Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Day Trip from Heraklion

Join us for a guided day trip exploring the historical and natural beauty of eastern Crete. This comprehensive Spinalonga Tour from Heraklion takes you to the famous island of Spinalonga, the cosmopolitan town of Agios Nikolaos, and a traditional olive oil factory. We provide a full day of culture, history, and relaxation under the Mediterranean sun. Furthermore, our professional guides will ensure you discover the hidden secrets of the Cretan landscape.

Crete is an island of endless stories and deep traditions. On this Spinalonga Day Trip from Heraklion, you will see how ancient history survives in the modern world. We start our journey by driving along the scenic northern coast. As a result, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea before we reach our first major destination. This tour offers a perfect balance between educational sightseeing and peaceful leisure time.

Weekly Schedule

Monday and Wednesday: English, French, German, Polish.

Thursday: English, French, Russian.

Tuesday and Friday: English, Polish, Russian.

Saturday: English, French, German.

The History of Spinalonga Island

Starting from Elounda, you will enjoy a relaxing boat ride across the bay to Spinalonga Island. Many people call it the “Island of Tears” because of its emotional past. Originally, the Venetians built a formidable fort here to protect the harbor. Later, the island served as a leper colony during the 20th century. People lived in isolation here until 1957, creating their own town with shops and schools. Consequently, the island remains a powerful symbol of human resilience.

Your professional tour guide leads you through the stone walls and historic buildings during this Spinalonga Tour from Heraklion. You will hear moving stories of the people who lived there. In addition, the guide explains the history of the ancient city of Olous. This sunken city once stood nearby and its ruins still rest beneath the clear water. Walking through the abandoned streets feels like stepping back in time. Because of its unique atmosphere, Spinalonga is one of the most visited sites in Greece. You can also learn more about the island’s inclusion in the UNESCO tentative list on the official UNESCO website.

Relaxation at Kolokitha Bay

After visiting the island, we sail to the serene Kolokitha Bay. This hidden gem offers a peaceful escape from the crowds. Here, you will have plenty of time to swim in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. Many guests find the turquoise sea perfect for snorkeling. Alternatively, you can simply relax on the beach and soak up the Greek sun. The calm environment makes it an ideal spot for families and couples alike.

While you unwind, our crew serves a delicious BBQ lunch on board the boat. You can choose between a pork chop, chicken, or a vegetarian burger. Every meal includes a fresh Greek salad and refreshing wine or soft drinks. We use local ingredients to ensure the flavors are authentic and tasty. This meal provides the energy you need for the rest of your Spinalonga Day Trip from Heraklion adventures. Spending time on the deck of the boat is a highlight for many of our visitors.

Agios Nikolaos Day Trip from Heraklion

The tour continues to the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, which is the capital of the Lasithi region. This Agios Nikolaos Day Trip from Heraklion allows you to see one of the most beautiful seaside towns in Crete. Engineers built the town around the deep and picturesque Lake Voulismeni. Local legends say that the lake is bottomless and that Goddess Athena used to bathe in its waters. The lake connects to the sea through a narrow channel, creating a stunning focal point for the town.

You will have free time to explore the narrow streets and colorful shops of the town center. The marina is full of elegant boats and cozy cafes where you can enjoy a Greek coffee. Moreover, you might want to visit a small Byzantine chapel nearby. If you enjoy shopping, you can find many local souvenirs like handmade jewelry and Cretan textiles. This Agios Nikolaos Day Trip from Heraklion highlights the modern and vibrant side of Cretan life.

Exploring Cretan Flavors and Tradition

In addition to history and scenery, our Spinalonga Tour from Heraklion focuses on the island’s famous culinary heritage. Crete is famous for its healthy diet and long-living residents. Much of this health comes from the high quality of the local produce. By visiting small villages and local businesses, we help you understand why food is so important to the people of Crete. This part of the trip connects you with the land and the local farmers.

Moreover, the northern coast of Crete features unique geology and flora. As we travel between stops, look out for the wild herbs that grow on the hillsides. You might see sage, oregano, and thyme. These herbs provide the wonderful scents that fill the Cretan air. Our comfortable buses make the journey pleasant and easy for everyone. We want you to feel relaxed and well-informed throughout the entire day.

Traditional Olive Oil Factory Visit

On the return journey, we stop at a traditional Cretan olive oil factory. Olive oil is often called “green gold” in Greece. During this visit, you will learn about the olive oil-making process from start to finish. You will see how workers harvest the olives and press them into rich oil. Furthermore, the staff explains the cultural importance of olive trees in Crete. Some olive trees on the island are thousands of years old and still produce fruit today.

You also get the chance to taste some of the high-quality olive products of the island. This includes different types of oil and tasty olives. If you like the flavors, you can buy some products to take home with you. This stop is a great way to end your Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Day Trip from Heraklion experience. It combines education with a treat for your taste buds.

Practical Information for Your Tour

We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes for the visit to Spinalonga. The paths can be uneven and rocky in some places. Also, do not forget to bring your swimsuit and a towel for the stop at Kolokitha Bay. Sunscreen and a hat are essential to protect you from the strong Greek sun. We provide modern transport to make your day trip as comfortable as possible. Our team is always ready to answer your questions during the day.

This tour is suitable for people of all ages. However, please note that the boat ride and island walking require a basic level of mobility. We aim to provide a stress-free environment so you can focus on the beauty of Crete. Join us for this Spinalonga Tour from Heraklion and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you love history, nature, or food, this trip has something special for you. Book your spot today and discover the magic of eastern Crete with our expert team.

Highlights

Boat trip from Elounda across the bay to Spinalonga Island.
Guided tour of the Venetian fort and former leper colony.
Swimming stop at the clear waters of Kolokitha Bay.
BBQ lunch on board including Greek salad and wine/soft drinks.
Free time to explore the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos and Lake Voulismeni.
Visit to a Cretan olive oil factory with guided tasting.

Itinerary

08:00 – 09:20: Pickup from your hotel or meeting point.
10:30: Departure by boat from Elounda.
11:10: Arrival at Kolokitha Bay – Free time for swimming and BBQ lunch (1.5 hours).
12:45: Departure from Kolokitha Bay.
1:10 pm: Arrival at Spinalonga Island for the tour (approx. 1.5 hours).
2:45 pm: Departure from Spinalonga to Elounda.
3:00 pm: Arrival in Elounda.
3:45 pm: Visit the Olive Oil Factory and enjoy a tasting.
4:45 pm: Arrival in Agios Nikolaos for 1 hour of free time.
5:45 pm: Departure from Agios Nikolaos back to your hotel.
6:30 – 07:10 pm: Return time to your hotel.

According to how busy the island is, we might first visit the island and then Kolokytha beach.

The Spinalonga Tour with Lunch Includes

Hotel pick-up and drop off.
Transportation by modern buses.
Boat trip tickets.
Professional guided tour of Spinalonga.
Insurance.
BBQ lunch with options (pork chop, chicken, or vegetarian), Greek salad, and a glass of wine or soft drink.
Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Excludes

Entrance fee to Spinalonga Island €20. For reductions or free ticket cases please visit the 2026 Entrance Fees Page.

Only with a valid ID or passport: Free entrance for children up to 18 and young adults up to 25 from the European Union. Also, a 50% discount for European Union adults over 65.

The entrance is optional. People that do not wish to participate can enjoy the views or a coffee outside the fort.

What to Bring

Walking shoes for the tour of Spinalonga Island.

Swimming suit, towel, hat, sun protection items.

Camera to capture the beautiful views.

Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Tour Pricing

The cost of the Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga tour with lunch is 42 euros for adults and 21 euros for children. Infants are free.

Not Suitable For

People with walking problems.

Our Spinalonga Island Tour includes a transfer service. We pick you up from your hotel or a nearby meeting point. After the tour, we drop you back at the same place. You will travel in a clean bus with air-conditioning. Our drivers and tour guides ensure a safe journey.

Areas of Service: 

Heraklion, Ammoudara Beach, Karteros, Gournes, Agia Pelagia

Agia Pelagia every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

For more information about the exact meeting points visit our pick up list.

Agios Nikolaos – Spinalonga Tour

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