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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.
Based on 253 reviews from verified customers
Review categories
Safety
4.6/5
Service
4.6/5
Value for money
4.4/5
Staff
4.6/5
Heather Horlock
From United Kingdom - May 2025Traveled as a couple
55 - 64 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Enjoyed visiting the island. I have read the book so I was fascinated to see it for real.
Peter
From United States of America - May 2025Traveled as a couple
35 - 44 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Solo
From United States of America - May 2025Solo traveler
25 - 34 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Our guide, Rita, was fantastic very knowledgeable and kind. It was good to be first on island as it began to get very busy. Lunch was nice, staff were ...
Tomo63
From United Kingdom - May 2025Traveled as a couple
35 - 44 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Transfer time was long due to the number of pickups and difficulty accessing their locations.
Juliet
From United Kingdom - May 2025Traveled as a couple
18 - 24 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
Another excursion we had booked on our holiday to Crete and so happy to see we had Maria again for our tour guide. Such a fascinating and stunning day ...
Andy /Sue
From United States of America - May 2025Traveled as a couple
45 - 54 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
The tour around the island was excellent but the ear pieces were not as good as they could have been. She would talk and only part of it could be hear ...