Crete: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda with BBQ Lunch

If you’re eyeing a day out exploring some of Crete’s most iconic sights, this tour promises a blend of history, scenic beauty, and local flavor. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on reviews and the detailed itinerary, it seems like a well-rounded experience that caters to those who love a mix of cultural discovery and leisure.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it combines a guided visit to Spinalonga’s Venetian fortress with time to relax on beaches and stroll around charming towns like Agios Nikolaos. Plus, the included BBQ lunch on board sounds like a simple but tasty way to refuel after a morning of sightseeing.

One thing to keep in mind is that the schedule feels quite packed. Some reviews mention feeling a bit rushed, especially with limited time around Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos. If you’re someone who prefers more time at each stop, this might be a consideration.

All in all, this trip looks like a good fit for travelers who want an affordable, comprehensive taste of Crete’s history, beaches, and towns, especially if you’re happy with a fairly structured schedule.

Key Points

• Affordable price point for a full-day guided tour including transport and food.
• Combination of highlights: history at Spinalonga, scenic beaches at Kolokytha Bay, and charming town visits.
• Includes a BBQ lunch with pork, Greek salad, bread, and fruit, plus a glass of wine or lemonade.
• Flexible options for pick-up and meeting points, making it accessible from multiple locations.
• Well-reviewed guides and interesting stops like an olive oil factory.
• Rushed schedule might limit time at some sites, so be prepared for a busy day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Starting the Day: The tour kicks off early, with pickups from various locations or meeting points, depending on your choice. It’s good to be aware that if you start from places like Heraklion or Malia, you’ll spend a decent chunk of time on the bus, but the scenery makes it worthwhile.

Coastal Ride & Elounda: The journey along the coast is a highlight in itself. We loved the way the coach winds past the St. George Gorge to Elounda, a quiet seaside town with a laid-back vibe. This part of the trip sets the tone—relaxing, scenic, and promising a taste of authentic Crete.

Kolokytha Bay & Swimming: Around 10 a.m., you’ll hop onto a boat for a quick 20-minute ride to Kolokytha Bay. This spot is praised for its crystal-clear waters, perfect for a refreshing swim or some snorkeling. Many reviews highlight how this water stop is a highlight, especially on a warm day. It’s a nice break from the bus, and the calm waters encourage a relaxed dip.

Lunch on the Water: After some time in the bay, you’ll enjoy a BBQ lunch onboard. The menu is straightforward—pork steak, Greek salad, bread, and fruit, with a glass of wine or lemonade. Reviewers mention that the food is tasty and well-portioned, with some noting that the simple, fresh ingredients are all you need for a summer meal. Just be aware that some might find the food presentation a bit basic, but the quality is generally appreciated.

Visit to Spinalonga: The trip continues with a roughly 20-minute boat ride across Mirabello Bay to Spinalonga. Once there, a guide will lead you through its fortress and share tales of its past—from being a natural barrier for ancient Olous to a refuge for pirates and a Turkish settlement. Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable guides who make the history engaging.

Time on Spinalonga: The island is small but packed with stories. Many reviews suggest that the time allocated (about 1.5 hours) is just enough for a good overview, but some wish for a little more to explore at a leisurely pace. As one reviewer put it, “A bit more time would have been nice,” but overall, the visit is considered worthwhile.

Return & Olive Oil Tasting: After leaving Spinalonga, you’ll head back to Elounda by bus. Along the way, there’s a quick stop at a local olive oil factory—you’ll get a taste of Cretan products, which many found interesting and authentic. It’s a small but appreciated cultural moment, offering insight into the local cuisine.

Visit to Agios Nikolaos: The final stop is the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, arriving around 3:45 p.m. Here, you’ll get some free time to stroll around the town and enjoy the iconic Lake Voulismeni. Many reviews mention that this is a lovely spot for a relaxed drink or some shopping, though the time here is only about an hour. Some travelers note that they would have liked a bit more time to explore more thoroughly.

End of the Day: The tour concludes back at the original meeting points or hotel drop-offs, ending a fairly full day of sightseeing, swimming, and cultural exploration.

How Does It Feel to Experience This Tour?

The experience seems well-balanced. The boat rides are generally smooth, and the views across Mirabello Bay are often highlighted as a major plus. The guides are praised for their knowledge, making the history of Spinalonga accessible and engaging. The boat lunch is simple but tasty, especially if you’re hungry after a morning of sightseeing and swimming.

Some reviews mention a feeling of being a little rushed, especially at Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos. This isn’t surprising given the packed schedule, but if you’re used to leisurely explorations, be prepared for a busy day. The included transport and the efficiency of the itinerary help maximize the experience, but patience and flexibility could be beneficial.

The value for money appears solid, especially considering the price of around $28 per person. For that, you get transport, guided tours, a boat trip, a meal, and cultural stops. It’s a convenient way to tick off some of Crete’s top sights in one go, especially if you’re short on time or prefer organized tours.

Who Would Appreciate This Tour?

This tour is especially suited for travellers who want a rundown of Crete’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple trips. It’s ideal if you’re interested in history, scenic beaches, and charming towns, all wrapped into a manageable day.

If you’re someone who enjoys guided visits and doesn’t mind a busy schedule, you’ll find this a worthwhile experience. The inclusion of a decent lunch and cultural stops makes it especially appealing for first-time visitors or those wanting an introduction to Crete’s diversity.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or more time at each site, consider whether this tour’s schedule might feel a little tight. Also, be aware that the time at some stops is limited, especially in Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this Crete day tour offers a solid mix of history, scenery, and local flavor at a budget-friendly price. The combination of boat rides, guided explanations, beach time, and town visits makes it a well-rounded option for a day away from the hustle of more commercial excursions.

The experience is particularly suited for those who enjoy structured days with a clear itinerary and are comfortable with a bit of a fast-paced schedule. It’s also a good choice for travelers curious about Crete’s layered past, scenic beauty, and regional products like olive oil.

While some might wish for a little more time at certain stops, the overall value and variety make it a memorable way to see some of Crete’s most beloved spots.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the tour is suitable for most travelers able to handle boat rides and walking on uneven surfaces. Children should be comfortable with boat trips and limited time at each site.

Does the tour include access to Spinalonga’s interior?
You’ll visit the island and see its fortress, but the entry fee is not included, so you’ll explore mainly with your guide and free time rather than paid attractions.

What’s the weather like during the tour?
Crete’s weather can vary; it’s best to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. The tour runs rain or shine, but check the forecast and be prepared for summer sun.

Is the BBQ lunch on the boat buffet-style?
Yes, it appears to be a straightforward meal with pork steak, Greek salad, bread, and fruit served directly on the boat. It’s generally well-received but simple.

How long is the travel time from the starting point?
Travel time varies depending on your pickup location but expect some bus rides of 1.5 hours or more, especially if starting from further away like Heraklion.

Can I customize or skip parts of the itinerary?
This is a guided tour with a set schedule, so modifications are unlikely. It’s designed to give a full experience in one day.

Is there free time at each stop?
Yes, but the time is limited—about an hour in Agios Nikolaos and about 1.5 hours at Spinalonga. Be mindful of the schedule if you want to explore more.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?
The menu features pork and Greek salad; vegetarians might find it limited, so consider bringing some snacks if needed.

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option. Otherwise, you’ll need to meet at the designated starting point.

If you’re looking for a day packed with sights, stories, and a bit of relaxation, this tour could be a good fit. Just keep in mind the timing and pace, and you’ll walk away with a memorable slice of Crete.

You can check availability for your dates here: