
Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour worth booking?
Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour is a 7-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $77 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (5)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $77 per person
We will take you by our air-conditioned bus from Makry Gialos, drive through Ierapetra until Elounda, a famous village for its beauty and view. From there we will visit the island of Spinalonga, where you will be offered a walking guided tour and have enough free time to explore the island. This small isle carries within the history of Ancient Greece, as it was used as a Leper Colony until 1957 and there is a great history for you to find out behind this. Back to Elounda where you will have time to explore the beautiful promenade and enjoy your coffee or lunch. Our last stop will be in Agios Nikolaos, to walk around the "bottomless" lake and enjoy the picturesque scenery. There will be enough time for shopping and coffee.
What you get
About this experience
We will take you by our air-conditioned bus from Makry Gialos, drive through Ierapetra until Elounda, a famous village for its beauty and view. From there we will visit the island of Spinalonga, where you will be offered a walking guided tour and have enough free time to explore the island. This small isle carries within the history of Ancient Greece, as it was used as a Leper Colony until 1957 and there is a great history for you to find out behind this. Back to Elounda where you will have time to explore the beautiful promenade and enjoy your coffee or lunch. Our last stop will be in Agios Nikolaos, to walk around the "bottomless" lake and enjoy the picturesque scenery. There will be enough time for shopping and coffee.
What's included
Included
- Experienced tour guide
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Ticket from Elounda to Spinalonga
Not included
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Spinalonga (Kalydon)
Our bus stops in Elounda harbor where we will start our adventure in Spinalonga! The history and the culture of the island of Spinalonga became one with human tragedy in the course of time. This small isle carries within the history of Ancient Greece, as it was used as a Leper Colony until 1957 and there is a great history for you to find out behind this.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Elounda
We will return to Elounda where you will have time for lunch and enjoy a walk around the promenade of Elounda.
90 minutes here
Agios Nikolaos
Our last stop will be in Agios Nikolaos for shopping and time for coffee by the lake in the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos in East Crete. Dropping off to your hotels can take up to 60 minutes (according to your hotel area).
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 50 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
German Guide Included
Pickup included
Polish Guide Included
Pickup included
Czech Guides Included
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- cs, de, en, pl, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Fri
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- South Crete Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
1 mentionSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing tour, many inforamtion!
The tour was amazing, and the guide was very friendly and gave us a lot of interesting information! Totally recommended!!!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! Giannis South Crete Tours SA
via Tripadvisor
Well organized excursion
Interesting history and knowledgeable local tour guide. Well organized pickup from our hotel Mikripoli Atlantica in Makry-gialos. Nice guide who was on the bus. A little bit about free time at Spinalonga.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your review!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
A good mix of history and pleasure!
An overall enjoyable day out. Booking and pick-up were seamless and the bus arrived at our hotel exactly on time. Tour guides were professional and informative; our tour was in English. Spinalonga and it’s history were fascinating; our guide was quite passionate in her recount of the plight of the lepers on the island. Could have spent more time at Elounda and Agios Nikolaus. A bit rushed for a swim and a meal, never mind shopping! Down side: we were not warned that we would have to pay additional entry to Spinalonga. Only a few euros, not expensive, but ticket lines were chaotic. Also no working toilet on the 1 hour plus ride and no opportunity for a toilet stop until we were on the boat.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for yor review! The entrance fee in Spinalonga is mentioned on trip exclusions and you can see it before you book the trip. Thank you again and hope to see you again in one of our trips soon!
via Tripadvisor
Nice tour! Totally recommended!
Nice tour to Elounda and Agios Nikolaos. Must vist towns! Spinalonga was unique with a very interesting history!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback!
via Tripadvisor
Very proffesionals the service and the guide were excellent!
They offer tours in Ease Crete and car rentals. We participated on Spinalonga from Elounda and Agios Nikoalos bus/boat trip. The experience was really good and the guide / tourleader very proffesional!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your kind words!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Fri
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by South Crete Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.7.
See everything South Crete Tours runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour cost?
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Prices start at $77 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 Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour take?
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Plan for about 7 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 Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 5 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 Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour?
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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 Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour?
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Around 2 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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour 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, 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?
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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.
What is included in Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour?
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Included: Experienced tour guide; Hotel pick up and drop off; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Ticket from Elounda to Spinalonga. Not included: Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 25 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. Be ready about 50 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour offered in?
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It is offered in Czech, German, English, Polish 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 Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour?
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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 Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour if the weather is bad?
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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 Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Makrigialos-Ierapetra: Spinalonga, Elounda & Agios Nikolaos Tour?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including German Guide Included, Polish Guide Included, Czech Guides Included. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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