The tiny island 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 the islet. You'll sail to Spinalonga from Elounda, a 25-minute cruise.

On arrival at the islet – which is no more than 435m long and 230m wide – you'll find yourself immersed in its history straight away. Over the years, 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 Venetian fortress and the leper colony – which closed in the 1950s. See the main street, still lined with the shops and houses where the lepers attempted to live ordinary lives. And look round the old hospital and graveyard. After fascinating if poignant visit, you'll board the boat and sail back to Elounda.

Great trip overall. Unfortunately, we did feel that the guide, although a lovely lady, could improve on her presentation techniques. At the start there was a lot of faffing with tickets then a lot of standing about at the entrance listening. The kids were getting restless. It would have been better if she'd explained some of the history through the speaker on the boat then talked less on the tour, allowing us to explore. I'd have liked to have heard more about the lepers and their stories.

Es war sehr lebendig durch die Schilderungen un d die Hintergründe dessen, was wir gesehen haben.

The guide Maria was extremely knowledgeable and made the whole experience very pleasant and interesting with the historic facts about the island.,

We choose to make our own way to Elounda harbour and was greeted by the captain of the boat and informed our guide would be with us shortly and were invited onboard. Maria was a delightful guide, and the tour group was not of big numbers like some seen whilst there. Unfortunately two of the hearing devices lost charge, fortunately it was the latter part of the tour and were able to follow closer to Maria the guide to still hear.

This was a very well organised trip from start to finish. The guide Maria was very knowledgable and friendly and she made the trip. We don’t normally do guided tours, but had heard different views about this one so decided to go to see for ourselves. The history of the island is both amazing and sad. We really enjoyed it and learned a lot.

Why you’ll love this…

Spinalonga island
Venetian fortress
Former leper colony

Important to know

You will meet your guide at 08:50 in Elounda square in the church under the clock
Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
Transfers not included
Bring your passport or official EU identification
Food and drinks not included

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What’s included

Boat trip
Entrance to Spinalonga
Guide

This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Location

Provider

TUI Hellas Travel, Tourism and Airlines SA

What people say about this experience

4.6/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 82 reviews

Review categories

Value for money

3.8/5

Service

5/5

Safety

5/5

Staff

3.8/5

All ratings (82)

5 stars (53)

65%

4 stars (25)

30%

3 stars (4)

2 stars (0)

1 star (0)

W
Webster77
Travelled with family
11 April 2026
4.2
United Kingdom
Great trip overall. Unfortunately, we did feel that the guide, although a lovely lady, could improve on her presentation techniques. At the start there was a lot of faffing with tickets then a lot of standing about at the entrance listening. The kids were getting restless. It would have been better if she'd explained some of the history through the speaker on the boat then talked less on the tour, allowing us to explore. I'd have liked to have heard more about the lepers and their stories.
C
Cornelia
Travelled with a group of friends
11 April 2026
5
Germany
Es war sehr lebendig durch die Schilderungen un d die Hintergründe dessen, was wir gesehen haben.
R
Roland
Travelled as a couple
17 April 2026
3.8
Germany
C
Cristina
Solo traveller
28 August 2025
5
United Kingdom
The guide Maria was extremely knowledgeable and made the whole experience very pleasant and interesting with the historic facts about the island.,
J
Jo
Travelled with family
26 August 2025
4.6
United Kingdom
We choose to make our own way to Elounda harbour and was greeted by the captain of the boat and informed our guide would be with us shortly and were invited onboard. Maria was a delightful guide, and the tour group was not of big numbers like some seen whilst there. Unfortunately two of the hearing devices lost charge, fortunately it was the latter part of the tour and were able to follow closer to Maria the guide to still hear.
C
Cmads
Travelled with family
13 June 2025
5
United Kingdom
This was a very well organised trip from start to finish. The guide Maria was very knowledgable and friendly and she made the trip. We don’t normally do guided tours, but had heard different views about this one so decided to go to see for ourselves. The history of the island is both amazing and sad. We really enjoyed it and learned a lot.