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Spinalonga Excursion: Mirabello Cruise, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos

Spinalonga Excursion: Mirabello Cruise, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos

Uncover the Wonders of Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos!

Join us for an extraordinary adventure to the historic island of Spinalonga! Begin your day with a scenic boat trip across the stunning Mirabello Bay, arriving at the poignant “Island of Tears” for a guided exploration of its rich history. After immersing yourself in the past, enjoy a refreshing swim and a delicious lunch at the beautiful Kolokytha Bay. Finally, unwind in the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, where you can relax with a coffee by the picturesque Lake Voulismeni. This unforgettable adventure blends breathtaking scenery with rich heritage – reserve your spot today! Operating Days: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Tour info

Duration:
1 Day
Transport:
Bus/Boat
Tour Type:
Sea Excursion
SKU:
VC-10-015
Group size:
~50 pax

from: 52.00

Discount:

Uncover the Wonders of Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos!

Join us for an extraordinary adventure to the historic island of Spinalonga! Begin your day with a scenic boat trip across the stunning Mirabello Bay, arriving at the poignant “Island of Tears” for a guided exploration of its rich history. After immersing yourself in the past, enjoy a refreshing swim and a delicious lunch at the beautiful Kolokytha Bay. Finally, unwind in the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, where you can relax with a coffee by the picturesque Lake Voulismeni. This unforgettable adventure blends breathtaking scenery with rich heritage – reserve your spot today! Operating Days: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Accompanied service

Guides Transport Insurance Lunch

Schedule

Morning Pick up: We will start collecting participants from pick-up points in the morning. Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus drive will differ.

Bus Drive: 1-2.5 hours (depemding where you getting on)

1st stop: Agios Nikolaos: Explore the cosmopolitan town of Agios Nikolaos. That’s where the boat sails from, towards the island of Spinalonga.

Boat Trip: 1 hour

2nd stop: Spinalonga (1hour 20minutes): After the cruise through Mirabello bay, our groups will arrive at Spinalonga, the island of tears. There will be a guided tour by professional guides for about 45 minutes and some free time to admire the views and take photos!

Boat Trip: 15 minutes

3rd stop: Kolokytha Bay (1hour 30minutes): On a quick cruise trip the group will arrive at the beautiful bay of Kolokytha. Enjoy your time by the beach, for swimming, sunbathing and have lunch prepared on the spot.

Boat Trip: 40 minutes

4th stop: Agios Nikolaos (1hour 30minutes): Enjoy some free time, to explore on your own pace, sit at a café with views of the beautiful lake or the port, and wander around this small Cretan town.

End of the tour Return to resorts: Embarkation in the buses and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning. Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ.

Bus Drive: 1 – 1.5 hours

Description

Iconic Spinalonga Island & Agios Nikolaos Cruise from Heraklion: A Journey Through Time and Azure Waters

(Boat Ticket, Guided Tour & Seaside Lunch Included!)

Spinalonga is not just a ruined Venetian fortress; it is a place of profound human resilience and touching history. Walking through its abandoned streets without a knowledgeable guide means missing the powerful stories that echo within its walls. We combine a deeply moving historical walk with the absolute joy of a Mediterranean summer day. Sail across the stunning Mirabello Bay, dive into the turquoise waters of the famous Kolokytha Bay, enjoy a tasty lunch on board, and stroll around the beautiful bottomless lake of Agios Nikolaos. Spinalonga Excursions from Heraklion, Hersonissos, and Malia.

Quick Experience Highlights

  • ▶ Expert Historical Guided Tour: Don't just wander among ruins. Listen to our professional guides as they bring to life the touching history of Spinalonga's former residents and the island's legacy.
  • ▶ Mirabello Bay Cruise: Enjoy a scenic, relaxing boat ride across one of the most beautiful and widely photographed gulfs in Greece.

  • ▶ Swim at Kolokytha Bay: We anchor at the pristine, protected bay of Kolokytha. Jump into the crystal-clear water and enjoy a delicious lunch served directly on the boat.

  • ▶ Cosmopolitan Agios Nikolaos: Spend your afternoon walking around the picturesque Lake Voulismeni, browsing boutique shops, or relaxing at a waterfront cafe.

  • ▶ Curated Pacing: We carefully manage the transitions between the bus, the boat cruise, the historical tour, and the free time, giving you a perfectly balanced day of culture and leisure.

  • ▶ Mobile Tickets Accepted: No printing required; just show your ticket on your phone!


The Experience: History, Sun & Swimming – All in One Day

A Journey Through Time. Your day begins with a comfortable drive to the picturesque port of Agios Nikolaos. From there, you will board our spacious vessel and feel the sea breeze as you cruise through Mirabello Bay towards the legendary Spinalonga Island. A licensed expert guide will lead you through the island's captivating past—from its days defending against sea raids to its poignant history as a leper colony.

Relaxation at Kolokytha Bay. After soaking in the history, the boat drops anchor at the sheltered, pristine beach of Kolokytha. Here, you have ample time to sunbathe and dive into the crystal-clear Aegean waters. As you build up an appetite, a freshly prepared lunch featuring oven-baked chicken (or a tasty vegetarian tortilla), fresh salad, and bread will be served, perfectly paired with a glass of wine or juice.

Explore Agios Nikolaos. Returning to the mainland, the tour concludes with free time in the vibrant town of Agios Nikolaos. Wander through its quaint streets, browse local boutique shops, or simply relax at a lakeside café before your return transfer.


Tour Logistics for your Spinalonga Excursion

Available Languages Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
English, French, German - - - -
Polish - - - - -
Italian - - - - - -

• Operating Days: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

• Pick-ups from
: Milatos, Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos (port), Koutouloufari, Piskopiano, Anissaras, Analipsis, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Amnissos, Karteros, Heraklion, Amoudara (Gazi), Lygaria, Agia Pelagia, and Fodele.

Languages by Day:
  ° English: Mon, Wed, Fri
  ° French: Mon, Wed, Fri
  ° German: Mon, Wed, Fri
  ° Italian: Fri
  ° Polish: Mon, Fri

• Direction: East Crete (Lasithi Region).

• Duration: 9-10 hours approximately.


Essential Trip Details

What is Included
✔ Air-conditioned transportation with pick-up and drop-off services.
✔ Professional Driver and Tour Escort assistance throughout the day.
Guided tour of Spinalonga with a licensed guide.
Round-trip Boat Tickets.
Lunch (Oven-baked chicken or Vegetarian tortilla option, plus salad, bread, seasonal fruit, and a glass of wine or juice).
✔ Local taxes and liability insurance coverage.

What is NOT Included
Spinalonga Entrance Fee: €20 per adult (payable on the spot).
Extras payable on the spot: Additional drinks, snacks, umbrellas/sunbeds (optional).

Age Definition
• Adults: Over 12 years old (Full fare).
• Children (4-12 years old): 50% discount.
• Infants (0-3 years old): Free of charge | No seat reserved (seated on parents' lap)

Essentials to have with you: Backpack, Hat / Sunglasses / Sunscreen, Swimsuit / Beach towel, Comfortable shoes (for the walking tour), Water.


Booking & Cancellation Policy

Important Booking Guidelines
• Language Availability: Please ensure your preferred language is available on your selected date.
• Pick-up Protocol: Consult the pick-up table below for your exact location. Punctuality is vital: Please be at your pick-up point 10 minutes early. The bus follows a strict schedule and cannot wait for late arrivals.
• Infant Safety: Infants (0-3) travel free but must sit on a parent's lap as no separate seat is reserved.

Cancellation & Refund Policy
• Free Cancellation: Get a 100% full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour departure (defined as the time of the first pick-up of the day).
• Late Cancellations & No-Shows: No refund will be issued for cancellations made within 24 hours of departure or if you fail to show up at the pick-up point on time.
• Operator Adjustments: We reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the tour due to adverse weather, force majeure, or insufficient participation. In case of cancellation by us, you receive a full refund.

For more details, please review our full Terms & Conditions page.


Plan Your Visit: Discover More About This Trip

Whether you are looking for Spinalonga Excursions from Malia or a complete guided day trip from the Heraklion region, this comprehensive itinerary removes all the stress of planning. We handle the driving, the boat coordination, and the meal preparations so you can fully immerse yourself in the stories of the island and the natural beauty of Mirabello Bay.

Our highly rated Spinalonga excursion is distinct because it perfectly balances deep historical exploration with absolute relaxation. After walking the cobbled streets of the Venetian fortress, there is nothing quite like diving into the refreshing waters of Kolokytha beach and enjoying a traditional seaside lunch.


Pick-up Locations

Just to help you see which pick-up suits you best, click the plus sign (+) to see all available hotel accommodations and their nearest pick-ups:

[+] Pick-up points: Sissi, Malia, Stalis

• Sissi areas 09:00 AM

• Malia Palace Archaeological Site 09:05 AM

• Nikos Hotel - Filipidis S/M 09:10 AM

• Malia church 09:00 AM

• Malia Bay - Malia Park - Sirens 09:05 AM

• Drossia - Kernos Beach - Ikaros Village 09:00 AM

• Alexander - Ariadni 09:00 AM

• Cactus - I Resort 08:55 AM

• Mochos Cross (Bus Stop #29) 08:50 AM

• Stalis (Bus Stop #28) - Blue Sea 08:50 AM

[+] Pick-up points: Hersonissos, Koutouloufari, Piskopiano, Anissaras, Analipsis, Gouves

• Nana B/S - Mediterraneo 08:45 AM

• Belvedere - Eri bus stop 08:45 AM

• Silva Beach - Pela Maria 08:40 AM

• National Bank (Ethniki Bank) - Chalkiadakis S/M 08:40 AM

• Koutouloufari (Esperides Resort) 08:40 AM

• Piscopiano well (pigadi) 08:40 AM

• Mathioudakis (Kritikos S/M) - Albatros Corner - Creta Maris 08:35 AM

• Hersonissos Village (Hotel Accommodation) 08:35 AM

• Knossos Royal - Royal Mare - Annabelle 08:30 AM

• Cretan Village - Laguna - Chrissi Amoudia 08:25 AM

• Serita - Zorbas - Anissa - Bella - Lytos 08:20 AM

• Analipsi Beach Road 08:15 AM

• Analipsi Bus Stop 08:15 AM

• Amirantes Bus Stop 08:10 AM

• Gouves Beach Road 08:05 AM

• Gouves Cross - Lavris 08:00 AM

[+] Pick-up points: Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Karteros, Amnissos

• Gournes church 07:55 AM

• Rinela - Hatzis 07:55 AM

• Knossos Beach - Arina Beach 07:45 AM

• Karteros - Amnsissos 07:40 AM

[+] Pick-up points: Heraklion city, Amoudara (Gazi)

• Astoria Hotel - Galaxy Hotel 07:20 AM

• Heraklion port - 18 Agglon Sq. (Koules fortress roundabout) 07:20 AM

• Natural History Museum 07:20 AM

• Talos Plaza (outside Envy Cafe) 07:20 AM

• Giofyros (Meliriton) 07:10 AM

• Amoudara (Gazi) 07:05 AM

[+] Pick-up points: Lygaria, Agia Pelagia

• Lygaria: Pick-ups are available from any accommodation in Lygaria via shuttle service to the nearest bus pick-up. 06:30 AM

• Agia Pelagia: Pick-ups are available from any accommodation in Agia Pelagia via shuttle service to the nearest bus pick-up. 06:40 AM

LET US HELP! Please don't hesitate to contact us or use our Live Chat service in order to help you choose the best pick-up that suits you best!


Frequently Asked Questions about the Spinalonga Excursion

▼ How long is the boat ride to Spinalonga?
The scenic cruise from the port of Agios Nikolaos across Mirabello Bay takes approximately 1 hour, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the sun deck and the beautiful sea views.
▼ Is the Spinalonga entrance fee included in the price?
No, the €20 entrance fee for the archaeological site of Spinalonga is not included in the tour price. This must be paid on the spot. Children and certain categories may be eligible for reduced or free admission based on official state policies.
▼ What is included for lunch?
You will enjoy a freshly prepared seaside lunch at Kolokytha Bay! The standard menu includes oven-baked chicken, fresh salad, and bread, accompanied by seasonal fruit and a glass of wine or juice. A vegetarian tortilla is available upon request (please inform us 24 hours in advance).
▼ Is a tour guide provided on the island?
Yes! A professional, licensed guide is fully included in your booking. They will walk you through the Venetian fortress and share the powerful stories of the leper colony during a comprehensive 80-minute walking tour.
▼ Does the tour include pick-up from my hotel?
Absolutely. We provide an extensive round-trip transfer service from over 30 locations including Agia Pelagia, Ammoudara, Heraklion, Gouves, Hersonissos, Stalis, Malia, and Sissi. Check our pick-up table above for exact meeting times!

 

Let’s make your visit unforgettable!

If you have questions about pick-ups or the itinerary, call us at (+30) 2810 341560 or use our Live Chat service. We are local experts, and we LOVE helping you discover the best of Crete!

 

SPINALONGA EXCURSION

GET THE CHANCE TO ADMIRE MIRABELLO BAY & KOLOKYTHA BEACH!

Our excursion is one of few that cruises Mirabello bay, giving you the opportunity to admire and enjoy the view and the waters of the amazing bay...

+ Stops in Kolokytha bay for lunch and swim!

 


Don’t Miss Out – Book Now

A day of history, beauty, and flavor is just a click away.

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Discover SPINALONGA ISLAND

All you need to know about Spinalonga Island in this article:
- Is it Worth Going to Spinalonga Island
- Spinalonga Island History
- Tips about Spinalonga Island
- Useful Information about Spinalonga Island
ARTICLE: Explore the Enigmatic Beauty of Spinalonga Island: A Must-Visit Destination in Crete!

An Unforgettable Experience Awaits

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Additional information

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