Spinalonga, Kritsa, Olive Factory Tour From Heraklion

The Spinalonga, Kritsa, and Olive Factory Tour from Heraklion promises an unforgettable journey into Crete’s captivating history and culture. Visitors embark on a scenic boat ride to the former leper colony of Spinalonga, where they’ll uncover the island’s poignant past. The tour then ventures to the charming village of Kritsa, renowned for its weaving traditions and ancient architecture, before concluding with a guided exploration of a local olive factory. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into Crete’s enduring heritage and the traditions that have shaped its identity over centuries.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 8-hour tour covering Spinalonga Island, Kritsa village, and a local olive factory, with pickup/drop-off, guide, and lunch box included.
• Explore the ruins of the last leper colony in Europe on Spinalonga Island and learn about the island’s tragic history.
• Visit the picturesque Kritsa village, known for its narrow winding lanes, local crafts, and cultural heritage.
• Tour a local olive oil factory to learn about the traditional olive oil production process and the unique characteristics of regional olive varieties.
• Flexible cancellation policy with full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now/pay later option available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Spinalonga Island, the last leper colony in Europe, as well as the charming village of Kritsa and a visit to a local olive factory.

The starting price is $27.31 per person, and the tour lasts 8 hours. Highlights include a boat trip to Spinalonga, exploring its ruins, and visiting Kritsa’s narrow lanes and local crafts.

This 8-hour tour offers a boat trip to Spinalonga, exploring its ruins, and visiting the charming village of Kritsa, all for $27.31 per person.

The tour includes pick-up/drop-off, an English-speaking guide, an air-conditioned bus, a lunch box, and entrance fees.

Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now/pay later option is available.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour offers a boat trip to Spinalonga Island, the last leper colony in Europe. Visitors can explore the ruins, including the market street, hospital, and leper homes. The tour also includes a visit to Kritsa village, known for its narrow winding lanes and local crafts.

| Nearby Attractions | Tour Highlights |

| — | — |

| Ruins of Dorian city of Lato | Explore Spinalonga Island |

| Katharo plateau | Visit Kritsa village |

| Dikti mountains | See local weaving and embroidery |

Cultural and Historical Significance of Spinalonga

Spinalonga, a small island off the coast of Crete, holds immense cultural and historical significance.

Fortified by the Venetians in 1579, the island later served as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957, the last such facility in Europe.

Fortified by the Venetians in 1579, the island later served as Europe’s last leper colony from 1903 to 1957.

Visitors can explore the ruins, including the market street, hospital, and the former homes of those afflicted by the disease.

Spinalonga’s tragic history provides a poignant reminder of the stigma and isolation faced by lepers in the past.

Its cultural legacy is interwoven with the island’s role as a place of exile and suffering, as well as resilience and perseverance.

Cultural and Historical Significance of Kritsa

Kritsa, a steep hillside village nestled in Crete, boasts a rich cultural and historical legacy that can be traced back to ancient times.

Visitors can explore the village’s narrow, winding lanes and discover:

• Remnants of ancient Dorian architecture and ruins

• Renowned local weaving and embroidery traditions

• A church dating back to the 13th century

• Charming cafes and shops selling traditional Cretan crafts

• Breathtaking views of the surrounding Dikti mountains

This picturesque village serves as a captivating glimpse into Crete’s storied past, offering a unique and immersive cultural experience for those exploring the island.

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Tour Inclusions

As part of the comprehensive Spinalonga, Kritsa, Olive Factory Tour, travelers can expect a range of inclusions to enhance their experience.

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off from the hotel or a nearby location, as well as an English-speaking live guide to provide insights throughout the day.

Guests will travel in an air-conditioned bus and receive a lunch box with a croissant, toast, juice, and water.

The entrance fee for Spinalonga Island and the boat ticket are both covered, allowing seamless access to this historical site.

With these inclusions, travelers can focus on seeing the tour’s highlights.

Important Information

One day before the tour, travelers will receive a voucher with the pick-up details via email. This voucher will provide all the necessary information to ensure a smooth start to the day’s adventure.

The tour offers several important considerations:

• Availability must be checked for desired start times and group sizes.

• Pickup and drop-off locations can be from the hotel or a nearby spot.

• The tour includes an English-speaking guide to provide cultural and historical insights.

• An air-conditioned bus ensures comfortable transportation throughout the day.

• A lunch box with a croissant, toast, juice, and water is provided.

Getting to Spinalonga and Kritsa

The tour begins with a scenic boat trip to the island of Spinalonga, once a leper colony and now an open-air museum. The island is only accessible by boat, and the 30-minute journey provides stunning views of the Cretan coastline and the fortified Venetian structures that dot the island.

| Mode of Transportation | Duration | Frequency |

| — | — | — |

| Ferry | 30 minutes | Every 30 minutes |

| Water Taxi | 10 minutes | On request |

Once on the island, visitors can explore the ruins, including the market street, hospital, and former leper homes. After the visit, the tour continues to the picturesque village of Kritsa, known for its narrow winding lanes and local crafts.

Exploring the Olive Factory

After exploring the historic island of Spinalonga and the charming village of Kritsa, the tour now takes visitors to a local olive oil factory.

The group is guided through the facility, learning about the olive oil production process.

Visitors observe:

• The traditional stone mills used to crush olives into a paste

• Large vats where the olive paste is centrifuged to extract the oil

• Rows of gleaming stainless steel tanks for storage and bottling

• Shelves displaying an array of olive oil products, from robust to delicate

• The owner explaining the unique characteristics of the region’s olive varieties

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour itinerary and logistics make it difficult to accommodate furry companions. However, guests are welcome to make alternative arrangements for their pets during the tour.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

There are no discounts mentioned for children or seniors on this tour. The standard price of $27.31 per person applies to all participants, regardless of age. However, it’s best to check with the tour provider for any potential discounts.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized, but the tour operator offers some flexibility. Travelers can choose their pickup location and select start times based on availability. However, the core tour activities and sights are fixed.

What Should I Bring to the Tour?

For this tour, it’s best to bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera to capture the historic sites and scenic landscapes. The tour includes lunch, so you don’t need to bring your own food.

Is Photography Allowed at Spinalonga Island?

Photography is allowed throughout Spinalonga Island, though visitors should be respectful of the site’s solemn history as a former leper colony. Visitors can capture the island’s ruins, landscapes, and other points of interest during the tour.

Sum Up

The Spinalonga, Kritsa, and Olive Factory Tour from Heraklion offers a captivating journey through Crete’s rich history and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore the poignant ruins of Spinalonga, enjoy the traditional weaving of Kritsa, and discover the time-honored methods of olive oil production. This comprehensive tour provides an enriching and memorable experience, allowing travelers to connect with the island’s remarkable heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: