Crete: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda with BBQ Lunch

Exploring Crete: A Full-Day Tour of Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, and Elounda with BBQ Lunch

Stepping into Crete’s scenery, history, and culture, this tour offers a well-balanced taste of the island’s best without breaking the bank. While it’s not a full deep-dive into every detail, it provides enough highlights to make your day memorable—especially if you love a mix of history, seaside views, and local flavor.

What makes this experience stand out? Firstly, the chance to explore Spinalonga, a legendary island with a layered past. Secondly, the scenic boat ride over Mirabello Bay that offers plenty of opportunities to swim or relax. Third, the delicious BBQ lunch onboard, which is surprisingly generous and well-liked by guests. The only thing to consider is that it’s a fairly packed schedule, so some might wish for longer at certain stops, particularly Agios Nikolaos.

This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a rundown of Crete’s highlights in one day, especially if you enjoy a mix of history, scenic views, and casual seaside fun. It’s perfect for those who don’t mind a bit of time on the bus but want to make the most of their day with guided insights and local touches.

Good To Know

• Balanced itinerary with visits to Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, and Elounda
• Includes a scenic boat ride with swimming and BBQ lunch onboard
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with stories and insights
• Affordable price point offers great value for a full day of activities
• Good mix of relaxation and exploration suited for varied interests
• Limited time for some stops might leave travelers wanting more

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Starting Point and Transportation

Your day begins with a pick-up from various locations or a designated meeting point, with the tour operator confirming details 24 hours beforehand. The transportation is by air-conditioned coach, making the long ride comfortable and easy to relax during the scenic journey along Crete’s coast.

The drive itself is a highlight. We loved the way the coach winds through the countryside, passing through the St. George Gorge, a particularly striking feature with hills and water views that set the mood for your adventure.

The Boat Ride and Kolokytha Bay

Around 10 AM, you’ll board a boat for a short 20-minute trip across Mirabello Bay to Kolokytha Bay, a peaceful spot renowned for its clear waters. Guests consistently mention how ideal this area is for swimming and snorkeling, with the water inviting enough to cool off immediately.

The swim stop is a major plus, giving everyone a chance to splash around or relax on the boat. One reviewer noted, “ample time to swim and take drone shots,” which hints at how photogenic and calm the bay is.

The Scenic Return and Spinalonga Island

After the swim, the boat heads back toward Spinalonga, a journey of roughly 20 minutes. Arriving around noon, you’ll disembark for a guided tour of Spinalonga, led by a professional guide. The island’s layered past—as a barrier for the ancient city of Olous, a refuge for pirates, and later a Venetian and Turkish settlement—adds fascinating context to your exploration.

Guests like Ly appreciated the guide’s insights, noting that the tour was “very well time-boxed,” which kept the day moving smoothly. However, some wished for more time on the island, as the 1.5 hours felt a bit rushed. Still, the guided tour enriches your understanding of the island’s complex history.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Lunch and Leisure in Elounda

Post-Spinalonga, you’ll return by boat and bus to Elounda. On the way, a quick stop at a local olive oil factory offers a chance to taste and learn about Cretan products—another highlight for food lovers.

By 3 PM, you’ll arrive in Agios Nikolaos. Here, you’ll have about an hour to stroll around the charming streets and enjoy the famous Lake Voulismeni. Reviewers mention enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and browsing the local shops, making this a nice relaxed ending for the day.

Final Details and Drop-offs

The tour wraps up with a return to your starting point, with drops at over 120 different locations, including main hotels and popular resorts. The flexibility here is helpful for planning your evening or continuing your exploration of Crete.

The Experience: What You’ll Love

Historical Mystique of Spinalonga – The island’s rich past has fascinated travelers for years. The guided tour helps you visualize what life was like, from pirates to refugees, offering a meaningful connection to Crete’s layered history. Reviewers like Marilena appreciated the “nice visit at Spinalonga,” even wishing for a tad more time to explore fully.

Beautiful Coastal Views and Swimming – The boat ride and stop at Kolokytha Bay offer picture-perfect moments and refreshing swims. Many guests comment on how the water’s clarity makes for a wonderful cooling experience, especially after a warm day exploring.

Delectable BBQ Lunch – The onboard meal, comprising pork steak, Greek salad, bread, and fruit, is surprisingly plentiful. Guests say it’s “tasty and well-portioned,” with one reviewer noting that the simple, fresh ingredients make for a perfect summer meal. The inclusion of a glass of wine or lemonade adds to the relaxed vibe.

Insightful Guides and Local Touches – Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. A reviewer mentioned that the guide’s explanations made the visit more meaningful, especially on the historical spots.

Considering the Schedule and Duration

While the tour covers a lot, it also means some stops are brief. For instance, the time in Agios Nikolaos (about an hour) might feel rushed if you’re keen on shopping or sightseeing. Some travelers expressed a desire for more time there, but others appreciated the efficient pace, especially if they prefer a full day without feeling overwhelmed.

The duration ranges from 5 to 12 hours**, depending on the option chosen, but most guests found the pace manageable. It’s best suited for those comfortable with a busy schedule and lots of moving parts.

Cost and Value

At approximately $28.23 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the inclusions: boat rides, guided tours, lunch, transportation, and a local olive oil tasting. The reviews reflect satisfaction with the quality of food, the guided insights, and the scenic stops, making it a worthwhile investment for a day of varied experiences.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a compact yet comprehensive taste of Crete. It suits those interested in history, coastal scenery, and local culture without committing to multiple days. It’s also great for groups or solo travelers who enjoy guided storytelling and social ambiance. If you’re a fan of picturesque environments, authentic food, and learning stories behind historical sites, you’ll find plenty to love here.

It might not be perfect for those with mobility issues or who want extensive time at each location, but otherwise, it’s a well-rounded day trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the pickup included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes pick-up from your hotel or a nearby meeting point, with details provided 24 hours in advance by the operator.

How long is the boat ride to Spinalonga?
The boat trip from Elounda to Spinalonga takes about 20 minutes each way, offering lovely views across Mirabello Bay.

What’s included in the BBQ lunch?
The onboard BBQ features pork steak, Greek salad, bread, and fruit, with a glass of wine or lemonade included.

Can I swim at Kolokytha Bay?
Yes, there’s ample time to swim, relax, and snorkel in the clear waters of Kolokytha Bay, which guests find very refreshing.

How much time do I get in Agios Nikolaos?
You’ll have about an hour to stroll, browse shops, or enjoy the lakeside atmosphere, which some reviewers found just enough.

Is there an additional fee for visiting Spinalonga?
No, the tour price covers the guided visit, but you will need to pay the entrance fee yourself if you choose to explore independently further.

What languages is the tour guided in?
The guided tour is primarily in English, with availability in French, German, and Polish on certain days.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the pace and activities suit most age groups, but consider the walking and boat components for younger children.

Final Thoughts

This Crete day tour offers a solid combo of history, scenery, and local flavor at a price that feels fair for what you get. The guided insights, stunning coastal views, and a tasty BBQ make for a memorable experience, especially if you enjoy a balanced mix of exploration and relaxation.

While some stops are quick and the schedule tight, the overall value and variety make this tour a good choice for those wanting to see key highlights without too much fuss. Whether you’re drawn to Spinalonga’s intriguing past or the charm of Agios Nikolaos, this trip packs a lot into one day—perfect for adding a memorable chapter to your Crete adventure.

If you prioritize engaging guides, scenic boat rides, and authentic local food, this tour hits the spot. It’s best suited for curious travelers who enjoy learning while having a relaxed seaside experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: