From Ag. Nikolaos: Spinalonga & Kolokytha Cruise with Lunch

Travelers visiting Crete often seek a blend of history, scenic beauty, and relaxing seaside moments. The Spinalonga & Kolokytha cruise from Agios Nikolaos offers just that — a 5.5-hour journey combining an intriguing island visit with a refreshing beach stop, topped with a simple but tasty barbecue. This tour promises a relaxed day on the water, a dose of history, and enough time to unwind by the sea.

Our review draws from the experiences of many travelers, highlighting what makes this trip worthwhile and where it might fall short. We particularly appreciate the value for money (priced at just around $30), the flexibility of self-guided exploration, and the beautiful views along the way. On the flip side, some may find the lunch service basic, and the beach area small, so it’s good to set expectations accordingly.

This experience is perfect if you’re after a light-hearted day with scenic views, historical insights, and beach time — ideal for families, solo travelers, and couples who want a taste of Crete’s coastline and history without fuss.

Key Points

• Affordable price offers good value for a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and food.
• Self-guided exploration at Spinalonga provides flexibility and independence.
• Beautiful boat journey across the Bay of Mirabello sets the tone for a relaxed day.
• Limited time at Kolokytha means you should plan your swim carefully if you want more beach time.
• Informative booklet enriches your understanding of Spinalonga’s history.
• Meal quality is basic, but enough for a casual lunch; vegetarians should specify beforehand.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Tour Entails

This cruise kicks off from Agios Nikolaos’ charming harbor, a perfect spot to start your day. You’ll board the boat, likely a large vessel with both shaded and open-air seating options, and cruise across the Bay of Mirabello. The journey itself is part of the experience — the gentle sway of the boat, the sea breeze, and the panoramic views of Crete’s coastline make for a relaxing start.

Visiting Spinalonga – A Compact, Fascinating Stop

Your first major stop is the island of Spinalonga, famous for its Venetian fortifications and as a former leper colony. You’ll have about 90 minutes to explore the island at your own pace — a generous amount of time that many reviewers appreciate. The printed guide provided is a nice touch, offering pictures and stories that help bring the island’s history to life without the need for a guide.

What you’ll see includes stone walls, old homes, and the Venetian fortress. The island’s poignant past, particularly its role as a leper colony, is well documented and adds depth to the visit. Several reviews mention that the island is well-preserved, and that the self-guided approach allows for personal reflection and photo opportunities.

Kolokytha Bay – The Perfect Swim Spot

After exploring Spinalonga, the boat moves to the other side of Kolokytha Island, where the crew will moor at Kolokytha Beach. Here, you’ll have about 90 minutes to swim, sunbathe, or just relax on the tiny beach. The crystal-clear waters are a highlight, with many travelers noting how beautiful and inviting they are for swimming and lounging.

However, the beach isn’t large, so during busy times, it can get crowded. Several reviews mention that the small size of the beach can limit your swimming or sunbathing time — so if you’re eager to spend more time in the water, it’s best to arrive early or be prepared to share space.

The Lunch – A Simple, Hearty Meal

While the lunch is described as a barbecue with pork chops, cabbage salad, bread, fruit, and wine, some reviewers find it adequate but basic. The BBQ is cooked on site, adding a certain charm, but others mention that the meat can be undercooked or not as fresh as expected. Vegetarians can request a special meal, which is a thoughtful option.

One of the reviews notes that the lunch was not very good, with pork being raw, and suggests bringing your own snacks if you’re particular about food. Still, for the price, many find the meal reasonable and a nice addition to a day on the water.

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The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Duration

The tour begins at the mooring point in Agios Nikolaos’ port, with a recommended arrival 30 minutes before departure. The entire trip lasts around 5.5 hours, which includes cruising, exploring, swimming, and eating.

The Cruise

The boat typically departs from the Koundourou Street mooring, offering a scenic and comfortable start. The Bay of Mirabello provides beautiful vistas, and the crew’s friendly attitude is frequently mentioned as a positive aspect.

Spinalonga Stop

The main highlight for many is Spinalonga itself. The island’s Venetian walls and ruins evoke a sense of history, and the ability to explore at your own pace allows for a more personal experience. The self-guided booklet is especially appreciated, as it saves the cost of a guided tour but still provides valuable context.

Kolokytha Beach

The subsequent stop at Kolokytha Bay is a classic Crete seaside experience: clear waters, a small sandy beach, and a laid-back vibe. The onboard barbecue is served while the boat is anchored, offering a relaxed meal with pork chops, cabbage salad, and seasonal fruit. The wine complements the meal, and some reviewers mention that the lunch is a bit rushed or simple, but overall, it’s enough to keep you energized.

Returning to Agios Nikolaos

After a leisurely swim and lunch, the boat heads back, arriving at the port by 3 PM. The entire experience provides a good balance of sightseeing, relaxation, and good value.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the scenic views and the informative booklet about Spinalonga, noting that the island’s history is well-presented even without a guide on-site. The crew’s friendliness and the smooth organization are also frequently mentioned as positive aspects.

Some feedback about the lunch points to its basic nature — a simple barbecue rather than a gourmet meal. Several mention that the beach at Kolokytha is small and crowded during peak times, which could limit beach lounging or swimming.

One review highlights the self-guided exploration as a big plus, giving travelers the freedom to spend as much time as they like on the island. Another points out that the boat is well-equipped and comfortable, with options for inside or shaded seating, making the journey pleasant even on hot days.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price: At around $30, this cruise offers good value for a day of sightseeing, swimming, and a meal.
• Included: The cruise, self-guided booklet, and BBQ lunch are all part of the package, but entry tickets to Spinalonga (costing around €20 for adults, free for some under 25) are not included.
• What to bring: Pack comfortable shoes, a sun hat, swimwear, and cash for extras or souvenirs.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
• Flexibility: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds peace of mind.
• Timing: Check availability for specific departure times, as they can vary.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy a relaxed, scenic boat trip with a mix of history and beach fun, this is a strong choice. It’s particularly good for those who appreciate self-guided exploration rather than guided tours, and for travelers happy with a basic but satisfying lunch. It’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a value-packed day.

Those seeking a gourmet meal or extended beach time might find it limiting, but for a quick, affordable experience soaking in Crete’s coast and history, it hits the mark. Be prepared for small beaches and simple fare, but indulge in the views and stories that make this trip memorable.

The Sum Up

This cruise from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga and Kolokytha offers a neatly packaged experience of history, scenery, and seaside relaxation. The self-guided approach and friendly crew make it accessible and flexible, while the price point makes it appealing for budget-conscious travelers.

If you’re a history buff interested in Spinalonga’s past, or someone wanting a beautiful boat ride combined with swimming in crystal waters, this tour will serve you well. It’s a simple yet charming way to spend half a day on Crete, with enough time to enjoy the key highlights without feeling rushed.

The basic barbecue lunch and small beach area should be kept in mind, but overall, most travelers find it worthwhile — especially given the value, comfort, and scenic beauty involved.

FAQs

Is the boat ride comfortable?
Yes, the boat is generally well-equipped with both shaded and open seating options, making the cruise comfortable even on hot days.

How long do I spend on each stop?
You get about 90 minutes at Spinalonga and 90 minutes at Kolokytha Bay, which is enough for exploring, swimming, and relaxing.

Are tickets to Spinalonga included?
No, the entry ticket costs around €20 and must be purchased separately, but the self-guided booklet is included in the tour.

Can I request a vegetarian meal?
Yes, vegetarians can inform the crew at boarding, and they will prepare a suitable option.

Is this suitable for children?
Most children enjoy the boat ride, swimming, and the castle ruins, but the lunch may be basic, and the tour isn’t suited for those with mobility impairments.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and cash for extras or souvenirs.

Is there a pickup or transfer service?
No, the activity begins at the port of Agios Nikolaos; ensure you arrive 30 minutes early.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This cruise balances scenic beauty, historical interest, and affordability in a way that makes for a satisfying day on Crete’s waters. Whether you’re after a quick overview of Spinalonga or a leisurely day by the sea, this tour offers a straightforward, enjoyable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: