Crete: Spinalonga, Elounda, & Agios Nikolaos Boat Tour & BBQ

Crete’s rich history and stunning landscapes come alive on this immersive day tour. Visitors will embark on a scenic journey, exploring the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga Island and relaxing on the picturesque Kolokytha Beach. With opportunities for swimming, shopping, and a delicious BBQ lunch, the tour offers a perfect blend of culture and leisure. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature enthusiast, this comprehensive experience promises to leave you captivated. What you’ll discover next may just surprise you.

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

Key Points

• This 9-11 hour tour offers visits to Spinalonga Island, Kolokytha Beach, and Agios Nikolaos, with a guided tour of the Venetian Fortress and a BBQ lunch.
• The tour includes pickup from 25 locations across Crete, transportation via air-conditioned bus and boat, and multilingual guides for a comprehensive experience.
• Costs include the tour price, additional fees for boat tickets, BBQ lunch, and Spinalonga entry, with options for free cancellation and pay later.
• Highlights of the tour include local shopping, tasting of regional delicacies, swimming and sunbathing at Kolokytha Beach, and exploring the rich history of Spinalonga.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 from 217 reviews, with positive feedback on the guide expertise, transportation, and the opportunity to experience Crete’s history and culture.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled ‘Crete: Spinalonga, Elounda, & Agios Nikolaos Boat Tour & BBQ,’ offers a full-day excursion around some of Crete’s top attractions, with prices starting from €80 per person.

Lasting between 9-11 hours, the tour includes visits to the Venetian fortress on Spinalonga Island, a swim and BBQ lunch at Kolokytha Beach, and free time to explore the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos.

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve their spot now and pay later.

With a range of pickup locations across Crete, the tour provides a convenient and comprehensive way to experience the island’s stunning scenery and rich history.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour includes visits to several captivating destinations, providing travelers with a well-rounded experience of Crete’s natural beauty and rich history. Visitors will first journey by bus for 1.5 hours to the picturesque town of Elounda, before embarking on a 40-minute boat cruise to the enchanting Kolokytha Beach. Here, they’ll have the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and savor a delicious BBQ lunch with various options, including chicken, pork, and vegetarian. The tour then takes guests to the historical Spinalonga Island, where they’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Venetian Fortress and learn about its complex past. Finally, travelers will have an hour to explore the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, known for its shopping and local delicacies.

Destination	Duration	Highlights
Elounda	1.5 hours	Picturesque town
Kolokytha Beach	40 minutes	Swimming, snorkeling, BBQ
Spinalonga Island	1.5 hours	Guided tour of Venetian Fortress
Agios Nikolaos	1 hour	Sightseeing, shopping, local snacks

Transportation and Pickup

This tour offers convenient pickup options from 25 locations across Crete, including popular resort towns like Sisi, Malia, and Hersonissos.

Guests are transported via air-conditioned bus to the starting point in Elounda, before boarding a boat for the remainder of the excursion.

The tour is led by multilingual guides who can provide commentary in English, French, Polish, Russian, German, and Romanian.

This ensures all participants can fully engage and understand the rich history and cultural significance of the sites visited, from the picturesque Elounda to the captivating Spinalonga Island.

The combination of reliable transportation and knowledgeable guides makes this an accessible and enriching experience for travelers of diverse backgrounds.

Costs and Inclusions

Along With the tour price, there are a few additional fees travelers should be aware of.

Adults must pay €15 for the boat ticket and BBQ lunch, while children aged 4-11 pay €7.50. Separately, entry to the Spinalonga Island fortress costs €8 for adults, €4 for students and seniors, and is free for those under 18.

However, these supplementary costs are clearly outlined, allowing guests to budget accordingly.

On the upside, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations, a guided tour of Spinalonga, and liability insurance from Generali.

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Important Information

Tour organizers advise guests that the boat tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Travelers should bring essentials like sunglasses, sun hats, and cash, as the tour is subject to favorable sea and weather conditions.

The tour has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 217 reviews, with high marks for the guide (4.5/5) and transportation (4.2/5), but slightly lower scores for service (3.9/5) and organization (3.8/5).

Key points about the tour:

• It’s not suitable for wheelchair users

• Guests should bring sunglasses, sun hats, and cash

• The tour is subject to favorable sea and weather conditions

Customer Reviews

According to customer reviews, the Crete boat tour has received an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 217 reviews, showcasing a generally positive user experience.

Customers have praised the expertise of the tour guide, who received a 4.5/5 rating. The transportation, which includes air-conditioned buses and boats, was also well-received with a 4.2/5 rating.

However, some areas for improvement were noted, with the service and organization of the tour receiving slightly lower ratings of 3.9/5 and 3.8/5, respectively.

Explore Spinalonga’s History

Spinalonga, a small island off the coast of Crete, boasts a compelling history that dates back to the Venetian and Ottoman eras, captivating visitors with its well-preserved Venetian fortress and the poignant story of the leper colony that occupied the island for nearly a century.

The island’s strategic location made it an important military outpost, and the impressive fortifications reflect its role in the power struggles between the Venetians and Ottomans.

Visitors can explore:

• The imposing Venetian fortress, with its maze of walls, bastions, and gateways

• The haunting remnants of the leper colony, where patients were sent in exile until the mid-20th century

• The scenic seaside village, offering a glimpse into the island’s vibrant past and present

Relax on Kolokytha Beach

After exploring the historical Spinalonga Island, visitors can unwind and enjoy the serene beauty of Kolokytha Beach.

The tour includes a relaxing boat cruise and a savory BBQ lunch. The 40-minute boat ride transports guests to the stunning Kolokytha Beach, where they can swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun on the sandy shores.

The highlight of this stop is the delicious BBQ lunch served on board, featuring a selection of grilled chicken, pork, and vegetarian options. Visitors can savor the fresh, local flavors while taking in the breathtaking views of the picturesque coastline.

This laid-back beach interlude provides a perfect balance to the Spinalonga adventure, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the beauty of Crete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Provide Vegetarian or Halal Meal Options?

Yes, the tour provides vegetarian meal options. The BBQ menu offers a vegetarian option in addition to chicken and pork. Halal meals are not specifically mentioned, so travelers with those dietary needs should inquire further.

Can I Request a Private or Smaller Group Tour?

The tour operator offers both private and smaller group tour options upon request. Customers can inquire about these alternatives when booking to accommodate their preferences and ensure a more personalized experience.

How Can I Get a Discount or Special Deal on This Tour?

To get a discount or special deal on this tour, customers can check the company’s website for any current promotions or special offers. Plus, they may be able to find discounted rates through travel aggregator sites or by booking as part of a larger vacation package.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Passengers generally can’t bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The tour package includes a BBQ lunch, so outside food and drinks are typically not allowed. It’s best to check with the tour operator about their specific policies beforehand.

What Happens if the Weather Is Poor on the Day of the Tour?

If the weather is poor on the day of the tour, the operator may cancel or alter the itinerary to ensure the safety and enjoyment of your. Customers will be notified in advance, and they’ll have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

Recap

This comprehensive tour offers an immersive experience of Crete’s rich history and stunning landscapes.

From exploring the Venetian fortress on Spinalonga Island to relaxing on the picturesque Kolokytha Beach, the tour provides a perfect balance of cultural exploration and leisure.

With transportation, a delicious BBQ lunch, and ample opportunities for swimming and shopping, this tour is an unforgettable way to discover the beauty and heritage of Crete.

You can check if your dates are available here: