Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island in Heraklion, Greece
Heraklion, Greece

Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island

Outty Ranking 79 4.4 · 461 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $48
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Outty Ranking

79/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.4/5

Based on 461 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 $48 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 461 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 (461)
Duration
8 hours
From
$48 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 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 you get

    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

    1. 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

    2. 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

    3. 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 Analipsi, Gouves, Gournes

      Duration: 9 hours Pickup included

    • From Heraklion, Ammoudara

      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 30 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

    Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island in Heraklion, photo 2Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island in Heraklion, photo 3The Venetian Fortress, Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island in HeraklionDay Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island in Heraklion, photo 5Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island in Heraklion, photo 6Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island in Heraklion, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 461 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Value for money

    4 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Traveler reviews

    461 verified traveler reviews for Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    278
    4 star
    125
    3 star
    34
    2 star
    16
    1 star
    8
    Sort
    C293JZcharlesw · October 2026

    A good day out

    Had a really nice day, good easy going trip. Thanks

    via Tripadvisor

    Vincent_E · October 2026

    Long day due to numerous...

    Long day due to numerous passenger pickup stops. Sufficient time was provided at the two major stops. Cost was very reasonable for the service provided.

    via Viator

    L7321ZDjulies · October 2026

    A great day out !

    A good day out, seeing Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and spinalonga island The pick up was slightly delayed but I did receive a text to inform Me. It was a very busy coach but all worked ok and the guides were very helpful.

    via Tripadvisor

    Joanne_H · October 2026

    Spinalonga trip

    Going to the top of Spinalonga Island is not for the faint hearted. Steep, slippery and loose ground. Which is very time consuming. Sturdy shoes are a must. Keep to the left as you enter. Going through the old market place.

    via Viator

    nickhJ6173FY · October 2026

    Give the island a miss.

    The boat was exceptional. The views were amazing. Lunch was really good on the boat, surprisingly so given what they had to work with. Agiod Nikolaos was beautiful and well worth the visit there. As for Spinalonga Island, well, nothing beautiful, no great architecture to admire, the only thing of interest was the tour guide telling us about the history of the Leper Colony on the island. Not worth the entry fee.

    via Tripadvisor

    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
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    161
    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 runs

    Why this scores 79

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)58
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)78
    Local standing (8% weight)26
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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?

    +

    Prices start at $48 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 461 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    Around 161 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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, Quad Safari: Off-Road Day Tour with Dinner & Transfers. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island?

    +

    Included: Pickup and Drop off; Guide; and Transport by air-conditioned coach or minivan. Not included: Food & Drinks; and Admission fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 382 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island offered in?

    +

    It is offered in German, English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island?

    +

    Across 461 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, value for money, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    What booking options are available for Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island?

    +

    There are 3 options to choose from, including From Malia,Stalida,Hersonissos, From Analipsi, Gouves, Gournes, From Heraklion, Ammoudara. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island.

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