From Heraklion: Spinalonga Island BBQ and Agios Nikolaos ALL IN

Setting out on a captivating journey from Heraklion, this tour promises a delightful day of exploration and relaxation. Visitors will uncover the historical remnants of the former leper colony on Spinalonga Island, followed by a rejuvenating afternoon at the stunning Kolokitha Bay, where a mouthwatering BBQ lunch awaits. The charming towns of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, renowned for their breathtaking views and vibrant local culture, round out this immersive experience. With convenient hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and ample free time, travelers can savor the true essence of Crete’s picturesque landscapes and authentic culinary delights. But what surprises might this tour hold in store?

Key Points

• Full-day tour from Heraklion to Spinalonga Island, Kolokitha Bay, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos, including transportation, BBQ lunch, and free time.
• Explore the historical Spinalonga Island and learn about its past as a leper colony, with approximately 1 hour of allocated time.
• Relax on the sandy beach of Kolokitha Bay and enjoy the BBQ lunch, while taking in the stunning natural surroundings.
• Visit the picturesque towns of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, known for their lakeside cafes, shops, and scenic views of Mirabello Bay.
• Recommendation to pre-purchase Spinalonga tickets to avoid long queues and bring a swimsuit for beach activities.

Tour Overview

This day trip from Heraklion to Spinalonga Island by coach and boat includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, a BBQ lunch, and free time to explore Spinalonga, Kolokitha Bay, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos.

The tour is available in English, German, and French on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Travelers can enjoy the island’s history and natural beauty, as well as the charming town of Agios Nikolaos.

The tour offers a comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the local culture and scenery while enjoying the convenience of transportation and a delicious BBQ lunch.

Pricing and Inclusions

The entrance fee for Spinalonga Island is 8 Euros, with reduced rates for children and EU citizens over 65.

An additional 12 Euros covers the boat ticket and BBQ lunch for adults, while children ages 5-11 pay 6 Euros.

On Sundays, the tour costs 7 Euros without the BBQ.

Any personal expenses, like souvenirs or extra activities, aren’t included.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for travelers.

While the inclusions cover the main aspects of the day trip, visitors should budget for additional costs beyond the package price.

Pickup and Meeting Points

The tour offers hotel pickup from various locations, including Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, Anisaras, Gouves, Heraklion, Ammoudara, Agia Pelagia, and Fodele.

Pickup begins up to 90 minutes before the tour starts from central meeting points. Maximum group size is 50 travelers, and infants must sit on laps.

The tour is available in English, German, and French on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Guests should be aware of potential language barriers and ensure to check guide availability in advance.

Exploring Spinalonga Island

A highlight of the tour is the visit to the historic island of Spinalonga. Travelers will have about an hour to explore this former leper colony, which offers a fascinating glimpse into its turbulent past. The island features crumbling buildings, fortifications, and a small museum that provide insights into the lives of those who were exiled there. Visitors can wander the narrow streets, take in the stunning views, and learn more about this unique and poignant part of Crete’s history.

Feature	Details
Duration	Approximately 1 hour
Accessibility	Moderate walking required
Highlights	Abandoned buildings, fortifications, small museum
Historical Significance	Former leper colony, exile settlement
Visitor Experience	Opportunity to learn about Spinalonga’s past

Relaxing at Kolokitha Bay

After exploring the historic Spinalonga Island, the tour makes its way to the picturesque Kolokitha Bay.

Here, travelers can spend time relaxing on the sandy beach or taking a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea.

The bay’s tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings provide the perfect setting for unwinding after the morning’s activities.

With ample free time to enjoy the beach, travelers can soak up the sun, indulge in a delicious BBQ lunch, and take in the breathtaking vistas of the nearby islets.

This leisurely interlude offers a chance to recharge before continuing the journey to the charming town of Agios Nikolaos.

Discovering Elounda and Agios Nikolaos

Departing Kolokitha Bay, the tour continues its journey to the charming town of Elounda.

Nestled along the picturesque shoreline, Elounda offers a glimpse into the local way of life.

The group then heads to the quaint town of Agios Nikolaos, known for its:

1. Charming lakeside setting, with cafes and shops lining the water’s edge.
2. Stunning views of the Mirabello Bay, framed by the surrounding mountains.
3. Vibrant harbor, bustling with fishing boats and yachts.

With ample free time, travelers can explore the serene streets, browse local boutiques, and savor the authentic Greek cuisine that Agios Nikolaos is renowned for.

Tour Feedback and Experiences

Travelers have offered mixed reviews of the Spinalonga Island BBQ and Agios Nikolaos tour. Some enjoyed the BBQ and friendly guides, but others felt the time on Spinalonga was insufficient at only about an hour.

Complaints include overcrowding on the island and long wait times for entry tickets. However, there are positive remarks on the beauty of Agios Nikolaos and the comfort of the coach.

Bringing a swimsuit for beach time is recommended, as is pre-purchasing Spinalonga tickets to avoid queues. More time to explore both Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos is suggested.

Travelers should also be aware of potential language barriers and check guide availability in advance.

Helpful Tips and Recommendations

When planning this tour, visitors may want to consider pre-purchasing tickets for Spinalonga to avoid lengthy queues at the entrance.

Bringing a swimsuit is also recommended to make the most of the beach time at Kolokitha Bay and Agios Nikolaos.

Plus, be mindful of potential language barriers and ensure to check guide availability in advance, as the tour is offered in English, German, and French on select days.

• Bring a swimsuit for the beach
• Pre-purchase Spinalonga tickets to skip the lines
• Check guide language availability prior to booking

These tips can help travelers optimize their experience and better navigate the logistics of this Spinalonga Island excursion.

Since You Asked

What Is the Best Way to Get to the Starting Point?

The best way to get to the starting point is to take advantage of the included hotel pickup service. This allows travelers to conveniently meet the tour at a central location without the hassle of driving themselves.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Large Groups?

For large groups, there are discounted rates on the boat ticket and BBQ. The entrance fee for Spinalonga Island also has reduced pricing for children and EU citizens over 65. It’s best to inquire about group discounts when booking the tour.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour package includes a BBQ lunch, and any personal expenses beyond that are not covered in the price.

Is There Wi-Fi Available During the Tour?

Unfortunately, there is no mention of Wi-Fi availability during the tour. The information provided focuses on the tour itinerary, pricing, and logistics. Travelers should expect limited or no internet access while exploring Spinalonga Island and the surrounding areas.

Can We Extend Our Stay in Agios Nikolaos After the Tour?

Travelers can extend their stay in Agios Nikolaos after the tour. The tour doesn’t include transportation back, so you’re free to explore the town at your own pace before making your own way back.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Heraklion offers a well-rounded experience. Visitors can explore the historical Spinalonga Island, relax at the beautiful Kolokitha Bay, and discover the charming towns of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos. With convenient transportation, ample free time, and tasty Greek cuisine, this tour provides an engaging and immersive way to experience the highlights of Crete’s culture and natural beauty.