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

All reviews are verified

Based on 3306 reviews

Review categories

Safety

5/5

Service

4.2/5

Staff

5/5

Value for money

3/5

All ratings (3306)

5 stars (1788)

54%

4 stars (1233)

37%

3 stars (251)

2 stars (21)

1 star (13)

A
Alison and Simone
Traveled with a group of friends
September 30, 2026
5
United Kingdom
Thoroughly enjoyed Spinalonga and visiting the villages i would have liked to stay longer at Agios Nicolas it was so nice there..The guide was very informative one of the best I've been on a trip with
D
Dave and Tara
Traveled as a couple
September 26, 2026
5
United Kingdom
Our guide was awesome. Christina . All travel was great. The TUI price was considerably above other la that had paid through local agencies however. But great trip
J
Jürgen M.
Traveled as a couple
October 6, 2026
5
Germany
Der Tourguide ist immer auf Fragen eingegangen und hatte immer Antworten. Wir waren rundum zufrieden und das Mittagessen war sehr lecker.
E
Ewald/Gisela
Traveled as a couple
October 5, 2026
5
Germany
Eine Atemberaubende Landschaft....genauso die Lebrainsel und das mehr farbige Wasser teilweise kristallklar.
A
Aliflet
Traveled with a group of friends
September 23, 2026
5
United Kingdom
Excellent day out. Beautiful scenery, comfortable travel, very informative guide. Everything was well organised and went according to plan. It was a long day, due to the distance from our hotel to the location, but were aware of that before booking
F
Frances
Traveled with a group of friends
September 22, 2026
5
United Kingdom
The boar trip was good and the facilities on it were very clean. The guide was very excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly. It was nice to have a bit of time to explore Heraklion the way back. It was a long day but well worth doing. I wouldn’t have missed any of it.