The tiny isle of Spinalonga is just a short hop away from Crete but a visit is like stepping back in time. Centuries of history are packed within the walls that encircle it. You'll sail to Spinalonga from Elounda, a 25-minute cruise away, and also visit Agios Nikolaos. This is one of our TUI Collection excursions, which give you a local flavour of the destination while showcasing its unique, authentic and responsible values.
Spinalonga has been a Venetian outpost, an Ottoman town and a leper colony, which led to it being dubbed the ‘isle of tears'. A guided walk will show you around the fortress and the colony – which closed in the 1950s. Spinalonga is one of Crete's best-known features and a location in Victoria Hislop's bestselling novel, The Island.
Later, you'll sail back to Elounda. Swim, stretch out in the sunshine or watch the world go by at a café. You'll also have lunch in a local taverna. And rounding off the day is a visit to Agios Nikolaos, a lively seaside town sheltered by two offshore islets.
