Spinalonga Island

A day trip that combines relaxation and history gives you the chance to visit the highlights of the Northeast part of Crete, where the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos with the magnificent lake can be found. Elounda, a small village on the shore of Mirabello bay with spectacular views, is where the boat begins the cruise heading to Spinalonga island, a small uninhabited island used during the history as a fortress and later on as a leper colony. On the way back to Elounda Port the boat will anchor so you can dive in the refreshing waters.

Exclusivity: We operate the only tour that starts sail from Agios Nikolaos and gives travellers the joy of cruising across Mirabello Bay for 1 hour! In addition, our boat is the only one that makes a stop at the beach of Kolokytha and give participants the time to swim and enjoy their lunch there. This tour combines both a visit to the town of Agios Nikolaos, Spinalonga Fortress and a unique stay on the beach of Kolokytha for lunch and a swim stop. Our participants will enjoy a cruise through Mirabello bay, the crystal clear waters of Kolokytha beach, and the historic island of Spinalonga.

Discover the seaside village of Elounda and walk amongst history on the island of Spinalonga. Finishing our touring on this much afflicted place, we head for the small bay of Kolokitha. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches on Crete. It is a remote beach with white sand and deep blue serene water, side by side with old olive groves. There we can swim from the boat. Here you have plenty of time for swimming at the crystal clear waters, tasting the BBQ served on board. The menu includes pork* chop BBQ, greek salad, feta cheese, bread, wine or Fanta and seasonal fruit.(EVERY SUNDAY the dinner is in a tavern we DONT have BBQ on board) After our short respite, we go back to Elounda. Then we move to the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, where we have our last stop. We have the chance to enjoy our coffee getting a perfect view of the magnificent lake, do our shopping in the traditional local shops and relax for a while before we hit the road for our going back.

Spinalonga is a magnificent island with fortresses dating from the Venetian period. It is an island of legends, a triumph to survival in the early 20th century from the scourge of leprosy, now a place of great archaeological and historical significance. Nostos Cruises operates the only fully organized cruise to Spinalonga which includes detailed information from our experienced guides and onboard guided tours in English, German, Dutch, French, Russian, etc.

• An exciting journey along the north-eastern coast of Crete with a boat trip along the picturesque Mirabello bay. • Accompanied by a professional guide, you will stroll through the streets of the Venetian castle and learn about the interesting history of the fortified island of Spinalonga. • Continuing your voyage, the ship will moor in Colokita Bay, where you will have free time for lunch and swimming in the crystal clear waters of Mirabello Bay. • A walk through the snow-white town of AGIOS NIKOLAOS, with many souvenir shops and boutiques around the bottomless lake Vouliazmeni.

A beautiful day starts from Elounda with your final destination on the Spinalonga Island. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the leper island which is located in middle of Mirebello gulf, swim at the green clear sea, admire the view and explore the historical island.

You want them all ? Here it is: An adventure with the Land Rover and a private speed boat to Spinalonga Island to explore it, than over the countryside and small greek villages to the caves of milatos. Included also is a wonderful lunch at a local exellent taverna with fresh natural products and wine. Very nice combo with Safari and private boat to the hotspot of the region, Explore the mountains and valleys, passing the small villages in the mountains.  learn how olive oil is made at our stop at an olive oil factory with a free guided tour. Coming back through the mountains we will have some amazing views over the Gulf of Mirabello and the historical island of Spinalonga. At the village of Plaka, our fast private speedboat are wait for you to transfer you to Spinalonga. (Entrance fee to the island not included, has to be payed on the island). Inclusive: Land Rover Discovery with air condition, experienced driver, refreshments/water, speedboat transfer

A fun and sun cruise with a barbeque by the sea, relaxing moments around the surreal Kolokytha Bay and an exceptional visit to the stunning and historic island of Spinalonga. Our Nostos cruise boat departs from the harbor of Agios Nikolaos at 10:00 am and after cruising across the beautiful Bay of Mirabello, arrives at the legendary Spinalonga. You have an hour and a half to tour around and explore the Venetian fortifications and the old homes of the victims of leprosy who lived on the island during the first half of the 20th century. All the necessary information and historical data about the island can be found in the printed guide we provide you free of charge.

Originally, Spinalonga was not an island – it was part of the island of Crete. During Venetian occupation the island was carved out of the coast for defence purposes and a fort was built there. During Venetian rule, salt was harvested from salt pans around the island.The island has also been used as a leper colony. Spinalonga has appeared in novels, television series, and a short film. This excursion is a perfect option for those who want to combine land & sea tours. You will also have the opportunity to visit the eastern part of Crete, Agios Nikolaos, a small town with a picturesque harbour and the island of Spinalonga.

At Elounda you take the boat and cruise along the bay to the island of Spinalonga. The guided tour on Spinalonga will both fascinate and haunt you as you learn the tragic history of this island which was once a Venetian fortress and was then the isolated home of many lepers up to 1957 when it was cleared by the Health Authorities, leaving the place uninhabited. The Venetians constructed a very impressive fortress with forty cannons which has been guarding the strategic bay of Mirabello since the 15th century. We get on board again and head back to Elounda. Here we serve you your lunch and you will have time for resting or swimming in the crystal clear waters. After a short coach trip we arrive at Agios Nikolaos which lies on the shores of the Gulf of Mirabello and is famous for its 'bottomless lake’. You will have some free time on your own, to stroll around the shops or just relax in one of the popular cafes and watch the world go by. Our last stop is at a family olive oil factory.

Visit Spinalonga, the last leper colony in Europe, is located in Elounda from where we take the boat for Spinalonga island. Originally, Venetians fortified the islet in 1579, by building a fortress with 40 cannons and they are actually the best preserved walls in Europe. Visit Agios Nikolaos and walk around the famous Lake Voulismeni

Discover the highlights of Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda on this multi-stop trip from Rethymnon. See Spinalonga Island, the Lake of Voulismeni, and more. Meet your local guide, and make your first stop at Agios Nikolaos on the Gulf of Mirabello. This place is famous for its picturesque lake, explored by the ocean researcher Jaques Cousteau. Walk along the city on your own or relax at a cafe. After that, drive to the harbor of Elounda where you'll get on a ferry to visit the Island of Spinalonga. This small isle carries within the history of Ancient Greece, as it served as a natural guard for the ancient city of Olous. Choose to join a guided tour or explore the island by yourself. After visiting Spinalonga, depart for one of the nearby bays.

Elounda – a small fishing village on the shores of the bay of Mirabello Spinalonga Island – Guided tour around the Venetian Fortress, bay – swimming, sunbathing and BBQ lunch, Agios Nikolaos Elounda is a popular holiday resort, often visited by VIPs for the luxurious beach resorts, situated in the area. From there, the boat is heading the small island of Spinalonga. The history and the culture of the island of Spinalonga became one with human tragedy in the course of time. This small isle carries within the history of Ancient Greece, as it served as a natural guard for the ancient city of Olous; the history of the Saracens as a hide-out for their pirates; the history of Venetians as their fortress; the history of Turks as their settlement. After the guided tour of the island, the boat will be anchored at one of the bays nearby. Time for swimming at the crystal clear waters, tasting the BBQ served on board. Last stop Agios Nicolas. Visit the picturesque town with a bottomless lake

Enjoy a walking tour of the island of Spinalonga during a full-day excursion from Elounda to the island. Visit Agios Nikolaos and Elounda and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Kolokytha, where you can enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch. Along the coast through the St. George Gorge to Elounda, a tranquil coastal resort At around 10:30, you will get on board to visit the bay and the beach of Kolokytha, a secluded haven that offers a respite from daily life. You can swim and eat a delicious BBQ on board. Then, you take the boat at around 12:45 to Spinalonga, across Mirabello bay. Spinalonga's history is complex. It was a natural barrier for Olous in Ancient Greek times, a Saracen pirate refuge, a Venetian fortification, and a Turkic settlement. You depart from Spinalonga at appr. 14:45 p.m. Transfer from/to port is not included.Clients go with get your guide code to the boat they don't need to have confirmation

Unmatched Adventure & History Combo: Our tour uniquely blends relaxation with exploration, taking you beyond the typical tourist routes. Sail around the legendary Spinalonga Island, delving into its captivating history as a former leper colony, all while enjoying panoramic views from the sea. Exclusive Pirate Cave Experience: Discover the famous Pirate Barbarossa’s Cave—an adventurous spot few get to explore—where the notorious pirate once plotted his conquests. Hidden Gems & Pristine Beaches: Escape the crowds and uncover Crete’s best-kept secrets, from the untouched beauty of Kolokytha Beach to the serene escape at Skistra Beach. Fun & Flavors Onboard:Our friendly crew ensures an authentic Cretan hospitality experience you won’t forget. Memories to Last a Lifetime: With breathtaking coastal views, fascinating historical insights, and a fun-filled atmosphere, our mini-cruise offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

Start at the traditional village of Mochos with its narrow alleys and colourful gardens, then continue to Krasi and visit the 2,400-year-old Writers' Plane Tree. Afterwards, the tour will ascend to the Diktaion Andron, an ancient cave believed to be the birthplace of Zeus. Take in the incredible view of the Lasithi Plateau. After that amazing experience the tour will take you to the vibrant city of Agios Nikolaos through a long-forgotten route where you get to see wildgoats from up close. There you can visit, surrounded by many legends, Voulismeni lake. Next, visit the villages of Elouda and Plaka with the beautiful beach where you can take a swim or/and visit the world-famous Spinaloga which is a short boat-ride away.

With a minibus your Eye Travel guide shows you the Spinalonga island and other interesting places. Our first stop is in Agios Nikolaos where we have a fantastic view over the "Bottomless lake". You have some free time for a coffee, shopping and a stroll along the most eastern main city of Crete. After passing Elounda it is time for SPINALONGA, the last leper colony of Europe. A typical Cretan fishing boat brings you to the island, this takes no more than 10 minutes. On the island you make a tour. After finishing the trip on Spinalonga, a fishing boat brings you back to the small village of Plaka. Plaka is a tiny harbor, so the unique opportunity to eat fresh fish. After our lunch we are heading to an olive oil factory. You get a guided tour through the factory. All facts about olive oil, the pressing methods and grades of olive oil are explained. At the end of the tour you can taste different olive oils and other local products.

Visit Spinalonga, the last leper colony in Europe, is located in Elounda from where we take the boat for Spinalonga island. Originally, Venetians fortified the islet in 1579, by building a fortress with 40 cannons and they are actually the best preserved walls in Europe. Visit Kritsa village, located 10 km from Agios Nikolaos in Lasithi. A beautiful small village in the mountain foothills, with narrow winding lanes and plenty of character.

Our Tour begins from Elounda Village where we will take a short boat-ride to the Island of Spinalonga . Spinalonga Island is the last leper colony of Europe , that originally the Venetians fortified the island in 1579 , by builinding a fortress with 40 cannons (the story says that there are the most well-preserved walls in Europe ) . The ruins of the Market street with the shops , the hospital and many small houses in which lepers lived isolated , can by explored on your own . Our next stop will be the Village of Kritsa that we'll spent the next 1,5h , it's a beautiful small village in the mountains foothills , with narrow winding lanes and plenty of character . Renowned for the skill of the local weavers and embroiderers , many tourists visit just to see the beautiful lacework , table cloths and other cloths on display and for sale in the village . Next and last stop will be at an Olive oil factory that you'll see how olive oil is made and bottled .

Experience the beauty of Agios Nikolaos and its stunning lake with picturesque scenery. Take a short boat ride to the fascinating island of Spinalonga and explore its rich history. Visit the charming village of Plaka, with its traditional tavernas and quaint shops. Finally, relax on the serene beach of Elounda and soak up the Mediterranean sun.