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 it. See it through the eyes of a local on this exclusive full day tour, which also takes in two coastal towns on Mirabello Bay. Veta, one of our guides, says, 'You'll visit the pretty fishing village of Elounda and the seaside town of Agios Nikolaos. You'll try some typical Cretan food in a taverna, too.'

Spinalonga has been many things throughout its existence, including a Venetian outpost and an Ottoman town. It was even a leper colony, which led to it being dubbed the ‘Isle of Tears'. You'll take a walk with our local guide, who'll lead you along narrow lanes of long-abandoned roofless dwellings and show you around the fortress and the colony, which closed in the 1950s. What's more, you'll beat the crowds by arriving early on the first ferry of the day.

Later, you'll sail back via the seaside village of Elounda. You'll have some free time to explore at your own pace. Swim, stretch out in the sunshine or watch the world go by at one of the many family-run bars on the waterfront. Then, it's onto a nearby taverna for a tasty Cretan lunch. Rounding off the day is a visit to Agios Nikolaos, a chic coastal town sheltered by two offshore islets. Many make a beeline for the bars overlooking the boat-fringed inshore lake.

What is the itinerary for this experience?

The itinerary for this experience is...

- 8:00am (approx., depending on your area) – pick-up from your hotel

- 9:00am to 9:10am – arrive in Elounda

- 9:15am to 9:30am – boat departure to Spinalonga Island

- 10:00am to 12:00pm – guided visit and free time on Spinalonga Island

- 12:15pm – depart from Spinalonga Island

- 12:30pm – arrive back in Elounda, with free time for swimming and lunch

- 2:15pm – depart for Agios Nikolaos

- 2:30pm – arrive in Agios Nikolaos with free time to explore

- 4:00pm – depart from Agios Nikolaos and return to your hotel

Please note, the times and schedule may vary on the day

Why you’ll love this…

There's plenty to see on this tour to the islet of Spinalonga on the first ferry of the day
You'll visit the Venetian fortress and former leper colony on a guided walk
It's time to explore with free time in the seaside villages of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos
Sampling local flavours at a typical Cretan lunch in a local taverna is a tasty treat
Your expert local guide has an unrivalled knowledge of Crete and its people

What people say about this experience

4.4/5

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Based on 2920 reviews

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5/5

Service

5/5

Staff

5/5

Value for money

5/5

All ratings (2920)

5 stars (1593)

55%

4 stars (1094)

37%

3 stars (206)

2 stars (17)

1 star (10)

B
Brett
Traveled as a couple
July 8, 2026
3.4
United Kingdom
Time on the island was to short,we would have liked to have spent longer.
G
Gemma
Traveled with family
July 4, 2026
5
United Kingdom
Coach was a little late for pick up but got a call to let us know what was happening. Our guide, Maria, was exceptional- so knowledgeable. She was a local and had so much information about Spinalonga, she was very friendly and approachable. This trip was the highlight of my holiday. Would recommend to anyone who as read The Island by Victoria Hislop.
S
Suzanne
Traveled with a group of friends
July 4, 2026
4.2
United Kingdom
Great day out, the guide was very knowledgeable and helpful.
S
Spinalonga tour
Traveled as a couple
July 1, 2026
4.6
United Kingdom
bobi was a really informative guide, she was really good at answering any questions. The only thing that was a little difficult was that the earpiece sometimes cut out so you missed bits of the information she was telling you.
H
Holiday Queen
Traveled with a group of friends
July 1, 2026
4.2
United Kingdom
The guided tour of Spinalonga was enjoyable, the guide was very knowledgeable and informative. You have ample time to explore and see all the different parts of the island. What let it down wasn’t the tour itself but the 25 min delay in being collected from our hotel, 6 of us were waiting in the blazing heat where just a notification of their delay would have been welcome. Also the guide spent a lot of time on people who was on a “no thrills” tour helping them to purchase entry tickets.
J
Julie
Traveled as a couple
June 29, 2026
4.6
United Kingdom
Lovely boat ride to Spinalonga Island where our very knowledgeable guide shared all the history of the beautiful island. After the boat trip back we had lunch in Alounda which accommodated my food intolerances without issue and then time to look around the lovely town before going to Agreas Nikolaos to wander round some of the artisan shops that are found there. Fantastic day hats and sunscreen essential ensure your shoulders are covered, there is very little shelter from the sun on the island.