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.
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...
Nat Geo Day Tour: The Millenary History of Olive Oil
Approximate itinerary and duration of activitiesIntroduction - 15 minutesWalking tour through the olive trees - 30 minutesPause for questions and raki drink - 15 minutesOlive oil factory tour - 40 minutesOlive oil tasting and questions - 55 minutesCooking demonstration and tastings - 30 minutesPlease note the order of activities may vary at your guide's discretion With millennia of experience behind them, it's no wonder the people of Crete produce some of the finest olive oil in the world. You will appreciate the timeless bond between Cretans and their revered olive trees as you trace the long heritage of olive cultivation on the island. Just outside Kritsa village in the hills of eastern Crete, you'll follow Nikos Plevritakis on a brief walk to his olive groves where some trees are 600-800 years old, and learn about olive cultivation from a true specialist. In the shade of the olive trees, you can try local raki known as ‘tsikoudia' with olives to nibble on while discussing the cultural and societal significance of olive cultivation in Crete. Then it's time to visit a local cooperative factory, to see up close how olives are processed into world-class olive oil. Back on the Olive Path, seize the chance to taste fresh figs, almonds, and grapes, see what the locals are growing, and find out all about the Cretan lifestyle and diet. Then, at an olive farm, you can sample olives, fresh tomatoes, and raki before your olive oil tasting session begins – a great opportunity to learn how to taste oils like a professional and compare the flavor profiles of different varieties. Finish off the day with a cooking lesson on various ways to use olive oil in Cretan cuisine. Authentic dishes, such as tzatziki and Greek salad will feature, and you'll find out why the traditional Cretan diet is so beneficial to health and longevity.
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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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Elafonisi Island tour with Agia Sophia Cave and monastery visit
The uninhabited island of Elafonisi may be tiny but it's bursting with personality. This journey to this islet off southwestern Crete is steeped in myths and legends and boasts historic buildings and amazing natural scenery – making it an ideal excursion for all the family.
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Crete day tour with monastery, winery visit and cooking class
A chance to delve into Crete's culture and eat like an islander. On this full day tour inland from Chania, you'll visit a winery in Alikambos, explore a historic monastery, and take part in a hands-on cheese-making class. Joanna, one of our expert local guides, says, "this tour is the ideal opportunity to taste Cretan olive oil and wine, and to try local food that you'll get to prepare during a cooking lesson."After making your way through the scenic foothills of the White Mountains, you'll reach your first port of call – award-winning Dourakis Winery, a family-run business with decades of experience in winemaking and olive oil production. Enjoy sampling its organic Cabernet Sauvignon wines and olive oil before setting off into the countryside.Next, you'll head to the Monastery of St George. Set among sun-soaked olive groves in the village of Karydi, this early 17th-century retreat was restored after many decades of abandonment, though parts of it still retain a ruined air. You'll be able to explore the grounds and discover the remains of the old olive oil press. What's more, your visit directly contributes to the monastery's upkeep. Your final stop is Kefalas village where you'll partake in a cooking lesson to learn how to prepare a traditional dish. Then it'll be time to roll up your sleeves and have a go yourself. Prepare a meal using a recipe you can recreate when you get back home, and if you're feeling creative, you can even try your hand at making Cretan cheese.
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Private off-road tour to experience Crete
Buckle up for an exciting 4x4 off-road tour, rumbling into the mountainous landscapes of Crete. You'll be awe-struck by views of the south Cretan coast from Kerame village and the drama of Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Take a cooling dip at Preveli Beach, tuck into a traditional lunch, and check out Spili's lion-head fountains. With your guide doubling as your driver, every twist and turn reveals another hidden gem of Crete.
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Lasithi Plateau tour with Cretan tastings and pottery lesson
Discover Crete's beauty on a tour across the Lasithi plateau. Explore ancient villages, taste local produce, and experience pottery making.
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Private tour of western Crete's highlights from Chania
Discover Western Crete's highlights on a private tour. Explore Chania, Agia Triada Monastery, and Marathi Beach.
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Juktas Mount, Raki and wine distillery guided tour
Book your spot now for this 7-hour 4x4 tour of Crete including wine tasting and lunch!
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Half-day Heraklion city treasure hunt and tour
Follow in the footsteps of one of Greece's most adventurous characters, Alexis Zorba, on this treasure hunt tour. An iconic character from Nikos Kazantzakis' novel Zorba the Greek, Zorba is known for helping the narrator, a young Greek intellectual, find his way to a more exciting life. On this tour, guided by Zorba's spirit, you'll delve into Heraklion's culture and history, solving riddles and uncovering clues to take you to the best bits of the city. Whether you've got little ones in tow or you're just a huge fan of history, this fun-filled outing is tailored to everyone. Journey through Heraklion using the in-app gameplay as a guide. Plus, professional games masters will be on hand if you need pointing in the right direction. They'll offer clues to help you with the treasure hunt and direct you towards tasty Greek treats – you'll get to taste a traditional Cretan pastry like kaltsounia and try local 'dakos,' otherwise known as Greek bruschetta. The challenge begins at the Koules Fortress, at the entrance of the old port. From here, you'll make your way through the city, stopping at bustling markets and ancient landmarks, where you'll get to see where Zorba's larger-than-life character originated.
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Rent a motorboat from Chersonissos Bay – ticket only
Set sail along Crete's stunning coastline on a private motorboat experience. Navigate crystal-clear waters to discover hidden coves, secluded beaches, and charming fishing villages. Stop at perfect snorkelling and diving spots to explore the vibrant underwater world, rich with marine life and colourful reefs. Or, enjoy a day of fishing, whether for fun or to catch some delicious local seafood. Just so you know, you don't need a boating license to be able to book this experience – you're free to be your own captain and explore how you want.
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Motorboat rentals from Chersonissos Bay
Set sail along Crete's stunning coastline on a private motorboat experience. Navigate crystal-clear waters to discover hidden coves, secluded beaches, and charming fishing villages. Stop at perfect snorkelling and diving spots to explore the vibrant underwater world, rich with marine life and colourful reefs. Or, enjoy a day of fishing, whether for fun or to catch some delicious local seafood. Just so you know, you don't need a boating license to be able to book this experience – you're free to be your own captain and explore how you want.
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Full-day Crete wine-tasting and 4x4 off-road tour
This full-day guided tour is all about getting to grips with a few of Crete's most popular local products, olive oil and wine. You'll learn how both are made, and you'll get to sample some for yourself, all while travelling between stops in the back of a 4x4. Ioannis, one of our expert local guides says “in my opinion, there's no better way to understand the culture of a destination than by meeting the people who make local produce. They know the area better than anyone, and the produce is a reflection of the culture.”You'll kick things off at the Terra Creta Olive Mill. Here, you'll see how olives are turned into oil before a tasting session. Then, you'll be welcomed into a boutique winery for a tour of the grounds and, of course, to sample the wines produced here. You'll learn about the different grape varieties, including some experimental wines made from rare grapes. Next, you'll continue to the village of Ano Vouves, home to an ancient olive tree – it's thought to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years old, but it still produces olives to this day.Afterwards, you'll set off on an off-road adventure in a 4x4 towards the mountain village of Sebronas. As you zoom through the gorge, you'll see pretty chapels, vineyards and olive groves – and you'll have time to snap a few photos along the way. Then, once you've worked up your appetite, you'll stop for lunch at a small village tavern, where you'll tuck into some traditional dishes.
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Ferry tour of Milos Island with transfer
This trip to Milos Island has everything you need. You'll start at Sarakiniko Beach, one of the island's top spots, where you can explore sea caves and take a dip in the sea. Then, you'll visit the Aggeria Mines, where bentonite and perlite were once mined. After that, you'll head to the fishing village of Pollonia for a seaside stroll and maybe some fresh seafood. Finally, you'll wrap up your visit with stops at Plaka, the island's capital, and Adamas, the main port.
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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.
