Spinalonga Island

A day trip that combines relaxation and history gives you the chance to visit the highlights of the Northeast part of Crete, where the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos with the magnificent lake can be found. Elounda, a small village on the shore of Mirabello bay with spectacular views, is where the boat begins the cruise heading to Spinalonga island, a small uninhabited island used during the history as a fortress and later on as a leper colony. On the way back to Elounda Port the boat will anchor so you can dive in the refreshing waters.

Spinalonga is a magnificent island with fortresses dating from the Venetian period. It is an island of legends, a triumph to survival in the early 20th century from the scourge of leprosy, now a place of great archaeological and historical significance. Nostos Cruises operates the only fully organized cruise to Spinalonga which includes detailed information from our experienced guides and onboard guided tours in English and Dutch. For French customers we provide them with an audio guide player.

Exclusivity: We operate the only tour that starts sail from Agios Nikolaos and gives travellers the joy of cruising across Mirabello Bay for 1 hour! In addition, our boat is the only one that makes a stop at the beach of Kolokytha and give participants the time to swim and enjoy their lunch there. This tour combines both a visit to the town of Agios Nikolaos, Spinalonga Fortress and a unique stay on the beach of Kolokytha for lunch and a swim stop. Our participants will enjoy a cruise through Mirabello bay, the crystal clear waters of Kolokytha beach, and the historic island of Spinalonga.

Discover the seaside village of Elounda and walk amongst history on the island of Spinalonga. Finishing our touring on this much afflicted place, we head for the small bay of Kolokitha. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches on Crete. It is a remote beach with white sand and deep blue serene water, side by side with old olive groves. There we can swim from the boat. Here you have plenty of time for swimming at the crystal clear waters, tasting the BBQ served on board. The menu includes pork* chop BBQ, greek salad, feta cheese, bread, wine or Fanta and seasonal fruit.(EVERY SUNDAY the dinner is in a tavern we DONT have BBQ on board) After our short respite, we go back to Elounda. Then we move to the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, where we have our last stop. We have the chance to enjoy our coffee getting a perfect view of the magnificent lake, do our shopping in the traditional local shops and relax for a while before we hit the road for our going back.

This is an amazing boat trip with lunch and visit to the island of Spinalonga. Spinalonga is a magnificent island with fortresses dating from the Venetian period. It is an island of legends, a triumph to survival in the early 20th century from the scourge of leprosy, now a place of great archaeological and historical significance. As you cruise through Mirabello bay you feel the sea breeze and have memorable view of the land’s beauty. On board you have the opportunity to listen to information about the places you see. The first stop is Spinalonga where you stay for 1,5 hour in order to make the tour. We give you a booklet with information and a map of the island in order to have a self-guided tour. Later the boat takes you on the other side of the Kolokytha island and moors at the beach of the same name, a breathtaking beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters. There you have 1,5 hour to explore this isolated beach, relax, swim and sunbathe

• An exciting journey along the north-eastern coast of Crete with a boat trip along the picturesque Mirabello bay. • Accompanied by a professional guide, you will stroll through the streets of the Venetian castle and learn about the interesting history of the fortified island of Spinalonga. • Continuing your voyage, the ship will moor in Colokita Bay, where you will have free time for lunch and swimming in the crystal clear waters of Mirabello Bay. • A walk through the snow-white town of AGIOS NIKOLAOS, with many souvenir shops and boutiques around the bottomless lake Vouliazmeni.

Enjoy a walking tour of the island of Spinalonga during a full-day excursion from Elounda to the island. Visit Agios Nikolaos and Elounda and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Kolokytha, where you can enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch. Along the coast through the St. George Gorge to Elounda, a tranquil coastal resort At around 10:30, you will get on board to visit the bay and the beach of Kolokytha, a secluded haven that offers a respite from daily life. You can swim and eat a delicious BBQ on board. Then, you take the boat at around 12:45 to Spinalonga, across Mirabello bay. Spinalonga's history is complex. It was a natural barrier for Olous in Ancient Greek times, a Saracen pirate refuge, a Venetian fortification, and a Turkic settlement. You depart from Spinalonga at appr. 14:45 p.m. Transfer from/to port is not included.Clients go with get your guide code to the boat they don't need to have confirmation

You want them all ? Here it is: An adventure with the Land Rover and a private speed boat to Spinalonga Island to explore it, than over the countryside and small greek villages to the caves of milatos. Included also is a wonderful lunch at a local exellent taverna with fresh natural products and wine. Very nice combo with Safari and private boat to the hotspot of the region, Explore the mountains and valleys, passing the small villages in the mountains. learn how olive oil is made at our stop at an olive oil factory with a free guided tour. Coming back through the mountains we will have some amazing views over the Gulf of Mirabello and the historical island of Spinalonga. At the village of Plaka, our fast private speedboat are wait for you to transfer you to Spinalonga. (Boat Transfer is 8 Euros, Entrance fee to the island not included, has to be payed on the island). Inclusive: Land Rover Discovery with air condition, experienced driver, refreshments/water, speedboat transfer

Originally, Spinalonga was not an island – it was part of the island of Crete. During Venetian occupation the island was carved out of the coast for defence purposes and a fort was built there. During Venetian rule, salt was harvested from salt pans around the island.The island has also been used as a leper colony. Spinalonga has appeared in novels, television series, and a short film. This excursion is a perfect option for those who want to combine land & sea tours. You will also have the opportunity to visit the eastern part of Crete, Agios Nikolaos, a small town with a picturesque harbour and the island of Spinalonga.

A beautiful day starts from Elounda with your final destination on the Spinalonga Island. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the leper island which is located in middle of Mirebello gulf, swim at the green clear sea, admire the view and explore the historical island.

Unforgettable Crete Awaits! Experience Crete’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture in one unforgettable Private Tour! From the breathtaking views of Spinalonga to the charming streets of Agios Nikolaos, discover the island's hidden wonders. Explore traces of the past, serene landscapes, authentic flavors, captivating stories, picturesque villages, and enjoy a taste of local olive oil. This Day Trip is Ideal for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, culture seekers, spiritual explorers, and families. _______ Day Trip – Private Tour -Shore Excursion- Cruise Friendly- Heraklion Port – Crete – From Heraklion -From Ag Nikolaos

Elounda – a small fishing village on the shores of the bay of Mirabello Spinalonga Island – Guided tour around the Venetian Fortress, bay – swimming, sunbathing and BBQ lunch, Agios Nikolaos Elounda is a popular holiday resort, often visited by VIPs for the luxurious beach resorts, situated in the area. From there, the boat is heading the small island of Spinalonga. The history and the culture of the island of Spinalonga became one with human tragedy in the course of time. This small isle carries within the history of Ancient Greece, as it served as a natural guard for the ancient city of Olous; the history of the Saracens as a hide-out for their pirates; the history of Venetians as their fortress; the history of Turks as their settlement. After the guided tour of the island, the boat will be anchored at one of the bays nearby. Time for swimming at the crystal clear waters, tasting the BBQ served on board. Last stop Agios Nicolas. Visit the picturesque town with a bottomless lake

Sail with us along the magnificent Mirabello Gulf and be mesmerized by the thousand shades of blue of the Cretan Sea. Explore the most unique hidden bays of the gulf and savor on our exclusive menu prepared with the finest ingredients. Our journey begins from the Marina of Agios Nikolaos. As we start, after a short safety briefing, you can admire the beautiful coastline of Mirabello. About 1 hour later we arrive to our first swim stop in kolokytha bay where you can enjoy the famous turquoise waters and try snorkeling and SUP paddle boarding. After about 1 hour you will have the opportunity to enjoy our exclusive menu that includes Cretan appetizers, Shrimp Linguini or mushroom risotto and a platter of Mediterranean and tropical fruits. After, the boat will depart to sail around the iconic Spinalonga Island and you will get the opportunity to admire it from the sea which offers the most stunning view before setting sails to head back to the Marina after a day full of great memories.

Visit Spinalonga, the last leper colony in Europe, is located in Elounda from where we take the boat for Spinalonga island. Originally, Venetians fortified the islet in 1579, by building a fortress with 40 cannons and they are actually the best preserved walls in Europe. Visit Agios Nikolaos and walk around the famous Lake Voulismeni

At Elounda you take the boat and cruise along the bay to the island of Spinalonga. The guided tour on Spinalonga will both fascinate and haunt you as you learn the tragic history of this island which was once a Venetian fortress and was then the isolated home of many lepers up to 1957 when it was cleared by the Health Authorities, leaving the place uninhabited. The Venetians constructed a very impressive fortress with forty cannons which has been guarding the strategic bay of Mirabello since the 15th century. We get on board again and head back to Elounda. Here we serve you your lunch and you will have time for resting or swimming in the crystal clear waters. After a short coach trip we arrive at Agios Nikolaos which lies on the shores of the Gulf of Mirabello and is famous for its 'bottomless lake’. You will have some free time on your own, to stroll around the shops or just relax in one of the popular cafes and watch the world go by. Our last stop is at a family olive oil factory.

Spinalonga, Elounda Excursion, Agios Nikolaos is a trip not only to other places, but also a trip back in time, since it carries the sensation and the feel of another era. The route along the northern coast of the island takes us to the small fishing village of Elounda.

Visit Kolokitha bay, swim in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy a delicious BBQ meal. Continue to Spinalona, its tragic past is etched into its very stones, making your island visit a profound experience. The island history includes an array of cultures and events, serving as a rich tapestry for your exploration. Relax at a cafe by the famous Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos, the capital of Lasithi, or stroll through the local shops

Discover the highlights of Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda on this multi-stop trip from Rethymnon. See Spinalonga Island, the Lake of Voulismeni, and more. Meet your local guide, and make your first stop at Agios Nikolaos on the Gulf of Mirabello. This place is famous for its picturesque lake, explored by the ocean researcher Jaques Cousteau. Walk along the city on your own or relax at a cafe. After that, drive to the harbor of Elounda where you'll get on a ferry to visit the Island of Spinalonga. This small isle carries within the history of Ancient Greece, as it served as a natural guard for the ancient city of Olous. Choose to join a guided tour or explore the island by yourself. After visiting Spinalonga, depart for one of the nearby bays.

Unmatched Adventure & History Combo: Our tour uniquely blends relaxation with exploration, taking you beyond the typical tourist routes. Sail around the legendary Spinalonga Island, delving into its captivating history as a former leper colony, all while enjoying panoramic views from the sea. Exclusive Pirate Cave Experience: Discover the famous Pirate Barbarossa’s Cave—an adventurous spot few get to explore—where the notorious pirate once plotted his conquests. Hidden Gems & Pristine Beaches: Escape the crowds and uncover Crete’s best-kept secrets, from the untouched beauty of Kolokytha Beach to the serene escape at Skistra Beach. Fun & Flavors Onboard:Our friendly crew ensures an authentic Cretan hospitality experience you won’t forget. Memories to Last a Lifetime: With breathtaking coastal views, fascinating historical insights, and a fun-filled atmosphere, our mini-cruise offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

This excursion will take you to the east of Crete and will show you wonderful places wonderful monuments crystal clear seas and an unforgettable experience of true Crete. That distinguishes us the locals here on the island is the hospitality and the effort to transmit our culture and traditions to our visitors. The idea of the private tour is that ‎we can do everything at your own pace…