Spinalonga – Agios Nikolaos From Heraklion

Situated off the northeastern coast of Crete, Spinalonga Island holds a captivating history that continues to intrigue visitors. Once a Venetian fortress, the island later served as a leper colony, a fascinating chapter in its past. The "Spinalonga – Agios Nikolaos From Heraklion" tour offers an immersive experience, allowing guests to explore the island’s ruins and learn about its remarkable legacy. But the journey doesn’t end there, as the tour also includes a visit to an olive factory and a refreshing swim at Kolokitha beach, culminating in a delectable barbecue lunch. With its blend of history, culture, and leisure, this tour promises an unforgettable day in the heart of Crete.

Key Points

• The full-day tour to Spinalonga Island departs from select hotels in Hersonissos, Malia, and Agios Nikolaos, with boat transportation from Elounda harbor.

• The tour includes a visit to the former Venetian fortress and leper colony, allowing visitors to explore the island’s history and remnants from the 1903-1957 period.

• The itinerary features a swim stop at Kolokitha beach near the ancient sunken city of Olous, as well as a traditional Cretan barbecue lunch.

• The tour provides a balanced experience, combining cultural exploration of the Venetian fortress and leper colony with leisure activities like swimming and dining.

• Guests can expect to spend approximately 5 hours on the boat ride to and from Spinalonga Island, with free admission to the island itself.

Tour Overview

This private full-day trip to Spinalonga Island, located off the north coast of Crete, allows visitors to explore the former leper colony and Venetian fortress.

The tour includes access to the crumbled fortifications, streets, churches, and houses that were once home to those confined to the island from 1903 to 1957. Guests will learn about the history of leprosy and the lives of those who were isolated on Spinalonga.

The experience also includes a swim stop and a barbecue lunch, providing a well-rounded day of discovery and relaxation.

Transportation Details

The tour includes coach transport from select hotels in Hersonnissos, Malia, and Agios Nikolaos to the Elounda harbor, where guests board a boat for the trip to Spinalonga Island.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are only provided for these preselected areas. Guests outside this proximity must reach the meeting point independently.

The boat ride to Spinalonga Island takes approximately 5 hours, and the island’s admission is free.

After exploring the former leper colony and Venetian fortress, the tour includes a swim stop at Kolokitha beach, near the ancient sunken city of Olous.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour includes a visit to an Olive Factory in Malia, where guests can enjoy a free Cretan olive oil tasting session lasting approximately one hour. Afterwards, the group will embark on a 5-hour boat trip to the captivating Spinalonga Island. Here, they’ll have the opportunity to explore the former Venetian fortress and leper colony, learning about its rich history. The tour also includes a swim stop at the nearby Kolokitha beach, near the ancient sunken city of Olous.

Itinerary Highlights	Duration	Admission
Olive Factory in Malia	1 hour	Free
Boat trip to Spinalonga Island	5 hours	Free
Swim at Kolokitha beach	–	–

Pricing and Booking

The tour starts from $54.58 per person. Visitors can book this full-day trip to Spinalonga Island from north Crete freely, as the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

However, there’s a maximum of 100 travelers per tour, so early booking is recommended to secure a spot. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking.

The tour includes coach transport from select hotels in Hersonnissos, Malia, and Agios Nikolaos, a boat ride to Spinalonga from Elounda harbor, and hotel pickup and drop-off for the preselected areas.

Guests outside the proximity must reach the meeting point independently.

Guest Reviews and Feedback

Visitors have provided a total of 16 reviews for this tour, with an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars.

The majority of the reviews are positive, with 9 reviewers awarding 5 stars and 3 reviewers giving 4 stars. However, there are some concerns noted in the feedback.

One reviewer rated the tour 3 stars, while two others gave 2 stars and one 1 star.

The positive comments highlight the tour’s enjoyable experience and the professionalism of the guides.

The negative reviews mention issues with the pickup organization and timing.

History of Spinalonga Island

Spinalonga’s history is a captivating tale of resilience and isolation. Once a Venetian fortress, the island was transformed into a leper colony in 1903, confining those afflicted with the disease until its closure in 1957. The colony’s residents, though ostracized, forged a vibrant community, establishing churches, schools, and even a symphony orchestra.

Year	Event
1579	Venetians build a fortress on Spinalonga
1903	Spinalonga becomes a leper colony
1957	Leper colony closes
2020	Spinalonga becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Today, the island stands as a poignant reminder of humanity’s capacity for both cruelty and compassion, its ruined structures a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Venetian Fortress and Fortifications

Towering above the crystalline waters, Spinalonga’s Venetian fortress stands as a testament to the island’s storied past.

Constructed in the early 16th century, the imposing fortifications were designed to protect the island from invaders.

Today, visitors can explore the crumbled walls, winding streets, and remnants of the island’s former structures, including:

• The Venetian citadel and its impressive bastions
• The remnants of churches, houses, and other buildings from the island’s time as a leper colony
• The ancient harbor, now partially submerged, which served as a vital link to the mainland
• Panoramic views of the surrounding Mirabello Bay and the distant mountains of Crete.

Swim and Barbecue Lunch

After exploring the Venetian fortress and fortifications, travelers can look forward to a refreshing swim at Kolokitha beach, located near the ancient sunken city of Olous.

The tour includes a stop at this picturesque beach, where guests can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters and relax.

Following the swim, a barbecue lunch is served, allowing visitors to savor traditional Cretan cuisine in a stunning seaside setting.

The combination of the swim and the barbecue lunch provides a well-rounded experience, offering both cultural exploration and leisure activities during the tour of Spinalonga Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Dog on the Tour?

Sorry, but pets are not allowed on this private tour. The tour itinerary and logistics don’t accommodate bringing animals, and the island may not be suitable for dogs. You’ll need to make alternative arrangements for your pet during the tour.

Is There a Bathroom on the Boat to Spinalonga?

Yes, the boat to Spinalonga Island has a bathroom onboard for passengers’ convenience during the trip. This ensures a comfortable and accessible experience throughout the journey to the former leper colony.

Do I Need to Pay Extra for the Olive Oil Tasting?

No, the olive oil tasting at the Olive Factory in Malia is included in the tour price and doesn’t require any additional payment. It’s a free admission activity that’s part of the tour’s itinerary highlights.

Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Island?

The tour overview does not mention if Wi-Fi is available on Spinalonga Island. It’s likely that internet connectivity may be limited, as the island was a former leper colony without modern infrastructure. Guests should plan accordingly for their visit.

Can I Buy Souvenirs on Spinalonga?

There are some souvenir shops on Spinalonga Island, so visitors can purchase local handicrafts, postcards, and other memorabilia during their tour of the former leper colony and Venetian fortress. However, options are limited given the island’s small size.

Recap

The "Spinalonga – Agios Nikolaos From Heraklion" tour offers an immersive experience that blends history, culture, and relaxation. Guests embark on a scenic boat ride to the captivating Spinalonga Island, explore its Venetian fortress, and enjoy a swim and barbecue lunch. With visits to an olive factory and Kolokitha beach, this tour provides an unforgettable journey through Crete’s remarkable past and natural beauty.