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 at Heraklion Airport's departure terminal, 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.
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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Chania self-guided audio tour on your smartphone
Leisurely stroll through the old town of Chania with an audio guide on your phone. Listen to fascinating stories and discover the highlights of the city.
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Falasarna sunset from the beach with transport and driver guide
Relax on the transport and on the award-winning beach. See the ruins of the ancient Grecoroman city. Plus, marvel at the sunset considered the best in all of Crete.
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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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Limnoupolis Water Park from Chania
The beach isn't the only place for watery fun in Crete. Limnoupolis Water Park is jam-packed with slides, chutes, rivers and pools that'll have you whizzing from one to the other. From the scary Giant Slide to the chilled Lazy River, there's something for everyone and every mood.
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Rethymno daytrip from Matala and Agia Galini
Rethymno lies pinched between the Mediterranean Sea and the foothills of the White Mountains on Crete's northern coast, and if its history doesn't have you making a beeline for it, its looks will. Its reputation as one of Greece's most beautiful towns is well deserved. You'll get some top tips from the guide on your bus to Rethymno, but after drop-off, the full day is yours to explore. Wander through a honeycomb of cobbled alleyways, find the three-lion-headed Rimondi Fountain in the heart of the old town and keep an eye out for the scattering of domes and minarets which hint at the town's Ottoman influence. But no visit to Rethymno is complete without visiting the harbour, then climbing the Paleokastro Hill to look out to sea from the Venetian Fortress – the pride of the town.
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Tripiti beach 4x4 full-day tour with lunch from Matala and Agia Galini
Drive deep into Crete's wild south on this full-day 4x4 safari. From the village of Zaros and a tasting stop in Vasiliki to panoramic views over Tripiti Gorge, every stretch of the journey reveals a different side of the island. There's time to visit the cave church of Panagia, then head to Tripiti Beach for a swim and a seafront taverna lunch before a stop in a traditional rural village. Expect off-road adventure balanced with local culture, coastal scenery and authentic Cretan cuisine.
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Crete’s Samaria Gorge hike from Agia Galini and Matala
Hiking through the Samaria Gorge takes you right to the rugged heart of Crete. You'll begin with a drive along the coast to Chania, then up into the White Mountains to the Omalos Plateau. In this protected national park, you'll start your descent through Europe's longest gorge that's carpeted with wildflowers and pine forests. With sheer walls as high as 700 metres and the narrowest section at just three metres wide, this hike isn't for the faint-hearted, but the scenery is worth the effort. You could even spot the endangered Cretan Goat, the Kri-Kri. Cap off your adventure with a visit to the fishing village of Agia Roumeli and a relaxing dip in the Libyan Sea, followed by a scenic boat trip along Crete's dramatic south coast.
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Full-day 4x4 tour to Mount Psiloritis with lunch from Matala and Agia Galini
Rolling mountain roads, remote landscapes and traditional villages shape this full-day 4x4 adventure to Mount Psiloritis. Travel with a professional driver, stop at Arkadi Monastery to discover its story, then wander through the peaceful Patsos Gorge. A traditional lunch in the village of Spili and free time to explore at your own pace round off the day before returning south.
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Knossos all-inclusive full-day tour with Minoan theatre show
Travel through 4,000 years of Cretan history in a single day. Explore the Palace of Knossos with your guide, then wander Heraklion's old town, where Venetian landmarks, local markets and the old harbor offer a glimpse into everyday life. Round off the day with an open-air Minoan theatre performance, where music, dance and Greek mythology bring one of Europe's oldest civilizations to life.
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Full-day Imbros Gorge hike and Frangokastello Beach visit
High up in Crete's White Mountains, Imbros Gorge serves up big scenery without the challenge of its famous neighbour, Samaria. The eight-kilometre route winds between rugged cliffs, cypress trees and rocky passages, including one spot so narrow you can almost touch both sides at once. After around two-and-a-half hours on foot, there's a well-earned break waiting at Frangokastello Beach, where you can cool off with a swim in the Libyan Sea.
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Crete sunset sailing cruise with local snacks and drinks
Hop onboard for a laidback sunset sailing experience. After a friendly welcome and a quick safety briefing from the crew, you'll set sail and let the wind do the work. You'll cruise along picturesque stretches of coastline framed by cliffs and quiet beaches, taking in Crete's scenery from the water. Along the way, a selection of local snacks and drinks is served, too. Plus, if the conditions are right, there may even be the chance to cool off with a swim or a spot of snorkelling.
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Crete sailboat trip from Matala and Agia Galini
Let the wind catch your sails and guide you around some of the prettiest spots on the Cretan coastline. You'll meet at Agia Galini Port before casting off on a sailboat. Your experienced crew will take good care of you, sharing stories about the islands and beaches you pass, like Agios Georgios, Komos Beach and the Paximadia islets. There's plenty of opportunities to stop for a swim or snorkel – the gear is included. And after you've worked up an appetite in the sea, you can tuck into lunch onboard – a Cretan feast with wine included. You'll return to port in the early afternoon, with the rest of the day to savour that just-back-from-sea feeling.
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Malia access summer pass ticket only
This is your all-in-one ticket to the biggest clubs and hottest nights in Malia. With four of the most banging nights on the island included you'll hit the best parties at the best value. Whether it's thumping deep house, urban beats or the sounds of international guest DJs you're after, this is it. Your pass to the perfect party holiday.
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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.
