Very close to Elounda and the Spinalonga peninsula there is an islet called Kolokytha. On the opposite side of the islet, there is a wonderful beach, the beach of Saint Loukas or Kolokytha as it is called by the locals.
The water is superbly clean, and the island of Spinalonga in the background is a reminder of the past. Spinalonga was the last leper colony in Europe which closed in 1957. The branches of the aged olive trees cast their shadows like strokes of an artist’s brush.
If you are in the area Kolokytha is really worth a visit. It is suitable for older children but maybe not so much for the younger ones unless you go well prepared of course. You can reach the beach on foot from the chapel of Saint Loukas. In that case, take a car as far as the church, and the beach is just a 5-minute walk. Alternatively, you can take one of the excursion boats from Elounda.
The route via Saint Loukas s especially scenic and beautiful, and we would recommend it without hesitation if you have a jeep and you enjoy walking.
It is advisable not to visit the beach early afternoon during August as there are many visitors at this time and it spoils the beauty when it is crowded
Kolokythas beach has little in the way of facilities such as sun beds and umbrellas, no kantina for water and snacks, etc, and as a result, may not be suitable for young children
Kolokitha is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, with blue water and white sand, in the Spinaloga peninsula.
In order to visit it, you should follow the coastal, eastern road of Elounda, where the Venetian salt pans are, and reach the Spinaloga peninsula. Elounda is connected with the peninsula by a narrow road with sea water on its left and right. There is a small canal there built by the French in 1897. The stone windmills in the entrance of the peninsula are also amazing.
As you pass the peninsula vertically and after the dirt road, you leave your car in a place near the small Agios Loukas church. Many paths start from Agios Loukas that lead to the beach.
There are more isolated beaches in the north and south of Kolokitha. The beaches are as beautiful as Kolokitha and a good alternative choice when Kolokitha is very crowded.
There is a small beach in the north, near the Old Christian Basilica from the 5th-6th century, and the Vagi beaches are in the south. They are two small bays with sand, stones, and tamarisks.
Elounda is a region filled with wonderful beaches, and one that stands out, in particular, is Kolokytha Beach. If getting off the beaten path is your thing, then visiting this beach will be a great choice. It offers beautiful views, privacy, and refreshing crystal-clear water, making it perfect for families, couples, and friends alike.
The name of the beach, Kolokytha, has Greek origins, and it means ‘pumpkin‘. It is believed that this name comes from the pumpkin-like rocks that can be found on its serene shores.
Kolokitha beach is found on the eastern side of the Spinalonga peninsula, very close to the popular area of Elounda, and only 12 km north of Agios Nikolaos. This beautiful beach, whose name translates to “pumpkin”, is relatively small, with white sand, turquoise waters and a few tamarisk trees providing the necessary shade. During the summer, the boats that ply to and fro Spinalonga island make a quick stop here for people to swim. Due to this, the beach can become quite busy. This is why, if you have a car, it is best to time your visit before the first boat arrives early in the morning, or late in the afternoon after the last one departs. This will allow you to appreciate the beauty of the place without fear of disturbance. Most boat trips finish around 4 pm.
You will not find any amenities in Kolokitha Beach, however, Elounda is close by and can accommodate all your needs. In addition to food and water, you might want to bring an umbrella. Keep in mind that there is a 200 m walk from the parking spot where you can leave your car until you reach the beach. That is not a problem if you are taking the ferry. If you are driving, signs will guide you from Elounda, through the old windmills, salt-mines, and over a small stone bridge until the church of Agios Loukas. For those that prefer to walk, the distance from the bus stop in Elounda until the beach is about 2 km in total. The salt mines you will pass by form an important wetland, where many types of birds, including flamingos, can be spotted. If you arrive at the end of the summer, the white sea-lilies fill the air with their sugary scent. South of Kolokitha beach, you will find Vayu, a much quieter spot, that you can reach by walking and is a perfect alternative if you want to avoid the crowds. The peninsula has more swimming options on the northern side, which you can reach by boat or a longer hike. As you drive south, towards Agios Nikolaos and the Bay of Mirabello, you will spot the beaches of Candia, Havania and Ammoudi as well as the sandy coastline of Almyros.
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