Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island Day Trip from Heraklion
- Duration11 hours
- Daily
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- Pickup available
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Overview
This guided day trip from Heraklion takes you across northeast Crete to Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and Spinalonga Island. You travel by coach with hotel pick-up, spend free time in the lakeside town of Agios Nikolaos, then take a short boat trip to the Venetian fortress island of Spinalonga, once a leper colony. An English-speaking guide explains the history along the way, and the boat ticket is included, but not the Spinalonga entry fee. The trip suits families, couples and history lovers who want a full day.
Highlights
- Full-day coach trip from Heraklion to northeast Crete
- Free time in Agios Nikolaos, the town around the lake
- Elounda, a former fishing village on Mirabello Bay
- Boat crossing to Spinalonga Island included
- Venetian fortress and the story of the leper colony
- Live guide in English, with hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Choice of pick-up area, with different trip lengths
Full Description
Agios Nikolaos and Lake Voulismeni
Agios Nikolaos is the pretty resort town of Mirabello Bay, built around a small, deep lake called Voulismeni that connects to the harbour by a narrow channel. The waterfront is lined with cafes, restaurants and boutiques, and it is easy to enjoy a walk along the lake and the harbour, with time for a coffee or shopping.
On this day trip from Heraklion you have free time here to explore at your own pace. The stop works well as a first taste of eastern Crete, and it is a good place to buy souvenirs or simply sit by the water before continuing to Elounda and Spinalonga.
Elounda, on the Bay of Mirabello
Elounda is a former fishing village on the north coast that is now known for its calm bay, tavernas and views towards the island of Spinalonga. The village still keeps a harbour character, with small boats moored at the quay and old windmills and salt pans near the causeway.
Elounda is where the boat to Spinalonga departs. You will have time to walk along the waterfront, take photos or swim if the schedule allows, before boarding the boat. It is a relaxed stop between the town and the fortress. Cafes along the shore make it easy to sit down for a short break.
Spinalonga Island: fortress and leper colony
Spinalonga is a small island fortress built by the Venetians in the 16th century to protect Mirabello Bay and the coast around Elounda. Under Ottoman rule people lived within its walls, and from 1904 until 1957 the island served as a leper colony, an isolated place where patients lived and were cared for. The story became famous through the 2005 novel The Island.
A short boat ride takes you across, and you walk through the gate, along the fortified walls and through the abandoned streets, with sea views in every direction. Your guide explains the history, and you have free time to explore. Wear comfortable shoes, as the paths are uneven.
Planning your Spinalonga day trip from Heraklion
The boat ticket is included in this day trip, but the Spinalonga entry fee is not and is paid at the site. Reduced or waived entry may apply to certain age groups and nationalities, and you may be asked to show a passport or ID, so bring one. Food and drinks are also extra.
Trip length depends on your pick-up area: about 8 hours from Sisi, 8.5 hours from Analipsi to Kokkini Hani, 9 hours from Malia to Anissaras and about 11 hours from Heraklion and Ammoudara. The default option is pick-up from Heraklion and Ammoudara. Summer days are hot, so bring a hat, water and beachwear.
Itinerary
- Hotel pick-upBe collected from your hotel in the area you chose and travel by coach across northeast Crete.
- Agios NikolaosFree time around Lake Voulismeni and the harbour for coffee, shopping and photos, about 1.5 hours.
- EloundaStop at the former fishing village and walk along the waterfront, about 75 minutes.
- Boat to SpinalongaCross by boat to the island fortress, a short trip of around 30 minutes.
- Spinalonga IslandExplore the fortress and abandoned streets with your guide and some free time, about 1.5 hours.
- Return and drop-offTravel back by coach and be dropped at your hotel.
What's included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Boat ticket to Spinalonga Island
- Live guide (English)
Not included
- Spinalonga Island entry fee
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.7/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes about 11 hours
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
- People with mobility impairments, because of uneven paths and boat boarding
- Anyone unable to walk on uneven ground in the heat
Meeting point
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included from Heraklion, Malia, Hersonissos, Gouves, Sisi and nearby areas. You choose your pick-up area when you book, and the exact time is confirmed after booking, usually early in the morning. The default option is pick-up from Heraklion and Ammoudara.
Important information
- Wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sun cream, and bring beachwear and water.
- The boat ticket is included; the Spinalonga entry fee is not and is paid at the site.
- Bring a passport or ID card, as reduced or waived entry can depend on age and nationality.
- Food and drinks are not included; there are cafes at Agios Nikolaos and Elounda.
- Trip length depends on the pick-up area, from about 8 to 11 hours.
- The itinerary may change with traffic, weather and sea conditions.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Spinalonga day trip cost?
The price depends on your pick-up area and on whether you book for an adult or a child. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included in all the options. Choose your pick-up area when booking, and the exact time is confirmed afterwards.
How long is the trip?
It depends on your pick-up area, from about 8 hours from Sisi to about 11 hours from Heraklion and Ammoudara, including the boat trip to Spinalonga.
Is the trip suitable for children?
Yes, for children who can walk on uneven paths in the sun. The child age range is shown in the booking panel.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable shoes and light clothes, and bring a hat, sun cream, water, beachwear and your passport or ID.
Is the Spinalonga entrance fee included?
No. The boat ticket is included, but the entry fee for Spinalonga is paid at the site, with reductions that depend on age and nationality.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes if places remain. Choose your date in the booking panel and check availability.
What is the difference between the options?
The options differ by hotel pick-up area and therefore by trip length. The programme, the guide and the boat trip are the same.
How long do we spend on Spinalonga?
About one and a half hours on the island, enough to see the fortress and streets with your guide and to take photos.
Is Spinalonga worth visiting?
Yes. It combines a striking Venetian fortress, a moving history and sea views, and the day also includes Agios Nikolaos and Elounda.
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