Elounda/Porto Elounda
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Elounda/Porto Elounda is a Blue Flag beach in Greece, holding the award for its environmental standards, water quality, and visitor safety. The official season runs from July 1 to October 31. Entry is free, and the beach has on-site kiosk facilities. Visitors should check local…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Elounda/Porto Elounda
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Elounda/Porto Elounda?
Elounda/Porto Elounda is a Blue Flag beach in Greece, holding the award for its environmental standards, water quality, and visitor safety. The official season runs from July 1 to October 31. Entry is free, and the beach has on-site kiosk facilities. Visitors should check local safety arrangements before heading out. The best time to visit is April through June, when the weather is warm but not yet peak summer heat. The beach meets the rigorous standards of the Foundation for Environmental Education's Blue Flag programme.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Region of Crete, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Elounda/Porto Elounda faces east toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| May | 21°C | 18°C | Low |
| Jun | 25°C | 22°C | Low |
| Jul | 27°C | 24°C | Med |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 25°C | 22°C | High |
| Oct | 21°C | 18°C | Med |
| Nov | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
The best time to visit Elounda/Porto Elounda is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.8°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 23.8°C in July.
How crowded does Elounda/Porto Elounda get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Elounda/Porto Elounda sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Elounda/Porto Elounda open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-07 – 31-10). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Elounda/Porto Elounda
Is Elounda/Porto Elounda safe to swim?Elounda/Porto Elounda is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Elounda/Porto Elounda?Peak water temperature at Elounda/Porto Elounda reaches around 23.8°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.1°C.
What is the beach like at Elounda/Porto Elounda?Elounda/Porto Elounda is a sandy beach on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Elounda/Porto Elounda have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Elounda/Porto Elounda meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
Elounda/Porto Elounda sits on the Mediterranean Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean.
Planning a trip to Greece? How Greece earns the most Blue Flags , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Elounda/Porto Elounda
How do I get to Elounda/Porto Elounda by car?Elounda/Porto Elounda is approximately 133.88 km from Agios Nikolaos. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Elounda/Porto Elounda?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 51.2 km away.
Can I get to Elounda/Porto Elounda by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Agios Nikolaos.
Map
Find Elounda/Porto Elounda
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Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | ✗ No dedicated disabled access listed |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01 Jul – 31 Oct |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.2444°N, 25.7317°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Elounda/Porto Elounda FAQ
Is Elounda/Porto Elounda suitable for children?
Elounda/Porto Elounda has a child-friendly score of 2/10 based on Blue Flag certification criteria. As a certified beach in Greece, it meets international standards for safety, water quality, and environmental management.
Is Elounda/Porto Elounda free to access?
Access to Elounda/Porto Elounda is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Region of Crete, Greece, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Elounda/Porto Elounda?
The best time to visit Elounda/Porto Elounda is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 23.8°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Elounda/Porto Elounda?
Elounda/Porto Elounda is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Elounda/Porto Elounda?
Elounda/Porto Elounda is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 133.88 km from Agios Nikolaos. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 51.2 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore GreeceWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Elounda/Porto Elounda
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.