Crete: Agios Nikolaos, Plaka and Spinalonga Island Tour

Crete’s stunning landscapes and rich history come alive on this captivating tour. Travelers embark on a journey that showcases the island’s olive oil heritage, charming towns, and the captivating Spinalonga Island – a former leper colony. With convenient pickups and flexible booking, this 10-12 hour adventure promises an immersive cultural experience. What secrets and stories will unfold as you explore this enchanting corner of Greece?

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Key Points

This 10-12 hour tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Crete’s picturesque towns of Agios Nikolaos and Plaka, as well as the historic Spinalonga Island.
Highlights include learning about olive oil production, swimming in the Voulismeni Lake, and a guided tour of the Spinalonga Island, a former leper colony.
Pickup from 93 locations across Crete’s major coastal towns and cities is provided, with transportation via air-conditioned bus and boat tickets to Spinalonga Island included.
The tour is priced at $36.04 per person, with flexible booking options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Customer reviews indicate an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5, with positive feedback on the organization, information provided, and value for money.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The "Crete: Agios Nikolaos, Plaka and Spinalonga Island Tour" is priced from $36.04 per person and lasts 10 to 12 hours.

This tour of Crete’s Agios Nikolaos, Plaka, and Spinalonga Island is priced from $36.04 per person and lasts 10 to 12 hours.

Visitors can enjoy a flexible booking by reserving their spot without immediate payment. The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Highlights include visits to the Olive Oil Park, the town of Agios Nikolaos, Plaka, and the historical Spinalonga Island.

Transportation is provided via air-conditioned bus, with pickup from multiple locations across Crete.

Looking for more options in Crete? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

This tour offers several captivating highlights throughout its itinerary.

Visitors will start at the Olive Oil Park, where they’ll learn about the production of olive oil and sample Cretan specialties like olives and honey.

Next, they’ll explore the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, taking in the sights around Voulismeni Lake.

The tour then heads to Plaka, where guests can enjoy free time for lunch and swimming before visiting the historical island of Spinalonga.

Here, a guided tour provides insights into its past as a leper colony and Venetian fortress, offering a fascinating glimpse into Crete’s rich history.

Transportation and Pickup Details

Pickup from 93 locations across Crete’s major coastal towns and cities is available for this tour. This includes hotels and main roads in Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Karteros, Heraklion, and Ammoudara.

Transportation is provided via an air-conditioned bus. Boat tickets to Spinalonga Island are €10 for adults and €5 for children aged 4 to 12. Admission to Spinalonga Island is included in the tour price.

Travel times may be impacted by the island’s lack of highways, and coaches adhere to regulation speeds, potentially facing delays due to traffic.

Customer Experience and Reviews

Customers have rated this tour highly, with an overall score of 4.4 out of 5 based on 384 reviews. The guide received a 4.7 rating, while the transportation and value for money were scored 4.3 and 4.5, respectively. Some customers requested more time at the olive oil factory and Spinalonga Island, but overall, they provided positive feedback on the organization and information provided.

| Metric | Rating |

| — | — |

| Overall | 4.4/5 |

| Guide | 4.7/5 |

| Transportation | 4.3/5 |

| Value for Money | 4.5/5 |

Customers appreciate the comprehensive tour, which offers a glimpse into Crete’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

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Important Information and Recommendations

Visitors are advised to bring cash, their passport or ID, swimwear, and a towel for the tour.

Accessibility is limited, as the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Travelers should also be aware that the lack of highways on Crete may impact travel time. Coaches adhere to regulation speeds and may face delays due to traffic.

There's plenty more to explore in Crete

Exploring Olive Oil Park

The tour begins with a visit to the Olive Oil Park, where guests can witness the production of Crete’s renowned olive oil.

Visitors learn about the island’s rich olive-growing heritage and the traditional methods used to extract the pure, golden liquid. They’ll observe the entire process, from harvesting the olives to milling and bottling the oil.

Visitors learn about Crete’s olive-growing heritage and observe the process from harvesting to bottling the pure, golden olive oil.

Afterward, guests can indulge in tastings of Cretan olive oil, as well as other local specialties like olives and honey.

This stop provides a glimpse into the heart of Crete’s agricultural and culinary traditions.

Discovering Agios Nikolaos

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Crete’s northeastern coast, Agios Nikolaos captivates visitors with its charming ambiance and serene lakeside setting. Explore the town’s quaint streets, indulge in local cuisine, and wander the promenade overlooking the tranquil Voulismeni Lake. Discover the town’s rich history and culture by visiting its Archaeological Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of Minoan artifacts. Relax in the lakeside cafes or browse the boutiques and shops, soaking in the laidback Mediterranean atmosphere. Agios Nikolaos offers a delightful respite, blending natural beauty with the charms of a traditional Greek town.

| Feature | Description |

|———|————-|

| Location | Northeastern coast of Crete |

| Highlights | Voulismeni Lake, Archaeological Museum, cafes, boutiques |

| Activities | Exploring town, dining, shopping, relaxing |

| History | Rich cultural heritage |

Visiting Plaka and Spinalonga Island

From Agios Nikolaos, the tour heads to the charming fishing village of Plaka, a picturesque gateway to the legendary island of Spinalonga.

In Plaka, travelers enjoy free time to explore the town, sample local cuisine, and even take a refreshing swim.

The highlight, however, is the guided tour of Spinalonga Island. Once a Venetian fortress and a leper colony, Spinalonga’s rich history unfolds as visitors explore its ruins and learn about its fascinating past.

The 10-euro boat ticket provides access to this captivating destination, where travelers gain a deeper understanding of Crete’s unique cultural heritage.

Things To Know

Is the Tour Suitable for Solo Travelers?

The tour appears suitable for solo travelers. It offers free cancellation, flexible booking, and guided experiences that can be enjoyed independently. However, the lack of accessibility for those with mobility impairments may be a consideration for some solo travelers.

What Languages Are the Guided Tours Available In?

The guided tours are available in multiple languages, including English. Travellers can participate in the tour with commentary provided in their preferred language, ensuring they fully understand and engage with the historical and cultural information during the excursion.

Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention accommodating dietary restrictions. However, it’s best to inquire with the tour provider about any special dietary needs, as they may be able to assist or provide alternative arrangements.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?

While the tour doesn’t offer a customized itinerary, travelers can request extra time at specific sites by contacting the tour operator. Requests will be considered based on availability and logistical feasibility.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Travelers With Disabilities?

The tour is not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments. The itinerary includes activities that may be physically challenging, such as visiting the Spinalonga Island which has uneven terrain. Accessibility options are limited on this excursion.

Sum Up

This captivating tour offers a rich exploration of Crete’s cultural heritage. Travelers can experience the enchanting town of Agios Nikolaos, indulge in the charming seaside town of Plaka, and explore the history of Spinalonga Island, a former leper colony. With convenient pickups, a flexible booking policy, and an informative guide, this tour provides a well-rounded and rewarding experience for those seeking to uncover the beauty and history of Crete.