Island Spinalonga, Milatos Cave, Speedboat, OliveTasting

Exploring Crete with a blend of land and sea adventures offers an exciting way to see the island’s diverse landscapes and history. This 7-hour tour takes you on an off-road journey through the mountains, a scenic boat ride to the historic Spinalonga, and a visit to a traditional olive oil factory. What makes it stand out is the balance between adventure, cultural insight, and relaxation, all delivered in a small-group setting for more personalized attention.

One of the highlights we love is the off-road drive over the mountains and through caves — it’s not just sightseeing but an immersive experience filled with stunning panoramic views. The speedboat ride to Spinalonga adds a fun, breezy element, and the visit to the olive oil factory gives a taste of local craftsmanship.

However, a potential consideration is the additional entry fee for Spinalonga, which isn’t included in the tour price. This means you’ll need to bring some cash for the island’s entrance cost. This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy a mix of scenic landscapes, history, and cultural experiences, especially those who appreciate small, intimate groups and expert guides.

Key Points

• Small group size (limited to 6 participants) ensures personalized attention.
• A perfect blend of land and sea with off-road driving and a speedboat to Spinalonga.
• Includes visits to caves, olive oil factory, and scenic viewpoints—everything packed into 7 hours.
• Expert guides provide insightful commentary, adding depth to the experience.
• Additional costs apply for the Spinalonga entrance fee.
• Flexible pickup options mean convenient start from various locations across Crete.

An Adventure Through Crete’s Scenic and Historic Highlights

This tour offers a well-rounded look at some of Crete’s most picturesque and culturally significant sites, all wrapped into a day that balances fun, history, and local flavor. From the moment you’re picked up in a distinctive orange Land Rover Discovery, you’ll feel the promise of a memorable journey. The small group format means fewer crowds and more space to enjoy the views and ask questions.

Scenic Mountain Drive and Mikados Caves

Your adventure begins with a drive off-road through the rugged mountains, a route that provides spectacular vistas of the Elounda bay and the surrounding Aegean Sea. The roads are primarily terrain suited for a Land Rover, making this part of the trip feel more like a safari. As you traverse valleys and small villages, your guide will share stories about the area’s history and geology, making the landscape come alive.

A highlight of this part is the visit to the Mikados caves, which are hidden along the route. These caves are a delightful stop for photo opportunities and a chance to stretch your legs while soaking in the natural beauty. As one reviewer pointed out, the drive through the mountains was beautiful, and the caves are well worth seeing for their unique formations.

Olive Oil Tasting and Local Culture

Next, your journey takes you to a local olive oil factory. Here, you’ll learn how traditional olive oil is made, from pressing to bottling. The hostess is described as warm and welcoming, generous with samples, and eager to share her knowledge. This visit offers a tangible connection to the island’s agricultural roots and provides an authentic taste of Crete’s culinary heritage.

Many travelers appreciate this stop for its informative guided tour and opportunity to purchase quality olive oil at reasonable prices. As a reviewer noted, the shop is not at all expensive, making it a worthwhile addition to your day.

Lunch and Scenic Vistas

Following the olive oil experience, you’ll stop for a fabulous lunch at a well-maintained taverna. The timing of the meal is praised as perfect, allowing you to relax and enjoy a fabulous selection of food in a spotlessly clean and picturesque setting. The views during lunch, overlooking the Gulf of Mirabello, are fabulous, adding a scenic backdrop to your meal.

The Short Ride to Spinalonga Island

As the tour proceeds, you’ll take in more scenic views of the Gulf, setting the stage for the highlight: the visit to Spinalonga Island. The short speedboat ride from the village of Plaka takes just 2 minutes, but it’s enough to get you excited about exploring this historic site.

Spinalonga served as a leper colony in the past, and its haunting beauty captures visitors’ imaginations. Once on the island, you’ll have time for a guided tour, where your guide will share stories from its past, making the experience both educational and evocative. The entrance fee of €20 isn’t included, so you’ll want to bring some cash.

One guest described the island as “beautiful in a haunted sense,” capturing the eerie yet captivating atmosphere. Another noted that they had the island mostly to themselves, creating a more intimate and contemplative visit.

Final Highlights and Return

As the tour winds down, you’ll enjoy more panoramic views of the bay and surrounding landscapes on the journey back to your starting point. The drive through the hills offers numerous photo opportunities, and the guide’s insights help you understand the significance of each vista.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

• Expert guides – As noted in reviews, guides like George and Armin are praised for their knowledge and humor. Their insights elevate the experience beyond just sightseeing.
• Authentic local experiences – Visiting a traditional olive oil factory and exploring a historic island makes this more than just a touristy day. You get a taste of real Crete.
• Beautiful scenery – From mountain views and caves to the Gulf of Mirabello, the natural beauty is front and center.
• Small group intimacy – Limited to six participants, the tour allows for more interaction and a tailored experience.
• Well-organized logistics – The timing, transportation, and variety of stops are carefully planned, as reflected in the positive reviews.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour lasts about 7 hours, starting with a pick-up from 13 different locations across Crete, including major towns and resorts like Hersonissos, Elounda, and Malia. The pick-up service makes it convenient, with the guide arriving in the distinctive orange Land Rover Discovery.

Pricing includes entry fees for the olive oil factory and caves, but Spinalonga’s entrance fee of €20 is at your expense. The tour also includes all transportation, including the boat transfer to Spinalonga and the land rover adventure on the mountain roads.

The tour is multi-lingual, offering guides in German, Italian, French, Russian, English, Greek, Spanish, and Romanian. It’s ideal for those who want a small, intimate experience with flexibility and special attention from their guide.

What to Bring

Bring some cash for the Spinalonga entrance fee, as it’s not included. Also, consider packing sunscreen, hats, and water, especially during warmer months. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring caves and the island.

Accessibility and Suitability

While the tour offers a mix of driving and walking, it’s generally suitable for travellers with reasonable mobility. The stops are relatively short, but be prepared for some uneven terrain on the island and caves.

The Sum Up

This Crete tour packs a lot into seven hours, making it a fantastic choice for travelers seeking a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty. The off-road drive and mountain views create a sense of exploration, while the boat ride adds a fun, breezy element. Visiting Spinalonga offers a glimpse into a haunting yet fascinating chapter of the island’s past, and the olive oil tasting connects you to local life.

The small group format ensures a personal touch, and the knowledgeable guides make a significant difference in understanding the sites. This experience offers great value, especially for those who want to combine natural beauty with authentic cultural insights—and who don’t mind a few extra euros for the island entrance.

If you’re after a day of diverse experiences that showcase Crete’s stunning landscapes and history without feeling rushed, this tour is a well-rounded pick. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers, history buffs, and anyone looking for a memorable, intimate journey across a beautiful Greek island.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes boat transfer to Spinalonga, a Land Rover drive over the mountains, and a speedboat to Spinalonga, plus visits to caves and a local olive oil factory.

Are meals provided?
Lunch is included at a local taverna, offering a fabulous selection of food in a scenic setting.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 7 hours, starting with a pickup from various locations across Crete.

Is the small group size guaranteed?
Yes, the tour is limited to 6 participants, ensuring more personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Do I need to pay extra for Spinalonga?
Yes, the entrance fee to Spinalonga is €20 and is paid on the island, not included in the tour price.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak multiple languages, including English, German, Italian, French, Russian, Greek, Spanish, and Romanian.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, transportation includes a Land Rover for mountain driving and a boat for the short ride to Spinalonga, both comfortable and scenic.

Can I bring my camera?
Absolutely. The views, caves, and island scenery are Photo-worthy, so bring your camera or smartphone.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for the island entrance fee, sunscreen, hats, water, and comfortable shoes.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
It’s generally suitable for most with reasonable mobility, but be prepared for some walking and uneven terrain on the island and caves.

This Crete tour offers a well-crafted blend of natural beauty, history, and local culture in a way that’s both engaging and manageable. Whether you’re chasing scenic views, historical sites, or authentic local experiences, this trip delivers—making your Crete visit truly unforgettable.