Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 450 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island worth booking?
Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island is a 8-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $21 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 450 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (450)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $21 per person
A day trip that combines relaxation and history gives you the chance to visit the highlights of the Northeast part of Crete, where the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos with the magnificent lake can be found. Elounda, a
What you get
- Pickup and Drop off
- Guide
- Transport by air-conditioned coach or minivan.
About this experience
A day trip that combines relaxation and history gives you the chance to visit the highlights of the Northeast part of Crete, where the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos with the magnificent lake can be found. Elounda, a small village on the shore of Mirabello bay with spectacular views, is where the boat begins the cruise heading to Spinalonga island, a small uninhabited island used during the history as a fortress and later on as a leper colony. On the way back to Elounda Port the boat will anchor so you can dive in the refreshing waters.
What's included
Included
- Pickup and Drop off
- Guide
- Transport by air-conditioned coach or minivan.
Not included
- Food & Drinks
- Admission fees
What you'll see and do
The town of Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lassithi prefecture and stands on the shore of Mirabello bay on the east part of Crete's island. The point of attention is the lake of Voulismeni, found in the town center, surrounded by cafes and restaurants. The lake connects to the sea under a tiny road blue bridge and has a historical and geological significance due to its high depth. In the town, you can find many shops and on Wednesdays even an open-air market bazaar. Take your time for a walk to enjoy the views, enjoy some shopping or have a drink in one of the numerous cafes around the lake.
90 minutes here
Elounda
Elounda is a former fishing village on the northern coast of the island. Nowadays is well known for its luxurious hotels and Villas. The view across the Mirabello bay is spectacular while enjoying swimming in the crystal water. Elounda is a former fishing village on the northern coast of the island. Modern Elounda is very well known for the Five and Six stars luxury Hotels built in the area. A lot of them can be seen on the way to the port, where we embark to our private boat for the coastal cruise to Mirabello Gulf.
90 minutes here
Spinalonga (Kalydon)
Spinalonga, the main attraction of the day, is a small island very close to Elounda and on the east part of the island of Crete. It is a place of historical memory as it accommodated in isolation people suffering from lepra until 1957. Through the centuries it has been inhabited by the Venetians, the Turks before it isolated the lepers. It has always been a tourist attraction, however after 2005 when Victoria Hislop a British writer wrote a historical novel “The Island” about how lepers lived on Spinalonga, hundreds of people come every day to honor a visit and learn the history of the place first hand.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
From Malia,Stalida,Hersonissos
Duration: 10 hours Pickup included
From Heraklion, Ammoudara
Pickup included
From Analipsi, Gouves, Gournes
Duration: 9 hours Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Altino Travel Services
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Bring with you swimsuit and towel
- Food and drinks are not allowed on board the vehicle
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $21 to $42
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 158
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Altino Travel Services, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.1.
See everything Altino Travel Services runsWhy this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island cost?
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Prices start at $21 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Heraklion usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Heraklion is not rushed.
Is Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 450 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island?
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Around 158 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Heraklion can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Heraklion and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Heraklion within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Heraklion?
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On Outty we rank every Heraklion experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory, Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour, 5Hour Safari Tour in Crete(Heraklion)with Quad,Jeep,Buggy & Lunch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Heraklion?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Heraklion?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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