Spinalonga with Guide, Kolokitha Bay Cruise, Swimming & BBQ

Exploring Crete’s Hidden Gems: The Spinalonga with Guide, Kolokitha Bay Cruise, Swimming & BBQ Tour

If you’re looking for a day packed with diverse experiences on Crete—balancing history, stunning scenery, and leisurely seaside relaxation—this tour offers a lot. It combines a professional-guided visit to the legendary Spinalonga Island, a scenic cruise through Mirabello Bay, a refreshing stop at Kolokytha Bay for swimming and a tasty BBQ, plus free time in the charming town of Agios Nikolaos.

What we really appreciate about this trip is how smoothly it transitions from history and culture to relaxation and fun—a well-rounded taste of Crete. Plus, the local olive oil tasting adds a flavorful touch that connects you to the island’s culinary roots. However, keep in mind that this tour is quite full, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or less time on the water, you might find it a little hectic.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day out that ticks all the boxes—history buffs, food lovers, and those craving some beach time. It’s also a good choice if you’re interested in exploring less crowded beaches and learning about local traditions. For anyone short on time but eager to soak in Crete’s diverse attractions, this tour offers a very good value for the price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Balanced mix of sightseeing, leisure, and cultural insight makes this tour appealing.
• Guided visit to Spinalonga reveals its layered past, from Venetian fortress to leper colony.
• Scenic boat cruise offers spectacular views of Mirabello Bay and convenient stops.
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies logistics.
• Includes a tasty BBQ lunch and local olive oil tasting, adding flavor and authenticity.
• Suitable for those seeking a full day of activity with a blend of history and relaxation.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

This tour starts with a pick-up from various locations around Crete—giving you flexibility—before a comfortable bus ride to Elounda Port. Once on the boat, you’ll cruise for about 40 minutes across Mirabello Bay, enjoying the beautiful scenery and a chance to relax on deck. The boat’s route is quite scenic, with views of the coastline and the chance to spot some local wildlife or just soak in the sunlight.

Arriving at Kolokytha Bay, the highlight is undoubtedly the crystal-clear waters—perfect for swimming and snorkeling. This stop offers about an hour and a half of leisure, during which you can lounge on the beach or dive into the inviting water. While here, the crew will serve a delicious BBQ featuring grilled pork, chicken, or a vegetarian option, plus Greek salad, feta, seasonal fruit, and a drink choice—either wine or Fanta. According to reviews, the quality of the food and wine is notably high, which really elevates this part of the day.

After lunch, the boat gently departs for the historic Spinalonga Island. Guided by a licensed escort, you’ll explore the Venetian fortress, learn about its past as a leper colony, and hear stories that bring the island’s layered history to life. Expect about an hour and a half of sightseeing—a perfect window to appreciate the island’s unique atmosphere.

Back on the boat, a 30-minute sail takes you to your last stop in Agios Nikolaos, a chic seaside town. Here, you can wander the waterfront, relax at a café by Lake Voulismeni, or browse local shops. The free time—roughly an hour—lets you soak in the town’s laid-back vibe and snap some photos before heading back to Elounda.

Finally, the bus takes you back to your starting point, typically arriving between 17:45 and 19:15, depending on your location and traffic.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers a comprehensive package: hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned coach, a guided tour of Spinalonga by a licensed guide, olive oil tasting, and all taxes and insurance coverage. These inclusions significantly reduce hassle and add comfort, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Crete’s roads and schedules.

Extras are the entrance fee to Spinalonga (€20), the boat ticket and BBQ lunch (€15 per adult, half-price for children), and optional meal upgrades, such as vegetarian or chicken options. These optional costs are reasonable, considering the quality of the food and the guided experience.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the tour for its well-organized itinerary and friendly guides. One mentions, “We loved the way the tour combined history, swimming, and local flavors,” highlighting how the mix keeps the day lively and varied. Others appreciate the scenic cruise and the delicious BBQ, with comments like “the food exceeded expectations,” and “the wine was excellent.”

A notable highlight is the guided tour of Spinalonga, which many describe as “fascinating,” “informative,” and “emotionally moving,” thanks to the stories shared by the guide. The time at Kolokytha Bay is also highly valued, with travelers remarking on the crystal-clear water and peaceful atmosphere.

Some practical tips from reviews include bringing sunscreen, sun hats, and comfortable shoes because of the high temperatures and the amount of walking on the island. The lunch menu options are appreciated for their variety, with vegetarian choices available if requested beforehand.

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The Value Proposition

At roughly €50-€70 per person (depending on optional extras), this tour packs in a lot. You’re getting transportation, guidance, a scenic cruise, lunch, and local tastings, all in one full day. The quality of the food and drinks, combined with the professional guiding, makes it feel like a good deal—especially when you consider that it takes care of logistics, often a hassle for independent travelers.

While the tour does involve several stops and about 12 hours of activity, most travelers find this pace manageable. The combination of history, scenery, and leisure offers excellent value, especially for first-time visitors eager to see multiple highlights without the stress of planning each step.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to maximize their day in Crete without sacrificing depth. If you’re a history enthusiast, the guided tour of Spinalonga offers a compelling look at a site that’s both visually striking and emotionally resonant. Food lovers will enjoy the local olive oil tasting and BBQ that showcase Crete’s culinary traditions.

Those who enjoy beach time will appreciate the swimming stop at Kolokytha Bay, while anyone interested in local culture and scenic views will find plenty to love. It’s also suitable for families, since the activities are varied and generally suitable for children, provided they’re comfortable on a boat and in the sun.

The tour’s full-day structure makes it less ideal for travelers on a very tight schedule or those seeking a more relaxed, less busy experience. But for those who want a well-rounded day of exploration and relaxation, it hits the mark.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If your aim is to combine history, scenic cruising, beach relaxation, and authentic local flavor in one day, this tour offers compelling value. You’ll get a guided exploration of a historically significant island, enjoy a scenic boat ride through Crete’s beautiful bay, indulge in a delicious BBQ lunch, and relax in the charming town of Agios Nikolaos. The organized transportation and professional guides make it accessible and hassle-free.

This experience is especially well-suited to travelers who want variety in their day, appreciate cultural stories, and enjoy good food and scenic views. Family groups, couples, and solo travelers alike will find it a fulfilling and memorable day—without the need to plan every detail.

Just remember, the day moves at a lively pace, and the summer sun can be intense. Pack your sun protection, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare for a full, engaging day on Crete that balances history, leisure, and local delights.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from various hotel locations or nearby bus stops, making logistics easier.

How long is the boat cruise?
The cruise from Elounda to Kolokytha Bay and Spinalonga takes approximately 40 minutes each way, with additional time for stops and sightseeing.

What is the duration of the guided tour of Spinalonga?
The guided walk around Spinalonga lasts about 1.5 hours, covering its fortress walls, history, and notable sites.

Are lunch and drinks included?
Lunch is included in the BBQ, with vegetarian, chicken, or pork options available. One drink (wine or Fanta) is included with the meal; additional drinks are not.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance fees?
Yes, the entrance fee to Spinalonga is €20, payable on the day of the tour.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring sun protection (sunscreen, hat), swimwear, comfortable shoes, and perhaps a towel if you plan to swim.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, especially since the activities are varied and family-friendly. Just ensure they’re comfortable on the boat and in the sun.

This Crete tour offers a well-balanced day blending history, scenery, and relaxation—perfect for travelers who want the most out of a single day on the island.

You can check availability for your dates here: