spinalonga tour from hersonissos

Visiting Spinalonga Island Crete

• David Angel
• Crete , Greece

Spinalonga Island is a small island located in northeastern Crete, near Agios Nikolaos. It is one of the most popular destinations and one of the best places to visit in Crete. This tiny island is one of the strongest fortresses in the Mediterranean, but better known as the site of Greece’s last leper colony.

Welcome to my guide to Spinalonga Island in Crete. In this article, I explore the history of Spinalonga, especially its time as one of the last leprosy colonies in Europe. I also suggest tours to Spinalonga, and comprehensive advice on getting to Spinalonga Island from the three ports offering trips there.

I hope you find it helpful, and enjoy your visit to Spinalonga.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Spinalonga

Spinalonga Island is one of the most popular day trip destinations in Crete.

It is best known as the site of one of the last leper colonies in Europe, where people suffering from leprosy (also known as Hansen’s Disease) were banished.

The tragic history of Spinalonga was made more widely known by Victoria Hislop in her 2005 novel The Island , and I think it’s important to bear witness to these dark times.

Spinalonga was also a formidable sea fortress, built by the Venetians in the late 16 th century to defend the Gulf of Elounda and the northeast coast of Crete.

The setting of Spinalonga is spectacular, surrounded by gorgeous clear turquoise water. And it deserves to be recognized as one of the outstanding landmarks in Crete .

Spinalonga History

The island of Spinalonga has been of strategic importance for millennia, as it stands at the entrance to the ancient port of Olous.

Under Venetian rule, the area around the island and entrance to the Gulf of Elounda was used to harvest salt from the sea. 

They recognised the strategic location of the island, and fortified it to guard the northeast coast of Crete. Along with Gramvousa , near Balos Beach in the far west of the island, and Souda) it served to guard the whole island of Crete from naval attack. The 16th-century fortress ensured that the island was impregnable.

The Ottoman Empire conquered all of Crete during the Cretan War of 1645 to 1669 – except for the three coastal forts. Spinalonga was home to Christian refugees for over 40 years, until it fell in 1715.

Spinalonga later served as a last refuge for the Ottoman Turks who fled there during the Cretan Revolt of 1878.

After the Turks left in 1903, the island became a place of exile, and was used as a leper colony until 1957. Conditions on the island were horrendously harsh for the first few decades.  Patients were banished there without any medical care. 

Conditions greatly improved after 1936, when a law student from Athens, Epaminondas Remountakis, was sent to the island. He had tried to hide his symptoms for years, and once on Spinalonga, set about making great improvements for the inhabitants of Spinalonga.

He founded the Brotherhood of the Sick of Spinalonga. His initiatives included the opening of the perimeter path around the island, the opening of a café and cinema, and the whitewashing of the patients’ houses. A public address system was also set up, so that classical music could be played on the streets of the island.

An antibiotic cure was found for leprosy in 1948 – and by 1957 the leper colony had been phased out and closed down. The buildings fell into decay and ruin over the following years.

Interest in the island was sparked by Victoria Hislop’s 2005 novel The Island .  It tells the story of the island through lead character Alexis Fielding, who discovers a family secret. Her grandmother and great-grandmother had contracted leprosy, and both were forced to live at the Spinalonga leper colony.

What Is Leprosy ?

Leprosy is an infectious disease affecting the skin, nerves and eyes. Untreated, it could lead to nerve damage, muscle weakness, a reduced ability to feel pain, and even a loss of fingers, toes and sections of the nose.  It can also affect the respiratory tract.

As well as suffering great pain, sufferers of leprosy would also be subjected to social isolation, discrimination and stigmatization.

From ancient times to the 20 th century, very little was known about leprosy.  People who contracted leprosy were forcibly banished, as on Spinalonga.  It was believed that all contact with them had to be avoided, but this is a myth. It takes prolonged contact with a leprosy sufferer, usually over months, before one can contract the bacterial infection.

An antibiotic cure for leprosy was found in 1948. However. According to the World Health Organisation , over 200,000 cases of leprosy are reported annually.

What To See At Spinalonga

1. spinalonga fortress.

As you approach the island, the most prominent sight is the Mocenigo Bulwark tower on the highest point of Spinalonga. It was added at the same time as the fortress towers close to the shoreline. These were built by the Venetians during the late 16 th century. And these fortifications were never breached.

Good To Know : You should wear sturdy walking or hiking shoes when visiting Spinalonga. If you venture off the perimeter path to the ruined houses and bastion higher up the hill, there are some very uneven surfaces. Some of the terrain is what you would encounter on a moderate level hike.

2. Dante’s Gate

Upon arrival, leprosy sufferers would disembark and walk through this gate and the tunnel beyond it to the leper colony of Spinalonga Island.

For many, especially in the early years of the colony, the sight of this gate and tunnel meant they wouldn’t see the outside world again. It’s a horrendous thought.

Sadly, far more suffering awaited anyone left on Spinalonga.

3. Spinalonga Leper Colony and Museum

The residents lived in the houses on the west side of Spinalonga island, below the fortress. The houses are all roofless ruins.  This is the area where sturdy walking shoes are necessary. The terrain is often rough and uneven.

It struck me as inhumane to abandon people somewhere like this.  They were often seriously ill, and had to contend with getting around an island like this in terrible conditions.  The poor souls confined there would have dreaded the punishing heat of summer afternoons, when temperatures would often touch 40 degrees Centigrade.

When a patient arrived on Spinalonga, they were largely left to fend for themselves. There was no running water or sanitation, living conditions were primitive and basic. There was no treatment for leprosy. People were just abandoned there.

The small Museum – in the few intact buildings left on the island – documents some of these appalling conditions.  The exhibition includes some photographs and testimonies, and some board games etched into rocks.

4. Spinalonga Beach

This beach is a small patch of rocky shoreline below the fortifications on the west side of the island. The water is crystal-clear, and the views are spectacular.

But there are many sharp rocks underfoot, so water shoes are essential if you intend to swim.  

5. Spinalonga Churches

There are two churches on Spinalonga – Agios Panteleimon on the west side and Agios Georgios on the east side of the island.

Agios Panteleimon was built by the Venetians, around 1661, and restored by the leprosy patients for use. It held regular services, and also hosted baptisms, weddings and funerals.

Agios Georgios is on the other side of Spinalonga island, next to the footpath around the perimeter.

The Spinalonga cemetery is a two-minute walk beyond the church, assuming that you walk around the island in a clockwise direction.

Tours To Spinalonga Island

Many visitors opt to visit Spinalonga as part of a tour – as we did. Tours from Heraklion to Spinalonga tend to pick up from any of the resorts en route (Gournes, Hersonissos, Stalis, Malia and more). They also tend to be packages, also including stops elsewhere.

This Spinalonga tour from Heraklion also includes stops at an olive oil farm, the city of Agios Nikolaos, and the villages of Elounda and Plaka.

Several tour companies also run tours to Spinalonga in combination with a beach barbecue and time for a swim off Kolokitha beach – My wife and son, the two family fish, opted for this and had an amazing time.

We visited Spinalonga on this tour , which also took us to Agios Nikolaos and the mountainous hinterland of Crete. This included the gorgeous Lassithi Plateau and Cave of Zeus in one of the hills above it.

You can also go on a Spinalonga tour from Rethymno . This includes a visit to the island, a swim in Kolokytha Bay and time in Agios Nikolaos.

Bear in mind that you don’t tend to find tours to Spinalonga from Chania. It’s just too far away. It’s almost a 4-hour drive each way.

Spinalonga Tip : Check how long your tour allows you on Spinalonga. Most tours seem to give you an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half.

We spent an hour and a half on Spinalonga island. This is enough for many visitors. With hindsight I would have liked an extra half an hour or so.

Where Is Spinalonga Island

Spinalonga is a tiny island at the entrance to the Gulf of Elounda in northeastern Crete,  3 miles (5 km) north of the small town of Elounda. It’s part of Lassithi province. It’s also just off the northern end of the Kalydon Peninsula, which is sometimes referred to as the Spinalonga Peninsula.

Distances from Spinalonga Island:

• Plaka – 1 km
• Elounda – 5 km south
• Agios Nikolaos – 15 km south
• Heraklion – 67 km west

How To Get To Spinalonga Crete

Ultimately, the only way to get to Spinalonga is by boat. You can do so from Plaka, Elounda or Agios Nikolaos. Many tour packages tend to use the Plaka Spinalonga ferry, the shortest boat trip to the island.

Plaka to Spinalonga Boat

The boat from Plaka to Spinalonga takes around 10 minutes. The adult return fare in 2024 is €12, and children cost €6. Make sure you bring cash – the ticket booth on the jetty in Plaka doesn’t accept card payment.

And you can’t book online either.

You can drive to Plaka or catch regular buses from Agios Nikolaos bus station or Elounda.

Elounda to Spinalonga Boat

Regular boats run from the port in Elounda, which is next to the marina. The journey takes 20-30 minutes. The boats leave every 30 minutes between 9 am and 5-6 pm. The return journey costs €15.

Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga Boat

The further your starting point is from Spinalonga, the higher the cost. So if you’re just planning to visit Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos, you’re looking at €20. Some operators offer a guided tour of the island as part of the package.

The Agios Nikolaos Spinalonga boat trips often also include a swimming stop at Kolokitha Bay.

Spinalonga Opening Times

The official Spinalonga opening hours are between 8.30 am and 8.30 pm from April 1 st to October 31 st .

The island of Spinalonga is then nominally closed from November 1 st to March 31 st . However, the island is open on weekends in favourable weather conditions. My advice, having spent a November in Crete, is not to count on it or plan ahead around it!

You can also check the official Greek culture and monuments website, Odysseus . Click here for information on Spinalonga .

Bear in mind that it’s an old website, and if the link takes you to a homepage instead (it shouldn’t, but…) then click on F in the alphabetical index and then click on ‘Fortified Islet of Spinalonga’ .

Spinalonga Tickets

Adult tickets cost €8.

Children and reductions (seniors, students) cost €4.

Bear in mind that these entrance fees are not included in any Spinalonga tour costs. 

Spinalonga Island Crete FAQs

Is Spinalonga Worth Visiting

Yes, Spinalonga is definitely worth visiting.

Does Spinalonga Have A Beach?

Yes, Spinalonga does have a beach.  The water is beautiful, but I wouldn’t go out of your way to visit the beach. It’s full of sharp stones and rocks, so water shoes are essential if you plan to go there.

Is Spinalonga a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

No, not yet. It was accepted onto the UNESCO Tentative List in 2014. It can take a decade or more for a submission to reach acceptance onto the UNESCO World Heritage List. I worked on a successful bid for UNESCO World Heritage status back in 2011 – and it took ten years for it to be formally accepted.

Is there somewhere to eat and drink on Spinalonga?

Yes, there is a café with an adjacent souvenir shop. However, it is ridiculously expensive – €3 for a small bottle of water, €5 for a small can of Coke – so my advice is to bring your own!

Visiting Spinalonga – Personal Thoughts

I think it’s a great thing that Victoria Hislop’s book brought the story of Spinalonga to a much wider audience.

However, I feel much more of the story of the leprosy patients should be told. These people were demeaned and discriminated against, indeed dehumanized. One of the most shocking stories of Spinalonga is that the patients were forced to give up their healthy babies. The whole story is absolutely appalling.

I hope that this and other stories are better documented in future.

Spinalonga Island In Popular Culture

Spinalonga Island has been made famous by Victoria Hislop’s book. This in turn inspired to Greek TV series To Nisi about the island.

In my research for this article I was also delighted to come across a short early film by one of my cinema heroes, the German director Werner Herzog.

His film Last Words ( Letzte Worte ) was shot in two days in 1968, based around a fictional character who was the last inhabitant to leave the island. You can watch it on YouTube here . It is quite bizarre, but worth seeing just for the scenes with the two policemen.

Spinalonga Island Crete – Final Words

I hope you have found my guide to visiting Spinalonga useful.

Spinalonga is one of the most popular places to visit in eastern Crete, and we have written many more articles on this region. Don’t miss my guide to Elounda Crete , one of the most exclusive resorts in Greece, and still a lovely seaside village.

Take a look at my guide to the best Agios Nikolaos beaches . This covers all the beaches around Agios Nikolaos city, a half-hour drive south of Spinalonga and Plaka. There are some superb beaches around Agios Nikolaos, particularly Almiros Beach, just to the south of the city.

Also don’t miss my guide to Voulisma Beach , a stunning tropical paradise a short drive or bus ride from Agios Nikolaos.

Agios Nikolaos is a short drive from some of the most beautiful landscapes in Crete, including the gorgeous Lassithi Plateau. Check out our Unique Crete Tours Review for more on this. Also take a look at my guide to Kritsa Crete , one of the most beautiful villages on the island.

Don’t miss my guide to Sissi Crete , one of the most beautiful villages in Crete. This small harbour village below the mountains is gorgeous, with superb mountain views and stunning summer sunsets.

It’s not far from there to the party town of Malia. Check out my guide to the best Malia Beaches , and my individual guide to Potamos Beach .

There’s plenty more to see along this highly developed stretch of coast. Take a look at my guide to Stalis Beach (also known as Stalida Beach) and the nearby Lychnostatis Open Air Museum .  And don’t miss my guide to the best Hersonissos Beaches and Old Hersonissos village, a taste of a quieter Crete on the hill above the resort town.

Finally, don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in Heraklion , the capital of Crete, including the Knossos Palace, beaches and superb Greek food. And see my guide to visiting Heraklion Archaeological Museum , the best museum in Crete.

David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times.  David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.

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• About this activity

Heraklion, Malia, Hersonissos: Spinalonga & Kritsa Bus Tour

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Selective hotel pickup
• Multiple languages
• Embark on a fascinanting adventure to the fabled island of Spinalonga
• Hear about Spinalonga's history as a pirate refuge and Venetian fortification
• Take unforgettable photos the unique Kritsa
• Taste the unique Cretan olive oil

Activity location

• Agios Nikolaos
• Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Meeting/Redemption Point

• Tue, Apr 30 -
• Wed, May 1 -
• Thu, May 2 -
• Fri, May 3 -
• Sat, May 4 -
• Sun, May 5 -
• Mon, May 6 $41
• Tue, May 7 -
• Wed, May 8 $41
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• Sun, May 12 -
• Mon, May 13 $41
• Tue, May 14 -

Spinalonga-Kritsa Half-Day Lunch Box

• Activity duration is 6 hours 6h 6h

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Boat ticket.
• What's included What's included Guided tour in English French, German every day, availability in , and Polish on specific days.
• What's included What's included Transport by luxury air conditioned bus.
• What's included What's included Pickup and drop-off from your hotel harbor or designated meeting points
• What's included What's included Lunch Box (Toast, Croissant, Water, Juice).
• What's included What's included Refund 24 hours prior to departure.
• What's included What's included All Fees and Taxes.
• What's excluded What's excluded Spinalonga entry fees (8€).
• What's excluded What's excluded Tips and personal expenses.
• What's excluded What's excluded Anything that is not specified in the program as included.

What you can expect

Our tour begins from Elounda where we take the boat for Spinalonga island. Spinalonga is the last leper colony in Europe Originally, Venetians fortified the islet in 1579, by building a fortress with 40 cannons and they are actually the best preserved walls in Europe.

It used to be a leper colony from 1903 until 1957, where lepers could have a better life, medical help and economical support. The ruins of the market street with the shops, the hospital and many small houses in which lepers lived isolated, can be visited by on your own.

Kritsa is a village in the east of the island of Crete , located 10 km from Agios Nikolaos in Lasithi. A beautiful small village in the mountain foothills, with narrow winding lanes and plenty of character. Renowned for the skill of the local weavers and embroiderers, many tourists visit just to see the beautiful lacework, table clothes and other cloths on display and for sale in the village.

This picturesque village is built into a hillside and is very steep, adding to its charm and scenery, however it was not built for modern cars. Nearby is the ruin of the Dorian city of Lato.

Thought to have nominated in this area in the fifth and fourth century BC . Nearby also is the gorge of the same name and Katharo plateau leading through the Dikti mountains to Lasithi plateau..

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Full Day Trip - Bus Tour to Spinalonga Island, Agios Nikolaos, and Elounda

Description.

Spend the unforgettable day in one of the most beautiful areas of Crete! You will enjoy a boat trip along the picturesque  gulf of Mirabello , a fascinating tour of the miniature Spinalonga island and swimming in Kolokitha Bay.

We will drive to the east of the island, pass through the gorge of St. George, and turning to the north, reach the one of the most popular and luxurious resorts of  Crete –  Elounda .

From there we will take a boat and sail to the  island of Spinalonga , where you will have a guided tour, during which you will get acquainted with centuries-old history and culture of the island.

Ending the walk around the fortress, we will continue our boat trip to  Kolokitha bay  where you will have time to swim in the crystal clear waters of the bay.

Returning to Elounda, we will have enough time to discover the town and have lunch in one of local taverns. After that we will get on the bus once again and head to the picturesque town of  Agios Nikolaos . Walking along its promenade and relaxing in one of the coffee shops located around the famous bottomless lake, will be a perfect end of this beautiful day.

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NOTE : The pick-up and drop-off time can be changed during the season. The correct pick-up time will be shown on your ticket. The drop-off time is approximate and delays can occur.

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The Perfect Spinalonga Tour From Heraklion (or Other Towns in Crete)

After booking my 4-day trip to Crete , it took me about a minute to also book a Spinalonga tour from Heraklion.

Ever since I read the bestseller, ‘The Island’ by Victoria Hislop (aka one of the best books set in Greece ), I knew I wanted to visit Crete and Spinalonga island.

Though the characters were fictional, the story of an isolated community living on an island turned into a leper colony was very much real. So what’s exactly all the fuss about this tiny piece of land?

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

*This post includes my honest opinion of a tour I had personally taken and paid for. Read more reviews and check its latest prices here.

Still haven’t booked your accommodation in Heraklion? Check out Rea Hotel (budget), Atrion Hotel (mid-range), and Lavris City Suites (luxury).

Table of Contents

Why Visit Spinalonga Island

The Mediterranean island of Spinalonga has a rather interesting history even before it served as a leper colony, which makes it a visit-worthy place.

Its strategic position protecting the Elounda harbor was the reason why the Venetians decided to fortify it in the 16th century , and today, you can see the remains of these fortifications.

After the Venetian rule had ended, Spinalonga also served as a place of shelter for the Christians when the Ottomans took over Crete and for the Ottomans when the Cretans raised against them.

It was only in the early 20th century that the island was used as a leper colony. The last inhabitant left the island in 1962, and today, you can explore the ruins of the former leper colony.

Check out all the details of this Spinalonga tour here.

The Advantages of a Guided Spinalonga Tour From Heraklion

No wasting time and energy on getting there by public transportation.

I’m all for taking day trips on my own, but if I need to switch buses and the timetables are tricky, I much prefer finding an alternative.

When I checked how to get to Spinalonga from Heraklion on my own, I realized this tour was going to save me time and energy.

If you still want to get to know your options (You can check out the timetable of the bus from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos here ):

Option 1:  Take a bus from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos and another bus to Plaka (the closest village to the island from which you can take a short boat ride). The problem is that the bus to Plaka departs from Agios Nikolaos only every two hours.

Option 2:  Take the bus from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos and another bus to Elounda, where you can also take a boat ride to the island.

Option 3:  Take a bus from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos and take a cruise from there to Spinalonga (which is a lot longer than the boat ride from Plaka).

So it’s not impossible to take this day trip independently, but I must say that the tour has made it so much simpler, and I loved not having to worry about missing my bus.

I got picked up from and dropped off on the main road only a minute away from my hotel, and the bus was air-conditioned and clean.

There Are a Few Extra Stops Along the Way

On the specific tour that I had taken , we got some free time to explore Agios Nikolaos, Plaka, and Elounda, and not just Spinalonga island. I must say that it didn’t feel rushed, and I did manage to enjoy and get a taste of each place.

Since Crete is a big island and you have to prioritize when planning your itinerary, it was nice to see a bit more of it.

The Tour Is Guided, but You Don’t Follow Your Guide All the Time

It depends on the destination and the tour itself, but most of the time, being a part of a big group following a guide like a herd is not really my cup of tea.

I love taking small-group unique walking tours when I’m visiting a city, but when it becomes a giant group of people, I just can’t enjoy myself.

On this specific tour, the guide explained everything while we were on the bus. So on each stop (including Spinalonga itself), we only had free time, as opposed to other tours where you follow your guide around and then get like 5 minutes to yourself.

I know some people love having a guide around, but for me, this freedom was an advantage.

Read more about this Spinalonga tour and book it here.

The Disadvantages of a Guided Tour From Heraklion to Spinalonga Island

A minor thing I would have changed – instead of the free time we had in the town of Elounda, I would have loved to have an extra half an hour on Spinalonga island.

Another minor issue is that you depend on other people’s ability to get back on the bus on time. It obviously has nothing to do with the company organizing the tour, but it is something to consider.

The Tour Itself

You can read all the details about this full-day tour to Spinalonga here. Note that the price does not include the boat ride ticket and the admission to Spinalonga.

Also, you should bring a swimsuit and towels as the water around the island is extremely dreamy and there are a few spots where you can go swimming.

Important to know:  Since the specific tour I took is not available to book all year round (which means you won’t always see it on the website),  you can compare other Spinalonga excursions here.

First Stop: Agios Nikolaos

The morning drive from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos was super chilled.

On the way, we also picked up people staying in smaller towns like Hersonissos and Malia. It was a great chance to see these places that I probably wouldn’t have visited without the tour.

Getting to Agios Nikolaos, it’s easy to understand why many people choose it as their holiday destination.

This laid-back town offers views of the marina on one side, the Voulismeni Lake on the other, and little alleys packed with cute souvenir shops, cafes, and taverns. Strolling around and having a cup of coffee in front of the marina was the best start to our day.

Second Stop: Spinalonga

Our next stop was the village of Plaka, the closest point from which you can take the boat to Spinalonga. Within a few minutes, we were already on the island.

Apart from the Venetian fortifications, which you can already see from Plaka, you’ll mostly find the ruins of the old leper colony, as well as a small museum. Walking alongside the wall, you can also feast on fantastic scenic views of Crete’s coastline.

If you have enough time, the crystal-clear waters around the island are waiting just for you. You’ll find several spots to go down to the waterfront, so get your swimsuit ready.

Third Stop: Plaka

Getting back to Plaka, there’s enough time to have a delicious Greek lunch. Delphini was an excellent restaurant choice, thanks to the traditional food and the magnificent location overlooking the island.

Last Stop Before Going back to Heraklion: Elounda

Though I didn’t find this stop necessary, I could still admit that Elounda had charm (and I couldn’t refuse an afternoon cup of coffee in front of a colorful port).

This coastal town used to be a quiet fishing village, but today, it is yet another popular holiday destination in this part of Crete.

Are you going to book this Spinalonga tour ? Tell me in the comments or ask me anything else about it!

Pin this post for later and check out these beautiful Greece quotes and Greek-themed gifts that will fuel your wanderlust!

About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

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Hi, I'm Or!

I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

Spinalonga – Agios Nikolaos

€ 45.00

The excursion operates every Monday, Thursday, & Sunday with pick-ups: East of Heraklion (starting Malia, Stalis through Hersonissos, Gouves, Heraklion) and West Heraklion (Amoudara). Our excursion includes: Pick-up service at or near your hotel & return, Boat tickets, Lunch on boat, Spinalonga & Agios Nikolaos guided tours. Available Tour Languages are: English, French, German.

Accompanied service

Morning Pick up : We will start collecting participants from pick-up points in the morning. Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus drive will differ.

Bus Drive: 1,5 hours

1st stop: Agios Nikolaos – 2 hours : Explore the cosmopolitan town of Agios Nikolaos, the place where the boat sails from, towards the island of Spinalonga. Enjoy a morning walk and have a coffee around its beautiful port and Lake of the town. During Wednesdays, visitors can also enjoy the traditional bazaar as an additional attraction of this town. At 12:00 we will embark onto the boat and start our cruise.

Boat Trip: 50 minutes

Lunch : During the first 50 minutes of our cruise, lunch will be served on boat so travelers will enjoy their meal while crossing the unique Mirabello Bay, Agios Nikolaos coast and Elounda.

2nd stop: Kolokytha Bay – 35 minutes : Then the boat will stop at the beautiful bay of Kolokytha where travelers will have the chance to swim and dive from the cruise boat into the crystal clear waters. Life jackets are provided by the crew on board.

Boat Trip: 15 minutes

3rd stop: Spinalonga – 30 minutes : After the short boat trip, our groups will arrive at Spinalonga, the island of tears. There will be a guided tour by professional guides for about 30 minutes and some free time to admire the views and take photos!

Boat Trip: 1 hour

4th stop: Agios Nikolaos (End of the cruise - Arrival to resorts) : Embarkation in the buses and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning. Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ .

Bus Drive: 1 – 1.5 hours

Special offer

Description, additional information, spinalonga - agios nikolaos (+market on wednesdays).

Pick-up's from : Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos (port), Piskopiano, Anissaras, Analipsis, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Amnissos, Karteros, Heraklion (port), Amoudara (Gazi, Heraklion). [ Check the pick-up table list below to find out which is the most convenient pick-up point & time, near your hotel ]

Departing Port: Agios Nikolaos

Operating Days : Every Monday, Thursday, and Sunday  ( Alternatively check this excursion : Spinalonga BBQ )

Languages : English, French, German: all days

Tour includes : • Transportation in Air-Conditioned bus • Professional Driver • Tour Guide and guided tour on Spinalonga • Lunch on the boat • Boat Tickets for the cruise • All the legal taxes • Liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ • On Wednesday we also visit the Market (Ag.Nikolaos)

Extra Fees (not included in the price) Extras payable on the spot: Spinalonga Entrance: 8 € ( optional ), Extra snacks/drinks ( optional ) Extras payable on our website: -

Tour highlights: • Sail by boat from Agios Nikolaos through Mirabello Bay • Attend a Guided Tour of Spinalonga Island (one of the last leper colonies in the world) • Visit Kolokytha bay by boat • Lunch on the boat • Visit Agios Nikolaos and its Lake Voulismeni

Essentials to have with you: • Hat / Sunglasses / Sunscreen • Swimsuit / BeachTowel • Comfortable shoes • Water

Direction: East of Crete

Duration: 9 hours approximately - 128 Km (from/to Heraklion)

Overview: Eastbound on the national road, we arrive in Elounda and we sail to the island of Spinalonga. In Spinalonga we will have a guided tour around this famous island. Originally Venetians fortified the islet in 1579 by building a castle with 40 cannons and thus transforming it into a lethal stronghold for centuries. In the years between 1900 and 1957 human pain and sorrow were scattered around this islet. It became the colony for the lepers. Leper colony was closed in 1957 and 20 years were closed. Now fortress is open to thousands of tourists from all over the World. After our visit, we travel back to Aghios Nikolaos for a walk around the city centre...

Age Definition: Adults: Over 12 years old  (Full fare) Children: 4-12 years old  (50% discount) Infants: 0-3 years old  (Free of charge)

Booking Guiding Lines: ► Your Tour Language : Please check in the description which tour languages are available per day, and make sure your desired language is available on your chosen date ► Your Pick-up Point : Please check the list with all available pick-up points (and hours) from your area, on the table below

PRICING This excursion includes in its price: Your transfer r/t from your hotel to the port of Agios Nikolaos, the cost of the boat from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga with its return. The Adult Fare is applied to passengers of any age above 12 years old. The Child Fare applies to children between 4 and 12 years old (50% discount + extra's if chosen) and the Infant Fare to any child under 4 years old (Free of Charge // No seat reserved).

PICK-UP TABLE Just to help you see which pick-up suits you best, here's a table of hotel accommodations and their nearest pick-ups:

LET US HELP! Please don't hesitate to  contact us , in order to help you out choose the best pick-up that suits you best!

CANCELLATION 1. Customers who for any reason fail to participate in our excursions are obliged to inform us at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, no refund will be given. Cancelling at least 24 hours prior to departure, 100% full refund! 2. VisitCrete.com reserves the right to alter or cancel any tour, due to adverse weather conditions or, insufficient passenger number or, force majeure.

IMPORTANT INFO ► We do return money in case of bad weather (when the excursion is cancelled by the organizer tour operator). ► IMPORTANT: You need to be at least 10 minutes prior to your pick-up time at your pick-up point.

All you need to know about Spinalonga Island in this article: - Is it Worth Going to Spinalonga Island - Spinalonga Island History - Tips about Spinalonga Island - Useful Information about Spinalonga Island ARTICLE: Explore the Enigmatic Beauty of Spinalonga Island: A Must-Visit Destination in Crete!

For further information or bookings please call at telephone No.  (+30) 2810341560

Need HELP?   Check if we are online & chat with us!

We LOVE to answer questions...

You don't need to do any further action! Discount will be calculated automatically, as you book...

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Spinalonga Tour from Heraklion

Embarking on a Spinalonga Island tour from Heraklion in Crete is a captivating journey that combines history, and culture.

The Spinalonga Island tour starts by picking you up in the morning. Usually around 8:00 am. The tour guide will accompany you throughout the day. You will return back around 6:30 pm. We only use the best buses, guides and boats.

This Spinalonga tour has it all. A bus tour, a boat trip, swimming, lunch, a full tour, and a visit to Agios Nikolaos.

The bus drives along Crete’s coast towards the east. Along the way, we will go through the stunning St. George gorge and reach the fishing village of Elounda. One of the most beautiful bays in Crete.

Spinalonga Island Tour from Heraklion

We will arrive around 10:15 am at Elounda. Following this, we start our boat trip for the Spinalonga island at 10:30 am.

Upon our arrival at around 10:50 am, our Spinalonga tour guide will initiate a full tour of the island. This guided tour lasts around one hour. Learn about the history of the island and it’s sad past. Additionally, he will provide you with extra time to walk around and take lots of photographs.

After the tour of Spinalonga Island, we will get back to our boat and head for Kolokitha bay. Here you will have plenty of time to swim in the crystal clear waters and also enjoy a  BBQ . You have three choices. Chicken, pork, or a vegetarian dish. We will stay at Kolokytha bay for two hours.

Following the lunch, we will return to Elounda. Our next stop is the  town of Agios Nikolaos.

You can explore the local market or relax at one of the lake side coffee shops. We will stay about one hour in Agios Nikolaos.

Spinalonga Tour from Heraklion Details

Heraklion schedule.

English ,  French ,  German ,  Polish , 

Heraklion Pick Up Points

Astoria Hotel Entrance, Galaxy Hotel Entrance, Historical Museum Main road.

Places of Visit

Agios Nikolaos Town, Elounda Bay, Elounda Village, Spinalonga Island

Spinalonga Tour with BBQ from Heraklion

Spinalonga Tour with Lunch - Day Trip

Spinalonga Island Excursion and Olive Oil Tour

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