Spinalonga tours and activities
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.
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Spinalonga Island guided tour with seaside villages and lunch
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. See it through the eyes of a true local on this full-day tour of its must-see monuments.
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Heraklion airport VIP service and lounge
Make your wait at the airport a breeze with our VIP airport service. Avoid all the usual hassle as you're fast tracked through check-in and security to enjoy unlimited drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi and more in the exclusive departure lounge. An altogether more relaxed way to round off your stay.Greeted on arrival at Heraklion Airport, the VIP service sees you sail through check-in and security with our fast track pass – giving you more time to take advantage of the comfortable VIP lounge and all its benefits.Inside, you've access to complimentary coffee, tea, water, soft drinks and snacks, as well as selected alcoholic beverages too. What's more, there's unlimited free Wi-Fi and access to TV, magazines and newspapers, allowing you to relax right up to take off.
Scene Malia White Party at Apollo Club
Get ready to glow at the White Party. Rock your best all-white fit and soak up the hottest urban beats from top DJs til the early hours, spicing up the Old Skool classics with new jams. With our hype MC and fire-breathing dancers in glam white, the vibe's electric. It's the ultimate blend of elegance and wild party energy, making it the must-attend event where the night's vibe is as fresh as your fit.
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Amazonas Park and glass-bottom boat tour
It's all about Crete's wild side on this tour. You'll come face-to-face with monkeys, meerkats lemurs and more at Amazonas Park nature reserve and see a world below the waves with a glass-bottom boat trip. And in between, there's free time to chill out in Agios Nikolaos.Your destination for the morning is Amazonas Park, an animal refuge, where you'll get up-close to some of the world's most unusual, beautiful and endangered animals. You'll also find out about their rainforest environments, and how we can help with conservation efforts.At Agios Nikolaos town, you'll have a couple of hours to shop or grab lunch overlooking Mirabello Bay. Next, hop on to a glass-bottom boat for a trip in the bay. You'll glide out into the bay aboard a semi-submarine which features windows beneath the surface. Kids and adults will have a great time spotting the likes of loggerhead sea turtles and multicoloured fish darting around the rocks.
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Heraklion Watercity Waterpark with Transfer
A day in the waterpark is the ultimate family holiday activity. The mix of high-octane thrills and relaxing fun means there's something for everyone and very mood. And that's Watercity themed waterpark down to a T.
Agios Nikolaos Market & Amazonas Park Nature Reserve Tour
A trip that combines traditional Crete with its wild side. You'll drive through scenic landscapes and wander through the pretty harbour town of Agios Nikolaos – with an optional market visit. But then there's the twist to the tale with a visit to Amazonas Park nature reserve.After pick-up at your hotel, you'll head to Agios Nikolaos, where you'll have a couple of hours to explore on your own. Pick up tasty treats or souvenirs at the street market, stop for a drink in one of the waterfront cafés or gaze into Lake Voulismeni, which local legend says is bottomless.Next up, we'll head towards Mirabello Bay in the northeast of the island. Your destination is Amazonas Park, an animal refuge, where you will come face-to-face with some of the world's most unusual, beautiful and endangered animals. You'll also find out about their rainforest environments, and how we can help with conservation efforts.
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Legend has it that the gods created Dia Island and there's certainly something heavenly about it. On this trip, you'll set sail to the mythical isle whilst enjoying all-inclusive drinks and a tasty lunch onboard. What's more, with plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling and even a spot of fishing too, this trip really gets the holiday vibes going.
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With plenty of free time to explore at your own pace, this morning trip to the romantic town of Rethymnon is as relaxing as they come. You'll journey along the west coast of Crete to Rethymnon where you'll discover history, architecture and charm by the bucket-load.
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Family tour to the mountains of Crete with Mythological Park
This action-packed day brings the essence of Crete to life for all the family. Discover Greek mythology as you explore scenic mountain trails on an off-road adventure leading to the Lassithi plateau. There's a chance to have a go at making ceramics and a visit to the Mythological Park, too. Katerina, one of our expert local guides, enthusiastically says, ‘Lassithi plateau is a personal favourite on this tour. You'll be greeted by the sight of dozens of windmills that dot the landscape. They were built in the 19th century to grind grain, and are now a symbol of the region.'Kick off on a trail which climbs into the mountains to reach the first stop at the Aposelimi dam. From here we'll make our way to a viewpoint where we can see across the Lassithi plateau, a high, fertile plain that legend states was the birthplace of Zeus.Rumbling down to the plateau, we'll head to a ceramics workshop and olive oil producer. It's a fun stop for the kids who will have plenty of time to have a go at making their own pottery creations. Next up is the Mythological park, where you'll find out all about ancient Greek myths - the special lighting and sound effects alongside the audio tour make the park enjoyable for all ages. Round off the day with lunch in a taverna, before calling in at the village of Krassi, which is famous for a 2,000-year old plane tree and has a natural spring water source.
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Looking to let loose in Malia? We got you. Bag your Scene Pass for access to the some of Crete's best nights out, including pool parties, beachside raves and more...
Spinalonga self-guided audio tour on your phone
Buy this audio tour of Spinalonga Island downloadable on your smartphone! Explore at your own pace, listen to fascinating stories, and gain great insights into the island!
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The volcanic island of Santorini lies north of Crete. And this daytrip by fast catamaran is a great chance to take a close-up look at it. Curved around a colossal, sea-filled caldera that was formed by a massive volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago, it's all black cliffs, whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches. It's picture-postcard Greece.Once you're on dry land, you'll take off on a scenic tour, exploring many of the island's attractions and learning about its history. Explore a caldera-edge town, where whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and tavernas cascade down the cliff-face in steep terraces.You'll then have some free time in both Oia and the island's capital, Fira. Spend an hour or so snapping up treats in the quaint shops and boutiques. Or, visit some of the best lookouts to take photos – the views over the caldera are great. It's made for selfies.
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4x4 off-road tour of Crete’s mountains with taverna lunch
Get ready to go off-road on this adrenaline-pumping 4x4 adventure that will take you well and truly off the radar. Explore the more rural parts of Crete and the beautiful nature as you voyage through the mountains on this small group tour.
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Full-day tour of Crete’s historic Knossos Palace and Heraklion
'The Palace of Knossos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete because it's where Europe's first civilisation began,' says Veta, one of our guides. A born and bred local, she knows a thing or two about the legends and myths surrounding the island's most popular attraction. You'll spend the day watching history come to life as you tour the grounds of the palace, before crossing over to Heraklion for some free time in the capital.Once the hub of Crete's Minoan civilisation, Knossos Palace sits in the heart of what's considered to be Europe's oldest settlement. You'll enjoy a guided tour around its treasures, stopping by the throne room, royal apartments, frescoes and more. And with fast-track access, there's no waiting around in queues.It's then time to head to Heraklion, the island's capital. See the 17th-century Morozini Lions fountain and the 400-year-old Venetian Loggia – which is still the city hall – during a short guided walk around the city centre. We'll round the day off by taking you to the open markets for some free time. Poke around stalls laden with hand-made trinkets and fresh local produce or stop off for a coffee at a local café for some people watching. Other must-sees include the Koule Fortress and the Church of Agios Titos.
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Acqua Plus Water Park with transfer from Heraklion & Rethymno
Some call it ‘the spinner', others ‘the toilet' – it's actually the Spacebowl. Whatever you call it, you're in for an experience that'll leave you feeling flushed. Acqua Plus is that sort of waterpark. If you're looking for adrenaline-pumping fun or some rest while the kids go wild, this is the place for you.
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Margarites and Melidoni Cave Tour
Pretty ports, coastal views and ancient ways of life – northern Crete is a treasure-trove of hidden gems. And on this tour, you'll see two of the best. You'll visit the tucked-away town of Margarites before heading to Melidoni Cave – an ancient natural wonder. You'll want your camera for this one.We'll begin our journey in the charming village of Margarites, famous for its traditional pottery making. Crete is home to some of the earliest evidence of the craft, and you'll get to see the ancient art with a demonstration. You'll also have some free time to stroll through the narrow streets and admire the beautifully crafted ceramics on display.Next up, we'll visit the Melidoni Cave. This limestone cave has been used as a place of worship, refuge, and even a burial site throughout the ages. You'll explore the caverns adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, as your guide shares intriguing stories and legends that surround this mystical place.
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The inside story
Tiny islet Spinalonga is just a short boat trip away from northern Crete, but a visit is like stepping back in time. Centuries of history are packed within the walls that encircle this islet, which is no more than 435m long and 230m wide. Over the centuries, Spinalonga has served a Venetian fortress, an Ottoman town and a leper colony, which closed in the 1950s and led to it being known as the ‘Isle of Tears’. You can wander around its eerily empty streets, past roofless, doorless and windowless houses whose walls have so many tales to tell. Take a look round the old hospital and graveyard, then amble up to the ruins of the Venetian castle for panoramic views over the islet, Plaka and Kolokitha peninsula. Another great way to explore this island is with a guided tour.
