Crete · SPINALONGA & ELOUNDA
28 reviewed
The Venetian fort turned leper colony draws every visitor to Elounda, and most arrive by boat. Below are the best Spinalonga trips: which sail from Agios Nikolaos and which from Elounda or Plaka, how long you get on the island, and the cruises that add a swim stop at Kolokytha on the way back.
Crete day trip to Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Spinalonga by boat. Lake views, fishing village charm, and a haunting fort.
“No problems well organised all very punctual Guide friendly and helpful”
Half-day boat trip from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga, with a 30-minute swim stop at Kolokitha Bay and guided fortress time.
“A really enjoyable day. The boat crossing and swimming were fantastic. The visit and talk on Spinalonga was so interesting. Our guide was so amazing and honest about the history of the island. Totally recommend, excellent value for money.”
Sun-and-sea cruise from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga and Kolokytha Bay, with on-board lunch and time to swim in clear turquoise water.
“Nice sailing to Spinalonga, but a bit too many people on the boat.”
Guided cruise from Heraklion to Spinalonga, a Kolokytha swim and lunch, then free time in Agios Nikolaos with lake views.
“Really great tour with 3 experiences: Spinalonga, beach swim and Agios Nikolaos for shopping, lake view and bars. Food was decent and we got an inclusive drink. Guide was knowledgeable and helpful. Boat was clean and spacious. Coach was comfortable. No improvement suggestions.”
Day trip from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Spinalonga fortress by boat with pickup, guide, and free time.
“It was good. The tour size could have been a little smaller but over all it provided what we needed so it was good.”
Air-conditioned day trip to Agios Nikolaos, Plaka and Spinalonga with olive oil tasting, lake strolls, a guided island visit, and swim time.
“I really wanted to visit Spinalonga and it was the highlight of the day. Having read The island by Victoria Hislop and The Eagle of Spinalonga by Nike Azoros it was very much on my bucket list. It did not disappoint and I could easily visualise where action had taken place even though lots of the buildings are derelict. I would really have liked to spend longer on the island and a shorter time in Elounda but that is probably my personal preference. The guide was good and her commentary informative. I thought the tour was reasonably priced and we were aware that we had to pay extra for the…”
Cruise Crete’s Mirabello Gulf on a small catamaran with snorkeling, SUP, and lunch. Sail past Spinalonga from the sea.
“We had a lovely day on the catamaran! The boat was well equipped and not too overcrowded, the food was great and the team attentive and friendly. Not forgetting the views, they were incredible!”
A half-day boat cruise from Agios Nikolaos with two swim stops, snorkeling gear, raki and watermelon, plus a close look at Spinalonga.
“Great few hours and decent value. kids loved it, especially diving off the boat and snokerling. Definately recommend.”
Guided northeast Crete day trip to Spinalonga and Elounda with a Kolokytha Bay swim and BBQ lunch on the water.
“Bus and boat ride, ample to swim and take drone shots as well.”
Full-day Crete boat tour to Spinalonga, plus Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, and a Kolokytha BBQ swim in Mirabello Bay.
“it was an unfogetable experience from site scenery, beautiful swimming and learning the olive used and essential and our guide Mary was very good on educational tour for telling us the greek history.”
Cruise from Elounda to Spinalonga by traditional boat, walk the Venetian fort, learn the leper-colony story, then return flexibly.
“Great Day trip! Worth the money and the history of the island is fascinating. The shop on the island Is extremely over priced so I recommend waiting until you get back to the mainland! We paid €10 for two cornettos ! We got one boat over and spent 2 hours on the island and got the next available boat back no problem!”
Half-day boat trip from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga with a live island guide, coast views, and a Kolokytha bay swim stop.
“Le paysage, la qualité de service à border un guide extra. L’île nous charge en émotion et est à la fois superbe.”
Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and Plaka in one long Cretan day with ferry views, lake time, and a BBQ lunch.
“more time on Spinalonga, less time in Plaka, more time Elounda.”
Mix beach time, a thoughtful Spinalonga island tour, and a relaxed Agios Nikolaos stroll on one well-paced Crete day.
“Swimming was lovely. A bit more free time at the leper colony would have been good. Very tired by St Nicholas… less time there perhaps. Overall it was a great day.”
Cruise from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga and Kolokytha Bay with lunch, plus time in Agios Nikolaos for a full Crete day out.
“Very knowledgeable tour guide, really enjoyed the trip to spinalonga. Agios Nikolas was lovely to visit.”
