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Explore Crete’s Historic Spinalonga with a Guided Boat Tour and BBQ
The Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour with BBQ and Swimming offers an engaging full-day experience on Crete’s stunning coast. For $28.23 per person, this tour combines scenic boat rides, a visit to the renowned island of Spinalonga, and relaxing stops at Kolokytha Beach. With a duration of six hours, it’s a well-balanced way to enjoy both historical sights and leisure time, making it suitable for travelers who appreciate cultural highlights alongside beach breaks.
This tour provides professional English-speaking guides and includes boat transportation, a BBQ lunch, and a glass of wine or lemonade. While entry fees to Spinalonga cost 20 euros per adult, children under 18 enjoy free access. The tour departs from Windmill small port in Elounda and runs on a consistent schedule, with a start time of 9:50 AM (or 11:50 AM on Thursdays). It’s a great option for those seeking a mix of history, scenic views, and beach time at an affordable price.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Includes a guided tour of Spinalonga Island with detailed historical insights.
- Boat trip along Mirabello Bay with scenic views and stops at Kolokytha Beach.
- Enjoy a BBQ lunch with chicken, pork, or vegetarian options, plus one glass of wine or lemonade.
- Stops at Kolokytha Beach for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on sandy shores.
- Tour duration of 6 hours, with structured stops and free time.
- Entry to Spinalonga costs 20 euros per adult; children under 18 are free.
Planning more time in Elounda? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Starting Point at Windmill Small Port in Elounda
The tour begins at Windmill small port in Elounda, with guides awaiting arrivals at 9:50 AM on most days, or 11:50 AM on Thursdays. Arriving at least 10 minutes early ensures smooth boarding, as late arrivals may miss the start with no refunds. The meeting point is straightforward, and the tour ends back at the same location, making logistics simple for travelers.
Scenic Boat Ride across Mirabello Bay
The boat trip across Mirabello Bay takes approximately 20 minutes each way. During these crossings, travelers enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and panoramic views of the coast. The boat, operated by PLATANOS TOURS, provides a comfortable ride and a chance to observe the coastline from the water, setting the stage for the day’s adventures on land and at the beaches.
Visiting the Secluded Kolokytha Beach
The first stop is at Kolokytha Beach, a peaceful sandy cove perfect for swimming and relaxing. The scenic surroundings and crystal-clear waters invite guests to take a dip or snorkel in the inviting sea. The beach stop lasts about 1.5 hours, offering plenty of time for photos, leisure, and enjoying the scenic views during the visit. The path to the beach features rocky and uneven terrain, which may be a consideration for those less steady on their feet.
More Great Tours NearbyExploring Spinalonga Island’s Venetian Fortress
After the beach, the boat returns to Spinalonga, where a guided tour explores the island’s Venetian fortress and historical sites. Visitors have about 1.5 hours to discover the island’s complex past, from its ancient Greek origins as a natural barrier to the Saracen pirate refuge, and its later role as a Venetian fortification and Turkic settlement. The guide leads you through highlights, sharing stories about the island’s layered history. Visitors can also take photos at scenic viewpoints and enjoy free time for exploring independently.
More Time at Elounda and Coastal Views
After the island visit, the boat makes another 20-minute ferry ride back to Elounda. There’s a brief 20-minute stop at Elounda itself, mainly for photos and enjoying the coastal scenery. The area offers beautiful panoramic views and the chance to appreciate the tranquil seaside atmosphere of this charming town.
The Delicious BBQ Lunch and Refreshments
A key feature of this tour is the BBQ lunch served on board, including pork chop, white cabbage salad with optional dressing, bread, and fruit. Guests enjoy one glass of wine or lemonade with their meal, adding to the relaxed, social vibe of the day. The lunch is a highlight, offering good value for money according to previous feedback, and providing a satisfying break amidst the sightseeing and swimming.
Practical Details: What’s Included and What’s Not
Included in the $28.23 ticket are boat transportation, the guided tour in English, and the BBQ meal with a drink. The tour also benefits from liability insurance by Generali. Not included are the entry fee to Spinalonga, which costs 20 euros per adult, and hotel pickup or drop-off. Children under 18 do not pay entry fees, making it a budget-friendly option for families. Languages available include English and German, with certain days offering French, Polish, or Russian.
Suitability and Physical Considerations
The tour involves walking on uneven, rocky paths, especially during the beach stop, which might be challenging for travelers with mobility issues. The guided tours focus on providing cultural and historical commentary, and the sightseeing pace is moderate. Travelers should bring sunglasses and sunscreen for comfort during outdoor activities. No specific accessibility information is provided, but the tour’s physical demands are relatively light aside from the terrain at Kolokytha Beach.
Overall Value and Experience Highlights
The combination of scenic boat rides, historical exploration, and beach relaxation makes this tour a practical choice for visitors wanting an affordable, well-organized day out. The guided insights into Spinalonga’s complex past and the opportunity to swim at Kolokytha Beach stand out as true highlights. The delicious BBQ lunch and calm coastal setting contribute to a relaxing, enjoyable experience.
Who Will Most Appreciate This Tour?
This tour is ideal for those interested in Crete’s history, beach lovers, and families with children (considering the free entry for those under 18). It suits travelers who value guided commentary, scenic water crossings, and value for money. Those who prefer more accessible terrain or more extensive free time might find the rocky terrain at the beach a bit challenging.
Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour – Final Thoughts
The Elounda Spinalonga tour offers a balanced mix of cultural highlights, scenic views, and leisure at an attractive price point. The guides provide engaging commentary, making the island’s complex history accessible and interesting. The BBQ lunch and beach stop add extra value, while the scenic boat rides enhance the overall experience.
While the entry fee to Spinalonga is not included, the cost is reasonable, especially considering the full-day itinerary and professional guides. Travelers who enjoy history, beaches, and boat trips are likely to find this tour both informative and relaxing.
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Elounda: Spinalonga Guided Boat Tour with BBQ and Swimming
“This is great value for money, good food and lovely hosts. My only advice is if you are unsteady on your feet, I would suggest you dont go as the p…”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included; guests meet at the Windmill small port in Elounda.
How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts 6 hours, starting at 9:50 AM (or 11:50 AM on Thursdays) and ending back at the meeting point.
What is the price for entry to Spinalonga?
Entry fees are 20 euros per adult, with children under 18 free.
What food is served during the BBQ lunch?
The lunch includes pork chop, white cabbage salad with optional dressing, bread, and fruit.
Are drinks included?
Yes, each guest receives one glass of wine or lemonade with their meal.
Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
The terrain at the beach involves rocky, uneven paths, which may be difficult for some.
What languages are available for the guided tour?
The main tour is in English and German, with French, Polish, and Russian offered on specific days.
Can children participate in the tour?
Yes, children under 18 are free for entry and are welcome to join the tour.
What scenic stops are included?
Stops at Kolokytha Beach, Spinalonga Island, and Elounda for photos and sightseeing.
Is the tour suitable for travelers looking for a relaxing day?
Absolutely—swimming, relaxing at the beach, and a leisurely boat ride make this a peaceful, enjoyable outing.
This guided boat tour of Spinalonga combines history, scenic beauty, and beach fun at an accessible price, perfect for those wanting a memorable Crete experience without overextending their budget or schedule.
You can check availability for your dates here:
