Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches in Heraklion, Greece
Heraklion, Greece

Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches

Outty Ranking 47 5.0 · 3 traveler reviews7 hoursFrom $322
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Outty Ranking

47/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches worth booking?

Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches is a 7-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $322 per person. It scores 47 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
47 / 100
Rating
5/5 (3)
Duration
7 hours
From
$322 per person

Book an amazing tour in the East of Crete to visit Agios Nikolaos, a small town with a picturesque harbor, home to one of the two sweetwater lakes of Crete. We will then explore the oldest and most picturesque village in Crete, called 'Kritsa,' built amphitheatrically on a rock hill named Kastellos. Situated at an altitude of 375 m, Kritsa is surrounded by olive groves. Our visit will include 'Panagia Kera' to see the most important wall painting decorations in Greece. Next, we'll explore 'Elounda,' a small fishing town on the northern coast of the island of Crete. Our final destination is the island of 'Spinaloga,' a Venetian fortress built in 1579 and later used as a Leper Colony

What you get

    About this experience

    Book an amazing tour in the East of Crete to visit Agios Nikolaos, a small town with a picturesque harbor, home to one of the two sweetwater lakes of Crete. We will then explore the oldest and most picturesque village in Crete, called 'Kritsa,' built amphitheatrically on a rock hill named Kastellos. Situated at an altitude of 375 m, Kritsa is surrounded by olive groves. Our visit will include 'Panagia Kera' to see the most important wall painting decorations in Greece. Next, we'll explore 'Elounda,' a small fishing town on the northern coast of the island of Crete. Our final destination is the island of 'Spinaloga,' a Venetian fortress built in 1579 and later used as a Leper Colony

    What's included

    Included

    • Round boat tickets to Spinaloga
    • Bottle of water / per person
    • Private transportation with English speaking driver
    • Pick up & drop off from your cruise ship or hotel

    Not included

    • Gratuities (optional)

    What you'll see and do

    1. Agios Nikolaos

      Begin your day in the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, one of the most picturesque towns in East Crete. Famous for its harbor lined with colorful cafes and boutiques, the town sits beside Voulismeni Lake, one of only two sweetwater lakes on the island, steeped in local legends. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and admire the blend of traditional Cretan architecture and modern charm. This is the perfect introduction to the beauty and culture of Crete.

      30 minutes here

    2. Kritsa

      Next, travel to Kritsa, considered one of the oldest and most picturesque villages in Crete. Built amphitheatrically on the rock hill of Kastellos at 375 meters above sea level, Kritsa is surrounded by olive groves and stunning landscapes. Wander through its narrow cobblestone streets, admire the traditional stone houses with tiled roofs, and visit local shops selling handmade textiles, ceramics, and artisan crafts. The village offers a unique glimpse into authentic Cretan life and breathtaking views of the valley below.

      30 minutes here

    3. Elounda

      Continue to Elounda, a serene fishing town on Crete’s northern coast. With its crystal-clear waters, charming harbor, and traditional tavernas, Elounda is ideal for taking in the Mediterranean atmosphere. This quaint town is rich in history and local culture, offering a peaceful stop to relax, take photos, and enjoy the coastal scenery before heading to your next destination.

      30 minutes here

    4. Spinalonga (Kalydon)

      From Elounda, embark on a short boat ride to Spinalonga Island, an island steeped in history. Originally a Venetian fortress built in 1579, Spinalonga later became a leper colony, leaving an indelible mark on Crete’s history. Explore the well-preserved fortifications, narrow streets, and historic buildings, and learn about the stories of the people who lived there.

      120 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Options you can book

    • Tour with driver

      Tour with driver : With this option you will have an experienced English speaking driver that may provide you with general information Pickup included

    • Tour with Local Guide

      Tour with Licensed Tour Guide: Get the most out of your tour with an official tour guide. The guide will be able to provide in depth information Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Private Tours Greece

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • One day prior to your tour, we will send you the driver's details.

    Photos

    Crete, Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches in HeraklionCrete, Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches in HeraklionCrete, Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches in HeraklionMalia, Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches in HeraklionSpinaloga, Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches in HeraklionSpinaloga, Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches in Heraklion

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    2 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    3 verified traveler reviews for Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    3
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    3 star
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    1 star
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    Cathy_S · June 2024

    Spinalonga lived up to its history

    Mrs Maria was very accommodating in providing extra details on Spinalonga and its history; she knew how to get the most out of our time and was very pleasant. Very enjoyable day.

    via Viator

    eutopiap · June 2023

    Antonis was great. He made our excursion truly enjoyable.

    Antonis is an exceptional driver who possesses a remarkable set of skills behind the wheel. With his extensive experience and expertise, he ensures a smooth and comfortable journey for his passengers. Whether it's navigating through busy city streets or tackling challenging terrains, Antonis remains composed and in control, instilling confidence in his passengers. One of the standout aspects of Antonis' service is the outstanding quality of his vehicles. He takes great pride in maintaining his fleet to the highest standards, ensuring that they are in impeccable condition. Cleanliness, safety, and reliability are his top priorities when it comes to his vehicles. Each vehicle is meticulously inspected and regularly serviced to guarantee a trouble-free excursion for his passengers. During our excursion, Antonis went above and beyond to provide us with a memorable experience. His professionalism and attention to detail were evident as he carefully planned the route, taking into account the preferences and interests of his passengers. He may have shared interesting facts and stories about the places we visited, making our journey not just a means of transportation but also an enriching experience. With Antonis at the helm, we were able to relax and enjoy the excursion to the fullest. His courteous and friendly demeanor created a welcoming atmosphere, making us feel at ease throughout the journey. He prioritized our comfort and safety, ensuring a smooth ride while adhering to all traffic rules and regulations. The combination of Antonis' exceptional driving skills, well-maintained vehicles, and his dedication to providing a top-notch service made our excursion truly enjoyable.

    Response from the operator: Hello, Thank you for your wonderful feedback about Antonis and your recent excursion. We are thrilled to hear that Antonis exceeded your expectations and provided you with a memorable experience. We take great pride in our team of skilled and experienced drivers like Antonis. We believe that their expertise behind the wheel and their commitment to passenger comfort and safety are what set us apart. We are glad to hear that Antonis's exceptional driving skills and professionalism made your journey smooth and enjoyable. Maintaining a high standard for our vehicles is of utmost importance to us, and we are glad to know that you found them to be outstanding in quality. We strive to ensure that our fleet is in impeccable condition, clean, safe, and reliable for the comfort and satisfaction of our passengers. Antonis's attention to detail and personalized approach in planning the route based on your preferences and interests is something we take pride in. We believe that providing a memorable and enriching experience goes beyond just transportation, and we are pleased to hear that Antonis shared interesting facts and stories about the places you visited. Lastly, we are delighted to know that Antonis's courteous and friendly demeanor made you feel at ease throughout the journey. Your comfort and safety are always our top priorities, and we are glad to hear that he adhered to all traffic rules and regulations while providing a welcoming atmosphere. Thank you once again for your kind words and for choosing our services. We look forward to serving you again in the future and providing you with more exceptional experiences. Best regards,

    via Tripadvisor

    Harry P · June 2022

    Great Tour and Driver

    We had a great day out with our professional and courteous driver Giannis (John). He picked us up from the cruise port on time, spoke very good English and took us to Agios Nikolaos, Spinalonga, Elounda and Heraklion. He was very patient and extremely flexible in the itinerary as we were supposed to go to Knossos but it was just too busy when we got there. He returned us to the ship on time. All 4 of enjoyed the trip and would recommend to everyone.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    7 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Price range
    $322 to $1,000
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Private Tours Greece, who run 49 experiences we rank across 7 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.5.

    See everything Private Tours Greece runs

    Why this scores 47

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)75
    Review evidence (18% weight)23
    Booking momentum (14% weight)14
    Value for money (12% weight)46
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)57
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.

    How much does Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches cost?

    +

    Prices start at $322 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 Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches 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 Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 47 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches 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 Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches?

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    Around 1 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 Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches 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?

    +

    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?

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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 Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches?

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    Included: Round boat tickets to Spinaloga; Bottle of water / per person; Private transportation with English speaking driver; and Pick up & drop off from your cruise ship or hotel. Not included: Gratuities (optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 49 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. 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 Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches?

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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 Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Heraklion. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    What do travelers say about Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches?

    +

    Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches?

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    There are 2 options to choose from, including Tour with driver, Tour with Local Guide. 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 Tour at East Crete, Spinalonga, Traditional Villages, Churches.

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