Elounda is a small fishing town on the bay of Elounda, on the northern east coast of the island of Crete. It is part of the municipality of Agios Nikolaos and the prefecture of Lassithi. It is very popular within European tourists and has several luxurious hotels, making it a top holiday destination in Crete. There is a great number of quality restaurants and one of the most renowned attraction is its sandy beach, considered one of the best in Crete and offering water sport facilities. Elounda is also famous for the little island of Spinalonga which is located at the the entrance of Elounda harbor where a Venetian fortress was built in 1579.