Luxury resort on Crete's northeastern coast with private beaches, bungalows, and villas. Combines Cretan hospitality with world-class amenities overlooking Spinalonga Island.
Blue Palace Resort & Spa is a five-star luxury resort situated on the northeastern coast of Crete, in the village of Plaka near Elounda, one of the most exclusive resort destinations in the Mediterranean. The property occupies a hillside and beachfront site with views directly across the Gulf of Elounda toward the small island of Spinalonga — the former Venetian fortress and leper colony that inspired Victoria Hislop's novel The Island and which ranks among Crete's most visited historical sites.
The resort is designed as an independent village of bungalows and villas cascading down the hillside to a private beach. Accommodation spans over 250 units across several categories: hillside and beachfront bungalows, pool suites, and private pool villas. The most prestigious villas sit directly on the water's edge with individual sea-access staircases. All rooms feature Cretan stone and timber finishes, terrace seating, and large windows oriented toward the sea and Spinalonga.
Five distinct dining venues cover a range of styles: a signature restaurant serving contemporary Cretan and Mediterranean cuisine, a beachfront seafood taverna, a pool bar for light meals and cocktails, a poolside lounge, and an all-day café. Cretan produce features heavily across all menus — local olive oil, fresh herbs, regional cheeses including graviera and mizithra, and freshly caught Aegean fish.
The Elounda Spa offers a comprehensive menu of marine and botanical treatments, heated indoor and outdoor pools, hydrotherapy facilities, and a hammam. The resort operates a dedicated private beach with water sports including windsurfing, waterskiing, and boat hire. A supervised kids' club serves younger guests in high season, and butler service is available for higher villa categories.
The location near Elounda places guests within easy reach of the excavated Minoan site at Gournia, the town of Agios Nikolaos 12 km to the south, and the broader eastern Crete coastline. This part of Crete is considerably less developed and more tranquil than the island's northern resort corridor around Heraklion and Rethymnon.
Amenities
- private beach
- multiple pools
- Elounda Spa
- water sports
- kids club
- five restaurants
- butler service
Location
Plaka, Elounda, Crete 720 53, Greece
35.2800, 25.7333 View on map
Highlights
- Views across the Gulf of Elounda toward the historic Venetian island of Spinalonga
- Private beachfront bungalows and pool villas cascading down to the Cretan coast
- Five dining venues showcasing local Cretan produce and fresh Aegean seafood
- Elounda Spa with marine treatments, hydrotherapy pools, and hammam
- One of the most prestigious resort locations on Crete's northeastern coast
Tips for visiting
- Request a beachfront bungalow or water's-edge villa for direct sea access — hillside rooms offer views but require a walk to the beach.
- Book a boat excursion to Spinalonga island through the resort concierge; the journey takes about 15 minutes and guided tours are available.
- Elounda and the northeastern coast are significantly quieter than Crete's northern resort belt — the area rewards guests seeking genuine seclusion.
- High-season rates in July and August represent some of the highest per-night prices in Greece; May, June, and September offer considerably better value.
- Eastern Crete's best beaches — Vai palm beach and Xerokampos — are 60-90 minutes by car and worth a full day trip from the resort.
Accessibility
Blue Palace Resort operates across a hillside site with sloped pathways between the upper property and the private beach. Golf carts and staff assistance transport are available for guests with mobility difficulties. Some villa and bungalow categories are more accessible than others; guests with wheelchair or mobility requirements should contact the resort directly to discuss room placement and access routes to the beach and dining venues before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Blue Palace Resort from Heraklion Airport?
Heraklion International Airport is approximately 70 km from Elounda. The drive takes roughly 90 minutes depending on route and traffic. The resort can arrange private transfers. Sitia Airport, approximately 70 km to the east, is smaller but may be available as an alternative depending on origin.
Does Blue Palace Resort have a kids' club?
Yes. A supervised kids' club operates during the high season with structured activities for children from approximately age 4 to 12. The beach, pools, and villa configurations make the resort well suited to families. Family suite and villa categories accommodate children comfortably.
Is the Spinalonga island visit included in the resort rate?
Spinalonga excursions are not typically included in the room rate. Boat trips depart from Plaka and Elounda and can be arranged independently or through the hotel concierge. Entry to the Spinalonga fortress requires a ticket purchased at the island.
What is the best way to reach the resort from Athens?
The most practical route is to fly from Athens to Heraklion International Airport (approximately 45 minutes) and then transfer by private car arranged through the resort, approximately 90 minutes. Driving from Athens via the ferry to Heraklion or via Patras is possible but takes considerably longer.