Spinalonga Island Guided Day Trip with Tavern Lunch & Wine

Explore Crete’s Iconic Spinalonga Island with a Guided Day Trip

The Spinalonga Island Guided Day Trip offers a comprehensive look at one of Crete’s most captivating sites. Priced at $120 per person, this 8-hour experience includes a boat cruise, a guided walking tour of Spinalonga, a traditional Greek tavern lunch, and a visit to Agios Nikolaos. The tour departs from Crete and is designed for groups of up to 35 participants, ensuring a comfortable and engaging atmosphere.

This tour combines history, scenery, and local flavors into a well-rounded day. The focus on Spinalonga’s past as a leper colony makes it a meaningful visit, while the seaside lunch and scenic town stop add a relaxed, enjoyable vibe. With hotel pickup included, the experience is both convenient and insightful—perfect for those interested in Cretan culture and history.

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Key Points

• All-inclusive price of $120 covers transportation, boat cruise, guided tour, lunch, and wine.
• Duration of 8 hours with flexible starting times, making it easy to plan around other activities.
• Visit Spinalonga Island via a private wooden boat, hearing stories of its former leper colony.
• Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch with fresh fish or chicken, served with local wine in Plaka village.
• Explore the town of Agios Nikolaos for additional sightseeing and shopping.
• Limited stops at pickup keep the trip smooth, with a maximum group size of 35 for a personal experience.

From Hotel Pickups to Scenic Small-Town Travel

The tour begins with hotel pickups from Crete, with up to six stops designed for convenience. Once aboard the spacious bus, travelers head through small towns toward Elounda, a charming fishing village. The vehicle, accommodating a maximum of 35 participants, provides a comfortable ride suitable for all ages.

The journey sets a relaxed tone, allowing time to take in Crete’s countryside before reaching the port of Elounda, where the boat cruise begins. The early coordination ensures a stress-free start and a chance to enjoy the scenic drive before immersing in the day’s highlights.

Private Wooden Boat Cruise to Spinalonga Island

The highlight of the tour is the short cruise aboard a traditional wooden fishing boat, operated privately for the group. This cruise takes travelers directly to Spinalonga Island, giving a chance to enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and the island’s fortress walls.

The boat cruise is a key part of the experience, offering a comfortable and scenic way to approach the island. The professional guide shares fascinating stories about Spinalonga’s past, focusing on its history as a leper colony, which lasted until the late 20th century. This storytelling helps deepen the understanding of what makes the island historically significant.

Guided Walking Tour of Spinalonga’s Historic Sites

Once on Spinalonga, the group embarks on a guided walking tour led by a licensed guide. This tour covers the main points of interest on the island, including fortress walls, old buildings, and remnants of the leper colony.

The guide shares insights and stories that bring the island’s history to life, making the walk both educational and engaging. The admission ticket to Spinalonga is included, so visitors can explore at their own pace after the guided portion if desired.

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Tastes of Greece: Lunch at a Seaside Tavern in Plaka

After the tour of Spinalonga, the boat returns to Plaka village, a scenic fishing spot with picturesque views. Here, a traditional Greek tavern awaits, offering a lunch that highlights local flavors. Dishes feature fresh fish or chicken, with options for vegetarians, and include starters to enjoy alongside local wine or water.

This cozy, authentic meal provides a relaxed setting to savor Greek cuisine and reflect on the morning’s adventures. The lunch option is flexible, with the default being fish, but guests can request chicken if preferred.

Discovering the Charm of Agios Nikolaos

Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the town of Agios Nikolaos. This vibrant town offers time for exploring shops, enjoying the scenic waterfront, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere. The stop provides a perfect balance of history and leisure, allowing travelers to enjoy some free time before returning to their hotels.

The town’s beautiful setting and local shops make it a pleasant end to the day, giving a taste of urban Crete alongside the island’s outdoor attractions.

Convenient Logistics with Limited Pickup Stops

The pickup service is designed for comfort and efficiency, with up to six stops close to your accommodation. The bus is spacious, and the group size is capped at 35 participants, ensuring a relaxed environment. Travelers are advised to be ready 5 minutes prior to pickup, as the bus cannot wait more than 2 minutes at each stop.

The return journey takes travelers back to their hotel or the closest accessible point, wrapping up the day with minimal fuss.

Tour Inclusions and Practical Details

This tour includes all major components: hotel transfer, licensed guide, private boat cruise, entrance fee to Spinalonga, guided walking tour, lunch with drinks, and water. It’s a well-rounded package that takes care of logistics and ensures a smooth, informative experience.

The duration of 8 hours allows for a relaxed pace, with plenty of time at each stop. The tour is conducted in German and French, with an optional audio guide available in German for additional insights.

Considerations and Limitations

Participants should be aware that the bus capacity is limited for comfort and safety, with a maximum of 80% full occupancy. The default lunch option is fish, though chicken can be requested in advance. The tour is suitable for most ages but involves some walking around the island and town.

The cancellation policy offers full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility to adjust plans if needed.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Crete

This guided day trip combines history, scenery, and local cuisine into a well-organized 8-hour experience. The focus on Spinalonga’s past as a leper colony, combined with scenic boat cruise and a seaside lunch, makes it a compelling choice for those interested in Cretan culture and history.

The small group size and limited stops help create a more personal experience, and the hotel pickup adds extra convenience. The inclusion of wine and water with lunch enhances the relaxed, authentic feel of the day.

While the tour does not include extensive free time at each stop, it offers a balanced, educational, and leisurely look at some of Crete’s most memorable sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability.

What is included in the price?
The $120 price covers hotel pickup, bus transportation, boat cruise, guided tour, admission ticket to Spinalonga, lunch, wine, and water.

Can I choose a vegetarian lunch?
The default lunch includes fish, but vegetarian options are available upon request.

What language is the tour guided in?
The tour is conducted in German and French, with an optional German audio guide.

Is the boat cruise comfortable?
Yes, the traditional wooden boat is privately booked for the group, providing a scenic and comfortable approach to Spinalonga.

How much walking is involved?
The guided tour involves a walking tour on Spinalonga, with some walking in Agios Nikolaos, but no extensive hiking.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most ages, but participants should be able to handle walking around the island and town.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

This Spinalonga Island Guided Day Trip offers a balanced mix of history, scenery, and authentic Greek hospitality—all within a well-organized 8-hour adventure that highlights the best of Crete.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby