Tour to Spinlonga, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos from Makry Gialos

If you’re planning a trip to Crete and looking for a way to see some of the island’s most captivating spots in one day, this tour from Makry Gialos might just be what you need. While I haven’t taken this exact trip myself, I’ve dug through the details and reviews to give you a honest look at what it offers.

What I really appreciate about this tour is its mix of history, scenery, and leisurely exploring — all in a manageable 7-hour window. Plus, the fact that it includes hotel pickup and a guide makes the logistics pretty straightforward, especially if you’re trying to maximize your limited time.

However, keep in mind that the entrance fee for Spinalonga isn’t included in the price, so budget that in if you plan to explore the island thoroughly. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a blend of cultural sights and relaxed coastal towns, and it’s especially good if you prefer guided experiences over wandering on your own.

Key Points

• Hassle-free logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off make this convenient for travelers staying in Makry Gialos.
• Rich historical context: The guided tour of Spinalonga provides meaningful insights into the island’s past.
• Scenic towns: Elounda and Agios Nikolaos offer charming streets, waterfront views, and opportunities for shopping or relaxing.
• Flexible free time: Ample time at each stop means you can explore at your own pace.
• Cost-effective: For around $71, you get a full day of sightseeing, with most transportation and guiding included.
• Limited entrance fees: The main optional cost is the Spinalonga entrance, which isn’t included.

The Itinerary in Detail: What You Can Expect

Starting Point: Makry Gialos

The day begins with a comfortable air-conditioned bus pickup from your hotel in Makry Gialos. This sets a relaxed tone for the day, allowing you to sit back, enjoy the scenery, and get ready for a varied itinerary.

First Stop: Spinalonga

The highlight for many visitors, Spinalonga is a small island with a heavy but fascinating past. The tour includes a guided walking tour, which is ideal for understanding the island’s story as a former leper colony until 1957. You’ll be able to explore the ruins and absorb the atmosphere of this storied place.

The tour’s reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the interesting information they share. As one reviewer put it, “The tour was amazing, and the guide was very friendly and gave us a lot of interesting information!” Another mentioned that their guide’s passion made the history come alive.

Keep in mind that the admission ticket to Spinalonga isn’t included in the cost, so if you want to step inside the main areas, you’ll need to buy that separately. The two hours allocated here seem just right for a good overview without feeling rushed.

Next Stop: Elounda

After returning from Spinalonga, the bus takes you to the lovely seaside village of Elounda, known for its stunning views and tranquil vibe. Here, you’ll have about 1.5 hours to enjoy a relaxed lunch, stroll along the promenade, or take in the scenery.

Many reviews mention how charming and picturesque Elounda is. You might find plenty of cafes to settle into for a coffee or a light meal, all while soaking up the views of the bay. It’s a good spot to unwind after the morning’s historical exploration.

Final Stop: Agios Nikolaos

The last leg of the day brings you to Agios Nikolaos, a bustling yet beautiful town famous for its “bottomless” lake and lively waterfront. Here, you’ll have about 1.5 hours for shopping, wandering the streets, or enjoying a coffee by the water.

Reviewers highlight how picturesque the town is, describing it as a perfect place to soak in local life. With the chance for some last-minute souvenirs and photos, this stop caps off a day of varied experiences.

Returning to Your Hotel

The bus will then head back to Makry Gialos, with an estimated drop-off time of up to 60 minutes depending on your hotel location. This means you can expect to return to your accommodation feeling satisfied yet relaxed, without having to organize transport yourself.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Guided Experience with Local Insights

Most reviews emphasize the knowledgeable and friendly guides who share interesting facts and stories. This elevates the experience from just sightseeing to truly understanding Crete’s history and culture.

Flexible Free Time

While the itinerary is structured, you get enough free time at each stop to explore on your own. Whether it’s wandering the streets of Elounda or relaxing lakeside in Agios Nikolaos, you won’t feel hurried.

Scenic Towns and Historical Island

The combination of Elounda’s peaceful charm, the historical significance of Spinalonga, and the picturesque scenery of Agios Nikolaos makes this tour appealing for those wanting a well-rounded day.

Cost vs. Value

For about $71, including pickup, transportation, and a guide, this tour offers good value. The main extra expense is the Spinalonga entrance fee, but many find the overall experience rich enough to justify the cost.

Things to Keep in Mind

Entrance Fee for Spinalonga

Since the ticket isn’t included, budget for approximately a few euros if you wish to go inside the island. If you’re mostly interested in the exterior views and the history, the guided walk might suffice.

Pace and Duration

While 7 hours is a reasonable length, be prepared for a somewhat busy schedule with travel time, walking, and sightseeing. If you prefer slow mornings or more time in each place, this might feel a bit rushed.

Weather Dependence

Crete’s weather can change, and since much of the tour involves outdoor walking, check the forecast. The tour provider states that if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive glimpse of eastern Crete’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple separate trips. It’s well-suited for those interested in history and culture, combined with scenic coastal towns.

It’s also a good choice if you prefer a guided experience that takes care of logistics and offers insights into Crete’s past and present. Families or groups who enjoy walking and sightseeing will likely find this tour engaging, although very young children might need some extra encouragement for the walking parts.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Makry Gialos, making the day stress-free.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and free periods in Elounda and Agios Nikolaos.

Do I need to buy tickets for Spinalonga separately?
Yes, the ticket for Spinalonga is not included and must be purchased separately if you want to enter the island.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
Most people rave about the guided tour of Spinalonga, which offers fascinating insights into its history as a former leper colony.

Is the tour suitable for non-English speakers?
The reviews mention the tour guide speaks English, so it’s geared towards English-speaking travelers.

Are there any age restrictions or family considerations?
The tour is most suitable for travelers comfortable with walking and sightseeing; no specific family restrictions are mentioned.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and some cash for optional entrance fees or snacks are advisable.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a well-organized, culturally engaging day in Crete with a good mix of history, scenery, and leisure, this tour ticks many boxes. The inclusion of a guide ensures you’ll get meaningful insights, and the stops at Elounda and Agios Nikolaos add that relaxed coastal charm to your trip.

While the cost isn’t the lowest, the convenience of transportation, combined with positive reviews about the knowledgeable guides and beautiful landscapes, makes this a solid choice. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a structured, informative day without the stress of navigating by themselves.

For those interested in Crete’s history and picturesque towns, and who don’t mind a bit of walking, this could be a memorable addition to your holiday. Just remember to account for the extra cost of Spinalonga’s entrance and plan your day accordingly.

Happy travels — and I hope your Crete trip is full of wonderful discoveries!