Full-Day Guided Boat Tour with Lunch in Island Spinalonga

The tiny island of Spinalonga is just a short hop away from Crete, but a visit is like stepping back in time. Centuries of history are packed within the walls that encircle it. See it through the eyes of a local on this exclusive full day tour, which also takes in two coastal towns on Mirabello Bay. Veta, one of our guides, says, 'You'll visit the pretty fishing village of Elounda and the seaside town of Agios Nikolaos. You'll try some typical Cretan food in a taverna, too.' Spinalonga has been many things throughout its existence, including a Venetian outpost and an Ottoman town. It was even a leper colony, which led to it being dubbed the ‘Isle of Tears'. You'll take a walk with our local guide, who'll lead you along narrow lanes of long-abandoned roofless dwellings and show you around the fortress and the colony, which closed in the 1950s. What's more, you'll beat the crowds by arriving early on the first ferry of the day.

1. 1

   Spinalonga (Kalydon)

   2 hours

   The tiny island of Spinalonga is just a short hop away from Crete, but a visit is like stepping back in time. Centuries of history are packed within the walls that encircle it. You'll take a walk with our local guide, who'll lead you along narrow lanes of long-abandoned roofless dwellings and show you around the fortress and the colony, which closed in the 1950s. What's more, you'll beat the crowds by arriving early on the first ferry of the day.

2. 2

   Elounda Beach

   3 hours

   Later, you'll sail back via the seaside village of Elounda. You'll have some free time to explore at your own pace. Swim, stretch out in the sunshine or watch the world go by at one of the many family-run bars on the waterfront. Then, it's onto a nearby taverna for a tasty Cretan lunch.

3. 3

   Agios Nikolaos

   2 hours

   Rounding off the day is a visit to Agios Nikolaos, a chic coastal town sheltered by two offshore islets. Many make a beeline for the bars overlooking the boat-fringed inshore lake.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Bring bathing gear and sunblock
• To participate in this excursion, you must present a negative Covid-19 PCR test result taken a maximum of 72 hours in advance, an antigen test taken a maximum of 48 hours in advance, or provide proof that you are fully vaccinated
• Alternatively, if you have recovered from Covid-19 within the last 30 days, you won't require a test but must provide a recovery/antibody certificate issued by your home country
• Bring your passport or official EU identification

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.