , with spaghetti , or as part of a show-stopping shellfish platter . Olondi is also renowned for its grilled fresh catches of the day and its colossal T-bone steaks , which are grilled to perfection with a dash of local oregano and olive oil .
Such is the effortlessly warm hospitality here that we were even treated to a warm slab of fresh Greek sponge cake that owner Giannis had freshly baked that morning and steeped in orange and honey as a parting gift . We wholeheartedly recommend this local gem !
must . Described as ‘ culinary excellence meets stunning vistas ’, The Yacht Club is dramatically perched overlooking the sandy cove and bobbing yachts below , and , unsurprisingly , boasts a menu that emphasises locally-sourced seafood alongside traditional Cretan delicacies . Indulge in dishes such as fresh squid stuffed with aubergine and local Gruyère cheese , with tomato sauce and herb pesto , moreish rice croquettes filled with lamb ‘ gamopilafo ’ on an artichoke puree with turmeric , and , naturally , be sure to check what the fresh catch of the day is . Sold per 100g , you can choose to have this prepared either grilled , in a salt crust , carpaccio or baked with cherry tomatoes from Lerapetra , capers , garlic and red wine Vidiano . End simply with fresh fruit platters , the pastry of the day or yaya ’ s ( grandmother ’ s ) pumpkin pie while fanned by a cool sea breeze .
Both Elounda Peninsula and Elounda Mare ’ s commitment to personalised service ,
THE BEST WAY TO GET TO CRETE
absolute attention to details , glorious setting , award-winning dining and incredible suites ensure that every guest who stays feels special . Whether you ’ re seeking a romantic getaway , a peaceful retreat , or indeed a family holiday with an exclusive air , a stay at Elounda Resorts will offer you an authentic and luxurious experience that celebrates the beauty and culture of Crete with the sophistication you deserve .
Elounda Peninsula ’ s Peninsula Junior Suite Sea View ( sleeping two people and inc . breakfast ) starts at £ 519.25 per night in low season . Elounda Mare ’ s One Bedroom Suite ( sleeping two people and inc . breakfast ) starts at £ 357.90 per night in low season .
eloundapeninsula . com / en eloundapeninsula
eloundamare . com / en eloundamare
OLONDI olondirestaurant @ yahoo . com
Lotus Eaters
Established in 1984 and now under the helm of British-born Crete resident , Daniel , and his wife , Lotus Eaters offers meat from the local village butcher , fresh local fish catches and sources vegetables , salads and fruits from local markets and the best Cretan producers .
Standout dishes include the leg of organic lamb , which , following your preorder , is slow-roasted ready for your reservation having been marinated in olive oil , garlic , lemon juice , thyme and oregano , and hearty slabs of fresh white chocolate and Baileys cheesecake , all of which are served on an elevated terrace with incredible views over the bay of Elounda .
www . lotus-eaters . com
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