Crete: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda with BBQ Lunch

Key Points

• Affordable price of just $28.23 per person for a full-day experience.
• Visits to Spinalonga Island, including a guided tour of its Venetian fortress and historical sites.
• Includes a boat ride to Kolokytha Bay for swimming and relaxation.
• Stops at charming towns of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, with free time for shopping and sightseeing.
• Tasty BBQ lunch onboard featuring pork steak, Greek salad, bread, fruit, and a drink.
• Visit a local olive oil factory and enjoy tastings of Cretan products.
• Flexible duration from 5 to 12 hours, with options for pickup from various locations.

This tour offers a comprehensive day exploring some of Crete’s most fascinating sights, with a price tag of $28.23 per person. The tour combines historical exploration, scenic boat rides, relaxing beach stops, and local culture, making it ideal for travelers wanting a well-rounded experience. It lasts between 5 and 12 hours, depending on your chosen options and timing.

A notable feature is the guided tour of Spinalonga Island, where you’ll learn about its layered past—from its role as a natural barrier for the ancient city of Olous to its time as a Venetian fortress and Turkish settlement. The tour also includes free time at Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, giving space for shopping, strolling, and enjoying Crete’s relaxed atmosphere.

While the tour is well-organized and offers a great value, it’s worth noting that the duration at each stop can be tight, especially if starting from places like Heraklion. Still, the onboard BBQ lunch and visits to local attractions make this a compelling choice for many travelers seeking a mix of history, scenery, and local flavor.

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Key Points

• Cost-effective day trip with $28.23 all-inclusive price.
• Guided exploration of Spinalonga, including Venetian fortress history.
• Boat trip to Kolokytha Bay for swimming and sunbathing.
• Free time in Elounda and Agios Nikolaos for shopping and sightseeing.
• Includes BBQ lunch on the boat with pork steak, Greek salad, and fresh fruit.
• Visit to a local olive oil factory with tastings of Cretan products.
• Flexible tour duration and pickup options ensure convenience.

Departure and Meeting Points for Crete’s Coastal Tour

The tour usually starts with a pickup from various locations around Crete, including options from Heraklion, Malia, Stalis, and other towns. The meeting point for the boat is outside the Restaurant Megaro, where a Tourline guide waits at 9:30 a.m. for your group. Once onboard, the adventure begins with a scenic ride along the coast.

This setup allows for flexible pickup arrangements, partly from hotel exits and main roads, providing convenience regardless of where you stay. The tour ends back at the original meeting point, wrapping up a day of diverse experiences.

Exploring Elounda on the Mirabello Bay Coast

Elounda is the first major stop on this tour, situated along the peaceful Mirabello Bay. From the boat, travelers enjoy the tranquil views of this charming seaside village. The tour briefly explores this town, known for its scenic setting and luxurious resorts, before heading to Kolokytha Bay for a swim.

The water here is described as crystal-clear, perfect for a refreshing dip or snorkeling. The stop lasts about 1.5 hours, enough for a relaxing break, photos, and enjoying the scenic views. The onboard BBQ lunch takes place during this time, with pork chop, Greek salad, bread, fruit, and a glass of wine or lemonade.

Swimming and Sunbathing at Kolokytha Bay

Travelers board a short boat trip to Kolokytha Bay around 10:00 a.m., where the calm waters invite swimming and snorkeling. This stop is praised for its beautiful scenery and is described as a perfect spot for relaxing and taking photos.

The scenic views along the way add to the experience, and the scenic boat ride offers a chance to enjoy Crete’s natural beauty. The scenic stop lasts around 1.5 hours, providing enough time to swim, take drone shots, or simply unwind on the boat.

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Visiting Spinalonga Island and its Venetian Fortress

At about 12:45 p.m., the boat crosses across the stunning Mirabello Bay to Spinalonga, a site renowned for its layered history. A professional guide leads a guided tour of the island’s highlights, including the Venetian Fortress and historic village ruins.

Visitors get free time to explore the archipelago’s ruins, absorbing the atmosphere and views of the sea. The tour includes scenic views along the way, and the visit lasts approximately 1.5 hours. The site’s history as a refuge for Saracen pirates, a Venetian fortress, and a Turkish settlement makes it a compelling stop.

Lunch on the Boat: BBQ with Local Flavors

The lunch onboard is a barbecue featuring pork steak, Greek salad, bread, and fresh fruit. The meal is complemented by a glass of wine or lemonade, providing a relaxing break during the busy day.

The lunch is described as simple, fresh, and well-portioned, with many appreciating the tasty and authentic flavors. The meals are served at the right time to coincide with the swim break at Kolokytha Bay, making this a practical and enjoyable feature of the tour.

Visiting a Local Olive Oil Factory and Tasting Cretan Products

On the way to Agios Nikolaos, the tour makes a stop at a local olive oil factory for a quick tasting session. This stop offers an insight into Cretan produce, with opportunities to sample olive oils and other local products.

This visit adds a layer of cultural authenticity to the trip, allowing guests to appreciate Cretan culinary traditions. The tasting is brief but well-regarded for its educational and tasty experience.

Exploring Agios Nikolaos and Lake Voulismeni

Arriving in Agios Nikolaos around 3:45 p.m., the tour provides free time for visitors to stroll around the town. The famous Lake Voulismeni offers picturesque views and a peaceful setting for relaxing at a café.

The town’s charming streets are ideal for shopping, sightseeing, or simply enjoying the local ambiance. The free time is generally about an hour, giving enough space for a leisurely walk and some local souvenirs.

Tour Logistics and Duration

This tour offers flexible timing, with total durations ranging from 5 to 12 hours depending on your pick-up options and pace. The tour includes air-conditioned bus transportation and boat trips, making sure comfort is maintained throughout the day.

The pickup service is available from various locations, partly from hotels and main roads, with detailed instructions provided after booking. The tour is led by live guides in multiple languages, including English, German, French, Polish, Russian, and Italian.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Participants should bring sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, towels, comfortable clothes, swimwear, and sun hats. Pets are not allowed, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

The visit to Spinalonga requires some walking and standing, and the timing at each stop is designed to balance sightseeing and relaxation. It’s recommended to check the availability to see the exact starting times, as these vary.

Final Thoughts on the Crete Day Trip

This tour offers a great combination of history, coastal scenery, and local culture for a very reasonable price. The guided tours and local tastings enrich the experience, while the scenic boat rides and beach stops provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation.

While the duration at each stop might feel a bit rushed at times, the well-structured itinerary ensures that key highlights are covered without overload. The BBQ lunch onboard is a highlight, appreciated for its simplicity and flavor.

It is best suited for travelers who want a full day of sightseeing with minimal hassle, especially if they enjoy history, coastal views, and local foods. Those starting from Heraklion or nearby locations might find the bus time slightly longer, but the overall experience remains a solid choice for a practical, enjoyable Crete adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include entry fees for Spinalonga?
No, the entry fee to Spinalonga is not included in the price and must be paid separately at the site.

What is the duration of the boat ride?
The boat stops at Kolokytha Bay and Spinalonga last approximately 20 minutes each, with the total boat time including transfers around 1.5 hours.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour involves some walking and standing, and is not suitable for wheelchair users. Children comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and boat rides will enjoy it, but it’s best to confirm specific needs beforehand.

Can I choose my pickup location?
Yes, the pickup options include various hotels and main roads around Crete. After booking, the tour operator provides detailed pickup instructions.

What should I bring for the trip?
Participants should bring sunscreen, sunglasses, cash, towels, swimwear, comfortable clothing, and sun hats. The tour provides a full-day experience with plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Is there any flexibility in the timing?
Yes, the duration varies from 5 to 12 hours, depending on your selected options and timing preferences. The schedule is designed to maximize sightseeing and leisure time.

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