Full day Spinalonga Ag Nikolaos Kritsa Olive Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Crete and want a well-rounded experience that mixes history, culture, and stunning landscapes, this full-day tour is worth considering. Offered by Compass Transfer & Travel Services, it promises to take you from the haunting island of Spinalonga to the charming streets of Kritsa, plus a peek into the island’s iconic olive oil production. The tour is private, designed for groups up to 10, and packed with diverse sights—all for a reasonable price considering the length and depth of the experience.

What we particularly love about this excursion is how it combines several of Crete’s most iconic sites into one seamless day. You get the chance to walk through history on Spinalonga, relax in the lively town of Agios Nikolaos, and explore a picturesque mountain village. The visit to the Vassilakis estate adds a fascinating layer of insight into Crete’s “liquid gold”, giving you a taste of rural life and craftsmanship.

One thing to keep in mind is the tour’s structure and pacing. With so many stops packed into an 8-hour window, some travelers might find the schedule a bit tight, especially if they enjoy lingering at each spot. Also, entrance fees to Spinalonga and the boat to the island are not included, so budget these extras into your plans. Still, this tour suits those who want a rich, organized overview of Crete’s highlights with the comfort of private transport and guided commentary—ideal for first-timers or anyone short on time.

Key Points

• Historical significance: Walk on the island of Spinalonga, once a leper colony, with a guided tour that brings its poignant history to life.
• Cultural charm: Stroll through Kritsa, one of Crete’s oldest villages, and enjoy its Byzantine church and local shops.
• Scenic coastal town: Agios Nikolaos features a beautiful, bottomless lake and lively waterfront, perfect for photos and casual strolls.
• Olive oil expertise: Visit the Vassilakis estate to learn firsthand how Crete’s renowned olive oil is produced.
• Flexible and private: The tour is designed for small groups, with hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient and personalized.
• Additional costs: Entrance fees and boat tickets for Spinalonga are extra, so plan accordingly for these optional expenses.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Pickup

The tour begins with pickup from 12 possible locations across Crete, including Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, and Agios Nikolaos. This flexibility makes it easier to fit into your travel plans. Once onboard your VIP minibus, the journey starts with a comfortable ride, complete with Wi-Fi and water to keep you refreshed.

Vassilakis Estate

The first stop is at the Vassilakis estate, where the focus is on how Crete’s olive oil is made. This part of the tour is more than just viewing; it’s an educational experience, revealing how the “liquid gold” is extracted and processed. Visitors often comment on how engaging the guide is and how much they learn about traditional methods. You also get some time to browse local products—perfect if you want to pick up some authentic souvenirs.

Short Van Ride & Spinalonga

After about 20 minutes of travel, you’ll arrive at Spinalonga. This tiny island has a haunting yet captivating atmosphere, once serving as a leper colony. The guided tour here is especially insightful, with stories that bring the site’s history to life. Many reviewers emphasize how the guide’s narration adds depth, mentioning things like the resilience of those who lived there and the island’s strategic importance.

Expect about two hours at Spinalonga, which includes a photo stop, sightseeing, and a guided walkthrough. While the tour does not include the boat ticket, many guests find that taking the ferry adds an extra layer of immersion—so budget for this if you’re interested.

Agios Nikolaos

Next, the journey continues to Agios Nikolaos, a vibrant coastal town known for its picturesque lake and lively waterfront. Here, you’ll have two hours of free time for lunch, coffee, or a leisurely walk along the promenade. Several reviews highlight the town’s stunning lakeside views and quaint cafes, making it a perfect spot to relax and soak up local life.

Kritsa Village

The last major stop is Kritsa, a mountain village with narrow winding streets and a Byzantine church. One hour here allows for sightseeing, shopping for local crafts, and enjoying the mountain air. Reviewers often mention how charming the village is and how it offers a glimpse into traditional Cretan life, with some noting the friendly shop owners eager to share stories and samples.

Return and Drop-off

The tour wraps up with a short ride back to your starting point, completing the circle of this diverse exploration. The entire experience lasts around 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day.

Practical Considerations and Tips

Pricing and Value: At $960 per group (up to 10 people), the cost averages around $96 per person—an investment considering you get private transportation, a professional guide, and visits to some of Crete’s most iconic sites. The inclusion of Wi-Fi and bottled water adds to the comfort, making it easier to share moments or look up information during the day.

What’s Not Included: Entrance fees to Spinalonga cost €8, and boat tickets are approximately €12—these are paid separately, so prepare accordingly. Meals are optional, and if you want a sit-down lunch in Agios Nikolaos, you’ll need to budget for that as well.

Transport & Comfort: The VIP minibus ensures a relaxed journey, with a small group size keeping things intimate. The pickup from multiple locations makes it convenient, although be sure to arrive promptly in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled time.

Weather & Packing: Since most of the day is outdoors, wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunhat, and sunscreen. The tour runs in all weather, so dress appropriately, and bring a camera—especially for the stunning views at each site.

Accessibility & Suitability: The tour involves walking at each stop, some of which can be narrow or uneven—so it may not be ideal for guests with mobility issues.

Final Thoughts

This full-day tour offers a balanced mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty—perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive look at Crete’s diverse character. By combining iconic sites like Spinalonga with authentic experiences such as visiting a traditional olive estate, it provides a well-rounded picture of the island’s past and present.

The private group setting and expert guides add value, making it a comfortable and informative choice, especially for those short on time but eager to see as much as possible. While some costs are extra (like entrance and boat tickets), the overall package delivers a lot of what makes Crete special in just one day.

If you love exploring on your own, but also want the convenience of expert commentary and private transport, this tour hits that sweet spot. It’s ideal for history buffs, scenic lovers, and anyone who appreciates authentic local craftsmanship. Just be prepared for a busy day and some optional expenses—but rest assured, you’ll come away with a wealth of stories and memories.

FAQ

Is this a full-day tour?
Yes, the tour lasts approximately 8 hours, including travel time, stops, and free periods at each site.

What locations are pickup and drop-off available from?
The tour starts and ends at 12 different locations across Crete, including Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, and Agios Nikolaos, providing flexible options.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the entrance fee to Spinalonga costs €8 and is paid separately. Boat tickets to the island are also extra at around €12.

Is lunch included in the tour?
Lunch is not included; you have two hours in Agios Nikolaos, giving you time to dine at your own pace or enjoy snacks.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunhat, and sunscreen. A camera is recommended to capture the views.

Can I book this tour and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, allowing flexibility in your travel plans.

Is this tour suitable for kids or people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking at several stops, some of which have uneven terrain, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility restrictions.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is private for groups of up to 10, ensuring a personalized experience with your own guide and transport.

This full-day Crete tour offers a meaningful, picturesque, and history-rich snapshot of the island. Whether you’re an avid history enthusiast, a lover of scenic towns, or simply curious about olive oil craftsmanship, this experience is designed to give you a well-rounded view of Crete’s authentic charm.