Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip

Crete’s Elounda and Spinalonga Island offer a captivating day trip from Heraklion. Visitors embark on a scenic cruise across Mirabello Bay, seeing the island’s rich history. Exploring the well-preserved ruins of the former leper colony, they’ll uncover the stories etched into Spinalonga’s Venetian fortress and charming houses. But the adventure doesn’t end there. A delicious BBQ lunch and a visit to the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, known for its legendary lake, promise an unforgettable experience. With its blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, this day trip unveils a captivating side of Crete, leaving travelers eager to discover more.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Heraklion.

Key Points

• A day trip from Heraklion to explore the scenic Mirabello Bay, the historic island of Spinalonga, and the charming town of Agios Nikolaos in Crete.
• Includes a boat cruise, guided tour of Spinalonga’s well-preserved ruins, and a BBQ lunch amidst the island’s beauty.
• Tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most travelers, with hotel pickup and drop-off provided.
• Positive reviews highlight friendly staff, stunning coastal scenery, knowledgeable guides, and delicious local cuisine.
• Booking available through online platforms or directly with the tour operator, with a 24-hour cancellation policy.

Overview of the Trip

This day trip from Heraklion, Greece, allows visitors to explore the picturesque coastal town of Elounda and the historic island of Spinalonga.

With an overall rating of 4.0 stars from 13 reviews, the tour features a scenic cruise across Mirabello Bay and the opportunity to discover the preserved ruins of a former leper colony on Spinalonga.

After exploring the island’s Venetian fortress, churches, and houses, guests can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters and a BBQ lunch.

The tour also includes a visit to Agios Nikolaos, known for its charming harbor and reputedly bottomless lake, providing a well-rounded sightseeing experience.

Itinerary and Activities

The day trip begins with a morning drive from Heraklion to the picturesque coastal town of Elounda.

Once there, guests board a boat for a cruise across the stunning Mirabello Bay to Spinalonga Island. This former leper colony features a wealth of preserved structures, including houses, churches, and the imposing Venetian fortress.

Visitors can explore these historic ruins while taking in the island’s crystal blue waters and enjoying a BBQ lunch.

After Spinalonga, the tour continues to Agios Nikolaos, where guests can explore the charming harbor and reputedly bottomless lake at their leisure.

The itinerary includes:

1. Morning drive to Elounda
2. Boat trip to Spinalonga Island
3. Exploring Spinalonga’s historic ruins
4. Visiting Agios Nikolaos for shopping and sightseeing

Inclusions and Logistics

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels in Heraklion, Malia, Hersonissos, and surrounding areas.

A professional guide is included to provide insights and information throughout the day. Lunch and drinks are provided, though entrance fees are at the traveler’s own expense.

The total duration of the tour is 6 hours, with confirmation received at the time of booking. The tour is wheelchair accessible and near public transportation.

Children must be accompanied by adults, and infants must sit on laps. Most travelers can participate, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Accessibility and Additional Information

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it convenient for those with mobility challenges.

Children must be accompanied by adults, and infants must sit on laps.

Most travelers can participate, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour is also located near public transportation, providing easy access for guests.

The additional information includes:

1. The tour is wheelchair accessible.
2. Children must be accompanied by adults, and infants must sit on laps.
3. Most travelers can participate in the tour.
4. There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Positive Feedback

Positive feedback highlights the tour’s friendly staff, comfortable boat experience, and knowledgeable guides.

Travelers praised the tour’s hospitable crew, who ensured a pleasant and seamless journey.

The boat ride across Mirabello Bay was described as a relaxing and enjoyable experience, with ample opportunities to admire the stunning coastal scenery.

Guests were particularly impressed by the tour guides, who provided insightful commentary and brought the history of Spinalonga Island to life.

The delicious BBQ lunch served during the tour was also a notable highlight, as it allowed visitors to savor authentic local flavors while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Negative Feedback

While the majority of reviews praised the tour, some travelers expressed disappointment with certain aspects.

These included:

1. Cancellations due to low English-speaking guest numbers, which left some participants unable to enjoy the experience as planned.
2. Overcrowding on the boat, leading to a less than ideal cruise experience for some guests.
3. Lack of clear communication from the tour operator regarding changes in the itinerary or schedule.
4. Concerns about the quality and variety of the included lunch, with some finding it to be underwhelming.

Despite these isolated issues, the overall positive sentiment suggests that the Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip remains a popular and enjoyable excursion for many visitors to the region.

Booking and Availability

Prospective travelers commonly book the Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip through various online platforms or directly with the tour operator.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from selected hotels in Heraklion, Malia, Hersonissos, and surrounding areas. With a duration of 6 hours, the experience is easily accessible and suitable for most travelers, including those with limited mobility.

Participants can receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours before the tour. The trip’s popularity and availability may fluctuate, so early booking is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.

Exploring Spinalonga Island

After exploring the logistics and booking details, the highlight of the Crete Elounda and Spinalonga Island Cruise Day Trip is undoubtedly the guided exploration of Spinalonga Island.

Visitors will have the opportunity to wander through the well-preserved ruins, including:

1. The former leper colony’s houses and churches, which provide a glimpse into the island’s somber past.
2. The impressive Venetian fortress, a testament to the island’s strategic importance throughout history.
3. Stunning views of the crystal-blue waters of Mirabello Bay, which surround the island.
4. Opportunities for swimming and enjoying a delicious BBQ lunch, complementing the cultural exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Spinalonga Island?

The best time to visit Spinalonga Island is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. Summer can be quite hot and crowded, while winters are quiet but some attractions may have reduced hours.

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Crete Attractions?

Yes, visitors can combine this Spinalonga Island tour with other top Crete attractions. Many travelers pair it with stops in Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion, or Rethymno to maximize their time and see multiple highlights across the island.

How Accessible Is the Boat for Travelers With Limited Mobility?

The tour boat is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with limited mobility. Assistance is available to help passengers board and disembark, ensuring a comfortable experience throughout the day trip.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Families or Groups?

The tour operator offers discounts for families and groups. Customers booking as part of a family or group can receive a reduced rate per person, making the experience more affordable. Specific discount details are available upon booking.

What Types of Souvenirs Can I Find on Spinalonga Island?

Visitors to Spinalonga Island can find a variety of traditional Greek souvenirs, including handcrafted pottery, olive oil products, natural sponges, and locally made textiles. The island’s rich history is reflected in the selection of memorabilia and keepsakes available for purchase.

Recap

Exploring Spinalonga Island offers a captivating glimpse into Crete’s history. Visitors can wander through the well-preserved ruins, including houses, churches, and the impressive Venetian fortress, seeing the island’s past as a former leper colony. With stunning views of Mirabello Bay and a delicious BBQ lunch, this day trip from Heraklion to Elounda and Spinalonga Island promises an unforgettable experience for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.