Spinalonga with Guide, Kolokitha Bay Cruise, Swimming & BBQ

Experience the Best of Crete in One Day: Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay, and Agios Nikolaos

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Crete’s captivating history, stunning scenery, and charming towns. It combines a scenic boat cruise, a guided exploration of Spinalonga Island, a relaxing swim at Kolokytha Bay, and free time in the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who want a comprehensive day out without feeling rushed, packed with memorable moments and local flavor.

One of the things we love about this experience is how smoothly it balances structured activities with free time—allowing you to soak in the sights at your own pace. Plus, the inclusion of a professional guided tour of Spinalonga adds depth and context to what you’re seeing. The highlight for many is the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters, enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch on board, and sample high-quality local olive oil.

A possible consideration is that the day is quite full, with a lot packed into roughly 10.5 to 12 hours—so it’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with a busy schedule. Also, keep in mind that the boat and island entrance fees are extra, and that high summer temperatures mean bringing sun protection is essential.

This tour appeals most to those seeking a blend of history, scenic beauty, and leisure, particularly if you enjoy boat trips and cultural sights. Families, couples, or solo travelers who like a mix of guided learning and free exploration will find this trip hits the right notes.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines history, scenery, swimming, and town exploration.
• Expert Guided Tour: Provides insightful commentary on Spinalonga’s layered past.
• Relaxing Bay Stop: Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a delicious BBQ.
• Authentic Flavors: Olive oil tasting adds a local touch to the day.
• Flexible Free Time: Ample opportunity to explore Agios Nikolaos at your own pace.
• Well-Organized: Carefully timed stops with smooth transitions, making the long day manageable.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting the Day: From Hotels to Elounda Port

The adventure begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel or nearby location—this can be from a variety of spots around Crete, including Heraklion, Malia, Agia Pelagia, and others. The air-conditioned bus ensures comfort on the roughly 2.25-hour drive to Elounda Port, giving you a preview of Crete’s scenic landscapes.

Reviewers note that the pickup times vary depending on your location, so you’ll want to check your email for specific details. The early start means you’ll beat the heat later in the day, which is a plus during the summer months.

Scenic Mirabello Bay Cruise

Once at Elounda, the tour kicks off with a boat cruise through Mirabello Bay. We loved the gentle, scenic ride as the boat glided past lush coastline and islands, setting a relaxed tone for the day. Expect about 40 minutes of travel with plenty of opportunities for photos of the turquoise waters and rugged shoreline.

Kolokytha Bay: A Hidden Beach and BBQ

The highlight for many is the stop at Kolokytha Bay, a secluded stretch of shoreline known for its clear waters and calm, inviting environment. Here, you’ll spend around 1.5 hours—long enough to swim, snorkel, or just lie back and soak up the sun.

While you relax, the crew serves a delicious BBQ lunch on board. Options include grilled pork chop, chicken burger, or vegetarian choices like a vegetable burger and dolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves). The meal includes Greek salad, feta cheese, seasonal fruit, bread, and a drink—either wine or Fanta. Reviewers frequently mention how tasty and plentiful the food is, with some noting the high quality of the ingredients, especially the local olive oil.

Spinalonga Island: A Journey Through History

Next, you’ll sail for about 20 minutes to the famous Spinalonga Island, known for its Venetian fortress and its history as a former leper colony. The guided tour, led by a licensed escort, lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

The guide provides fascinating insights, making the layered past of Spinalonga come alive. You’ll see the fortress walls, old buildings, and the evocative atmosphere of a place that has seen pirates, colonizers, and lepers. Travelers appreciate the detailed storytelling—one reviewer says, “The guide brought the island’s history to life with engaging stories and interesting facts.”

Keep in mind that you’ll be exploring uneven terrain and walking in the sun, so comfortable shoes and sun protection are essential.

Return Cruise and Olive Oil Tasting

After visiting Spinalonga, the boat heads back toward Elounda, with a 30-minute sail. The return journey offers more beautiful views and a chance to relax.

On the way to Agios Nikolaos, there’s a stop at a local olive oil park, where you’ll taste some of Crete’s most famous product. This brief, 30-minute stop offers insight into local agriculture and the chance to sample high-quality olive oil—a true highlight for food lovers.

Free Time in Agios Nikolaos

The final stop is the charming seaside town of Agios Nikolaos, where you have about an hour to explore independently. You might relax at a lakeside café by Lake Voulismeni, browse boutique shops, or take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade. Reviewers mention that the town’s relaxed vibe and scenic views make it a perfect place for some quick shopping or photo-taking before heading back.

The tour bus then departs between 17:45 and 19:15 for the return journey, bringing you back to your hotel in the evening.

What’s Included & What’s Extra

The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, a guided tour of Spinalonga, olive oil tasting, and all taxes and insurance.

However, entrance fees to Spinalonga (~€20) and boat tickets with BBQ lunch (~€15 per adult) are paid separately. You’ll also choose your preferred lunch option—pork, chicken, or vegetarian—making it relatively flexible.

Pricing & Value

While the tour’s total cost might seem moderate, it covers a lot of ground. The guided tour of Spinalonga alone provides rich context, and the inclusion of a scenic cruise, swimming chance, and town exploration makes this a well-rounded experience. The extra fees for entrance and food are reasonable, given the comprehensive day packed with memorable moments.

Practical Tips for the Day

• Sun protection is crucial—bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring Spinalonga and the town.
• Bring swimwear and a towel for the swim at Kolokytha Bay.
• Pack some cash or card for optional purchases during the olive oil stop or in Agios Nikolaos.
• Check your email for pickup details and plan accordingly; early mornings can be busy.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a full immersion into Crete’s culture, history, and natural beauty without the hassle of organizing multiple activities independently. It’s ideal for those who enjoy guided tours, scenic boat rides, and the chance to cool off in crystal waters. Families, couples, and solo explorers will find it offers enough variety and flexibility to keep everyone engaged.

If you’re keen on learning about local legends, tasting authentic olive oil, and exploring a historic island with captivating stories, this tour covers all those bases effortlessly.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from various hotels and nearby points, with specific times communicated after booking.

How long is the boat cruise? The cruise to Kolokytha Bay takes about 40 minutes, with additional time spent sailing between stops.

What does the BBQ lunch include? It features options like grilled pork, chicken burger, or vegetarian choices, served with Greek salad, feta, seasonal fruit, bread, and a drink.

Are there extra costs? Yes, entrance fee to Spinalonga (~€20) and boat ticket with lunch (~€15) are paid separately.

Can I swim at Kolokytha Bay? Absolutely. The bay is known for its clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and you’re encouraged to relax and enjoy the scenery.

How much free time do I get in Agios Nikolaos? About an hour, enough for a quick stroll, shopping, or sitting at a lakeside café.

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, children who enjoy boat trips, beaches, and exploring towns will find it engaging, especially with vegetarian lunch options.

What should I bring? Sun protection, swimwear, comfortable shoes, and possibly some cash for extras.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a balanced glimpse into Crete’s history, landscapes, and local flavors. The guided tour of Spinalonga provides meaningful insight into the island’s past, while the cruise and bay stop offer excellent opportunities to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty. Free time in Agios Nikolaos adds a relaxed finish, making it suitable for those who want a mix of structured activities and personal exploration.

The value lies in the combination of diverse experiences—history, scenery, cuisine, and leisure—all packed into one memorable day. It’s especially perfect for travelers eager to see key sights without the hassle of planning each step individually.

This tour is a strong choice for those wanting a comprehensive, hassle-free Crete day trip that balances education, adventure, and relaxation in a beautifully curated package.