Spinalonga – Agios Nikolaos From Heraklion

Tucked away in the tranquil waters of the Aegean, Spinalonga stands as a poignant reminder of a tumultuous past. This former Venetian fortress-turned-leper colony has captivated the imagination of travelers for decades, its abandoned streets and crumbling structures bearing witness to the resilience of the human spirit. Join the Spinalonga tour from Agios Nikolaos and uncover the island’s complex history, from its strategic military significance to the heartbreaking stories of those who sought refuge within its walls. As you step back in time, you’ll be left with a deeper understanding of the island’s enduring legacy and the powerful insights it offers into the human condition.

Key Points

• A private full-day trip from Heraklion to Spinalonga, a former leper colony, with an optional visit to Kolokytha Island for swimming.
• Explore the 16th-century Venetian fortress on Spinalonga Island and learn about the lives of its inhabitants from 1903 to 1957.
• Includes round-trip transportation via air-conditioned coach, boat ride, and hotel pickup and drop-off in select north-coast resorts.
• Tour price starts at $53.00 per person, with the Spinalonga Island entrance fee of 8 euros per person as an additional cost.
• The tour departs at 8:00 AM sharp, and the group size is capped at 100 travelers for a personalized experience.

Tour Overview

For visitors seeking to explore Crete’s captivating history, the Spinalonga – Agios Nikolaos tour from Heraklion offers a unique opportunity.

This private full-day trip whisks travelers to the former leper colony of Spinalonga, a 16th-century Venetian fortress steeped in poignant stories. Guests will wander the island’s streets, houses, and ruined fortifications, learning about the lives of those confined there from 1903 to 1957.

After the tour, an optional swim stop and barbecue lunch await. The experience also includes round-trip transportation, a boat ride, and hotel pickup and drop-off for select north-coast resorts, ensuring a seamless and immersive exploration of this captivating historical site.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour kicks off with pickup from select hotels in Hersonnissos, Malia, and Agios Nikolaos. Guests then travel by air-conditioned coach to Elounda harbor, where they’ll explore the ruins of the 16th-century Venetian fortress on Spinalonga Island.

From there, they’ll uncover the island’s market street, churches, hospital, and houses of the former leper colony. Visitors will learn about the lives of the island’s inhabitants and the historical significance of Spinalonga.

An optional visit to Kolokytha Island for swimming is also available at an additional cost. The tour concludes with a sightseeing drive around Agios Nikolaos, featuring the picturesque Lake Voulismeni.

Pricing and Inclusions

The tour price starts from $53.00 per person. This includes:

• Transportation via air-conditioned coach
• Hotel pickup and drop-off for select north-coast resorts
• A knowledgeable guide to bring the history of Spinalonga to life
• A snack box to enjoy during the journey

The entrance fee to Spinalonga Island is an additional 8 euro per person.

With free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience starts, this tour offers a convenient and comprehensive way to explore the former leper colony and Venetian fortress from Heraklion.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points for this tour are preselected areas at indicated hotels or nearby appointed areas.

Guests staying outside the proximity of these pickup points will need to arrange their own transportation to the meeting location.

The tour departs at 8:00 AM sharp, so it’s crucial for participants to arrive on time.

The group size for this experience is capped at 100 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized exploration of Spinalonga.

Should you have any concerns about the pickup logistics, it’s best to reach out to the tour operator in advance to ensure a seamless start to your day trip.

Explore the Leper Colony

One arrives at Spinalonga Island, a former leper colony off the coast of Crete, with a sense of reverence and intrigue.

As visitors wander the abandoned streets, they encounter:

1. The imposing 16th-century Venetian fortress, a testament to the island’s tumultuous past.
2. Crumbling homes and buildings that once housed those banished to this isolated outpost.
3. The eerie silence, punctuated only by the gentle lapping of waves, inviting contemplation of the suffering endured here.
4. Haunting reminders of the lepers’ struggle for dignity, such as the hospital and churches that provided solace.

Exploring Spinalonga is a profound and thought-provoking experience, shedding light on a difficult chapter in Crete’s history and the resilience of the human spirit.

Venetian Fortress Tour

Visitors to Spinalonga Island can’t help but be captivated by the imposing sight of the 16th-century Venetian fortress that dominates the landscape.

Built by the Venetians in the early 1500s, the fortress served as a bulwark against Ottoman invaders. Guests will have the chance to explore its ruined fortifications, discovering the strategic importance of its location at the entrance to the Gulf of Mirabello.

As they wander the cobblestone streets and through the crumbling buildings, they’ll gain insight into the lives of the island’s former inhabitants – the lepers confined here between 1903 and 1957.

The tour provides a unique window into Spinalonga’s rich Venetian and medical history.

Optional Swimming and Sightseeing

After exploring the captivating Venetian fortress and learning about Spinalonga’s remarkable history, guests can choose to extend their experience with an optional visit to the nearby Kolokytha Island.

This scenic island offers a chance to enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea.

Following the tour of Spinalonga, the excursion also includes:

1. A sightseeing drive around the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, featuring the enchanting Lake Voulismeni.
2. A snack box to fuel the adventure.
3. Complimentary transportation back to the hotel.
4. Ample time for relaxation and exploration at your own pace.

Reviews and Feedback

Customers have generally praised the Spinalonga tour, awarding it an overall rating of 4.0 out of 16 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the interesting history of the former leper colony and the knowledgeable tour guides.

However, some participants noted logistical issues, such as unclear pickup instructions and difficulty identifying the tour bus.

Despite these minor concerns, the tour receives strong reviews, with guests appreciating the opportunity to explore the Venetian fortress and learn about the lives of those who were confined to Spinalonga.

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

Since You Asked

Is the Tour Suitable for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour may not be fully accessible for individuals with disabilities. The itinerary includes walking on uneven terrain and accessing a boat. Guests should inquire about specific accessibility needs before booking to ensure the tour can accommodate their requirements.

Are Children Allowed on the Tour, and Is There a Discounted Price?

Children are welcome on the tour, and there’s a discounted price for kids under 12. Families can enjoy exploring the island’s fascinating history and ruins together at a more affordable rate.

Can I Request a Private or Small-Group Tour Instead of the Larger Group?

Absolutely, you can request a private or small-group tour instead of the larger group. The tour provider offers flexible options to accommodate your preferences, ensuring a more personalized experience on your visit to Spinalonga Island.

What Should I Bring or Wear for the Best Experience on the Tour?

To make the most of the Spinalonga tour, wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. Don’t forget your swimsuit and towel if you plan to take a dip at the optional swim stop.

Is There an Audio Guide or Other Language Options Available During the Tour?

The tour does not provide an audio guide, but it offers multilingual live commentary from the tour guide. Guests can enjoy the tour in their preferred language, allowing them to fully enjoy the history and culture of Spinalonga Island.

The Sum Up

The Spinalonga tour from Agios Nikolaos offers a captivating journey through the poignant history of the island’s leper colony. Travelers can explore the well-preserved Venetian fortress, learn about the lives of the inhabitants, and enjoy an optional swim stop at the picturesque Kolokytha Island. This tour provides a unique and memorable experience for history enthusiasts and beach lovers alike.