Cruise to Spinalonga & BBQ at Kolokytha From Agios Nikolaos

Set out on a captivating 5.5-hour cruise from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga, a historical island renowned for its Venetian fortifications and poignant leper colony legacy. After exploring this fascinating destination, indulge in a delightful barbecue at Kolokytha Bay, featuring grilled pork chops, fresh salad, and local wine set against a stunning coastal backdrop. With flexible cancellation and no upfront payment required, this excursion promises a memorable blend of history, relaxation, and scenic beauty. What more could one ask for in a day trip?

This experience made our list of the 7 Best BBQ Experiences In Crete.

Key Points

• A 5.5-hour tour from Agios Nikolaos that includes a boat ride to the historic Spinalonga Island and a barbecue at the scenic Kolokytha Bay.
• Explore the well-preserved Venetian fortifications and the former leper colony on Spinalonga through a guided tour and a booklet.
• Enjoy a barbecue featuring grilled pork chops, salad, bread, wine, and seasonal fruits, with vegetarian options available.
• Flexible cancellation policy and no upfront payment required for reservations, allowing for convenient booking.
• Overall positive customer feedback, with highlights on the historical exploration and beautiful scenery, though some concerns about the barbecue setup.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

This excursion includes a cruise from Agios Nikolaos to the historic island of Spinalonga, followed by a barbecue at the picturesque Kolokytha Bay.

The 5.5-hour tour costs $29.41 per person and departs from and returns to the Molo in Agios Nikolaos. Guests have 1.5 hours to explore Spinalonga’s former leper colony and Venetian ruins with a free guide booklet.

After the island visit, the group will enjoy a barbecue feast of grilled pork chops, salad, bread, wine, and seasonal fruits, with a vegetarian option available.

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, and travelers can reserve their spot without an upfront payment.

Cruise Experience

The boat ride across the picturesque Bay of Mirabello takes guests to the historic island of Spinalonga, where they can explore the former leper colony and Venetian ruins with a free guide booklet.

Travelers will have 1.5 hours to wander the island, learning about its fascinating history. The cruise experience offers a unique opportunity to see this once-isolated island, now a poignant reminder of the island’s past.

From the boat, guests can take in the stunning views of the surrounding coastline and crystal-clear waters. The cruise is a seamless and convenient way to visit this remarkable destination, making it an integral part of the overall excursion experience.

Spinalonga Exploration

Upon disembarking the cruise boat, travelers can begin their exploration of the historic island of Spinalonga. This former leper colony and Venetian-era town offers a captivating glimpse into the island’s rich and complex past.

The highlights of the Spinalonga tour include:

1. Wandering through the well-preserved Venetian fortifications and buildings, which provide a window into the island’s strategic importance over the centuries.

2. Visiting the site of the leper colony, where visitors can learn about the poignant history of those who were isolated on the island.

3. Discovering the island’s natural beauty, from its dramatic cliffs to the turquoise waters that surround it, creating a stunning backdrop for this unique historical destination.

Kolokytha Bay

From the historic shores of Spinalonga, the cruise makes its way across the sparkling waters of the Aegean to the picturesque Kolokytha Bay.

Here, passengers can indulge in a refreshing swim and soak up the sun on the golden sands of the beach.

The boat crew prepares a delightful barbecue, serving up grilled pork chops, crisp cabbage salad, fresh bread, and local wine. Vegetarian options are also available upon request.

After a satisfying meal, there’s ample time to simply relax and enjoy the serene coastal ambiance.

With its stunning natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere, Kolokytha Bay provides the perfect complement to the fascinating history explored on Spinalonga.

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Barbecue Menu

After enjoying the serene setting of Kolokytha Bay, passengers can indulge in the delightful barbecue menu prepared by the boat crew.

The menu features:

1. Grilled pork chops, which offer a savory and satisfying main course.

2. A refreshing cabbage salad, providing a crisp and healthy accompaniment.

3. Freshly baked bread and seasonal fruits, rounding out the meal with carbohydrates and natural sweetness.

For those with dietary restrictions, a vegetarian option is available upon request.

The combination of the scenic location, fresh seafood, and expertly grilled meats creates an unforgettable dining experience as part of this Spinalonga and Kolokytha excursion.

Entry Fees

Visitors to Spinalonga island must pay an entry fee, with adults charged €8 and pensioners (EU citizens) charged €4.

EU citizens under 25 years old can enter the island for free, though they must provide valid identification.

These fees provide access to the historical sites on the island, including the former leper colony and the Venetian town.

Visitors are encouraged to bring cash to pay the entry fees, as on-site payment options may be limited.

The entry fees support the preservation and maintenance of the important cultural and historical landmarks found on Spinalonga, ensuring that future generations can continue to explore this unique and fascinating destination.

What to Bring

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, a sun hat, and swimwear to fully enjoy the cruise and activities. Cash is also recommended for paying the entry fee to Spinalonga island.

The recommended items to bring on this excursion include:

1. Comfortable walking shoes or sandals to explore the historical sites on Spinalonga.

2. A sun hat or cap to protect against the Mediterranean sun while cruising and swimming.

3. Swimwear and a towel to make the most of the opportunity to swim and sunbathe at the beautiful Kolokytha beach.

Customer Feedback

Reviewers have provided a range of feedback on the Cruise to Spinalonga & BBQ at Kolokytha excursion, with an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 448 reviews.

The guide received a 3.4/5 rating, while the transportation and service were rated higher at 4.4/5 and 3.9/5, respectively.

Travelers praised the historical exploration and beautiful scenery, but some noted the BBQ setup didn’t quite match their expectations, with the food being served on the boat rather than the beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The cruise operator generally does not allow passengers to bring their own food and drinks on board. The tour package includes a barbecue lunch provided by the crew, so outside food and beverages are typically not permitted.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration beyond the standard 5.5 hours. The itinerary and scheduling are fixed, so travelers must stick to the advertised timeline for the experience.

Do I Need to Make a Reservation for the Vegetarian Option?

According to the activity details, the vegetarian option is available upon request. Therefore, it’s recommended to make a reservation for the vegetarian meal when booking the tour to ensure the dietary requirement is accommodated.

Is There a Discount for Booking the Tour in Advance?

Yes, you can get a discount for booking the tour in advance. The activity description states that there’s a "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option, allowing you to secure your spot without making an upfront payment.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended. Swimwear and a sun hat are advised for the beach portion of the tour. Casual, practical attire is the best choice.

Recap

This cruise to Spinalonga and barbecue at Kolokytha Bay provides a captivating blend of historical exploration and relaxation.

Explore the island’s poignant past, then unwind with a delightful grilled feast amidst stunning coastal scenery.

Flexible cancellation and no upfront payment make this an accessible and hassle-free experience, ensuring a memorable day for history buffs and leisure-seekers alike.

You can check if your dates are available here: