Heraklion:Spinalonga Island & Kritsa Village Half-Day Tour

Exploring the historic island of Spinalonga and the charming village of Kritsa offers an immersive cultural experience for visitors to Heraklion. This half-day tour provides an opportunity to uncover the region’s rich history and vibrant local traditions. From the scenic boat ride to the guided exploration of ancient ruins and artisanal workshops, the tour promises a well-rounded adventure that leaves one eager to discover more about this captivating corner of Crete.

Key Points

• This half-day tour explores Spinalonga Island and Kritsa Village near Heraklion, Greece, with a boat ride, guided tour, and visit to an olive oil factory.
• The tour is 7 hours long, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and no upfront payment required for reservation.
• Pickup and dropoff are available from various locations in Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, and surrounding areas, but not from the Heraklion region.
• The tour includes a boat ride, guided tour of Spinalonga’s ruins, a visit to Kritsa Village for local arts and handicrafts, and a stop at an olive oil factory.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues, back problems, or heart conditions, and certain items are prohibited, such as high-heeled shoes and pets.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Though the tour is titled "Heraklion: Spinalonga Island & Kritsa Village Half-Day Tour," it can be booked for a price starting from $47.06 per person.

Despite the "Heraklion: Spinalonga Island & Kritsa Village Half-Day Tour" name, the excursion can be booked for a starting price of $47.06 per person.

The 7-hour tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and allows customers to reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes a boat ride to Spinalonga Island, exploration of the former leper colony, a visit to Kritsa Village to discover local arts and handicrafts, and a stop at an olive oil factory.

Transportation is provided via air-conditioned bus, with pickup and drop-off available at designated locations.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with a boat ride from Elounda to Spinalonga Island, which takes approximately 15 minutes.

Once on the island, you’ll explore the ruins of the former leper colony, including the market street, hospital, and leper residences.

After exploring Spinalonga, the group will return to Elounda and then travel by bus to the picturesque village of Kritsa.

In Kritsa, you’ll discover the local lacework arts and handicrafts, wander the narrow lanes, and enjoy the scenic views.

The tour also includes a visit to an Olive Oil Factory for a guided tour.

Transportation and Pickup

Pickup is available from 57 designated locations in Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, and surrounding areas. Transport is by luxury air-conditioned bus. Dropoff is at the same or nearby locations after the tour.

| Pickup Locations | Transportation | Dropoff Locations |

| — | — | — |

| Sissi | Luxury Air-Conditioned Bus | Sissi |

| Malia | | Malia |

| Stalis | | Stalis |

| Hersonissos | | Hersonissos |

| Surrounding Areas | | Surrounding Areas |

No pickup is available from the Heraklion region. The provider is not responsible for weather or traffic conditions.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes boat tickets to Spinalonga, a guided tour in English, French, and German, and a lunch box with water, juice, croissant, and toast with cheese and turkey (vegetarian option available).

However, the Spinalonga entry fee of €20 per person isn’t included. The tour also excludes tips, personal expenses, and any items not specified in the program.

Guests should bring the following:

1. Passport/ID

2. Comfortable shoes

3. Sun hat, sunscreen, and camera

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility issues, back problems, or heart conditions.

Smoking, alcohol, and non-folding wheelchairs/strollers aren’t allowed.

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Important Information and Recommendations

Though not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, back problems, or heart issues, the tour offers a range of recommendations to ensure an enjoyable experience.

This tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, back problems, or heart conditions, but offers recommendations for an enjoyable experience.

Visitors should bring their passport/ID, comfortable shoes, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, and cash. High-heeled shoes, pets, smoking, alcohol, and non-folding wheelchairs/strollers aren’t allowed.

The provider isn’t responsible for weather or traffic conditions, so participants should plan accordingly.

With these guidelines in mind, travelers can make the most of their half-day adventure exploring Spinalonga Island and Kritsa Village.

Exploring Spinalonga Island

Boarding the boat, visitors embark on a 15-minute journey across the tranquil waters to Spinalonga Island, the last leper colony in Europe.

Upon arrival, they explore the island’s haunting past. The highlights include:

1. Witnessing the crumbling ruins of the market street, hospital, and leper residences that once thrived here.

2. Discovering the poignant stories of the former residents and the hardships they endured.

3. Marveling at the island’s strategic location and the impressive fortifications that protected it.

Visitors are left with a profound sense of the island’s complex history and the resilience of the human spirit.

Discovering Kritsa Village

After returning from Spinalonga Island, the tour proceeds to the picturesque village of Kritsa, located just a short 35-minute bus ride away.

Kritsa is known for its traditional lacework arts and handicrafts, which visitors can discover as they explore the narrow lanes and scenic views.

The tour also includes a visit to an Olive Oil Factory for a guided tour, providing insights into the local production process.

With free time to wander, travelers can enjoy the charming atmosphere and nearby attractions like the ruins of the Dorian city Lato and the Kritsa Gorge.

Olive Oil Factory Tour

The tour includes a visit to a local Olive Oil Factory, where visitors can embark on a guided tour to gain insights into the region’s olive oil production process.

The factory tour offers a unique opportunity to:

1. Learn about the traditional olive oil pressing techniques used in Crete.

2. Observe the different stages of olive oil extraction, from harvesting to bottling.

3. Taste various olive oil varieties and understand the factors that contribute to their unique flavors.

This immersive experience allows travelers to appreciate the rich heritage and artisanal expertise behind the renowned Cretan olive oil.

Things To Know

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is available in English, French, and German. The guided tour is conducted in these three languages, allowing participants to enjoy the experience in their preferred language.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks During the Tour?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks. The tour includes a provided lunch box with water, juice, croissant, and toast with cheese and turkey. A vegetarian option is available if requested.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for the Tour?

The tour provider does not offer any discounts or special offers. The price is a fixed rate of $47.06 per person. However, they do provide free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour or Add Additional Stops?

The tour operator may allow customers to extend the duration or add additional stops for an extra fee, but this information is not provided in the details given. Customers should inquire directly with the tour operator about customization options and associated costs.

What Is the Local Cuisine and Specialties I Can Try in Kritsa Village?

The local cuisine in Kritsa Village features traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, dolmades, and tzatziki. Visitors can also sample local olive oil, honey, and Kritsa’s famous handmade lacework and other artisanal crafts.

Sum Up

The "Heraklion: Spinalonga Island & Kritsa Village Half-Day Tour" offers an enriching exploration of Crete’s cultural and historical highlights. Visitors can discover the ruins of Spinalonga Island, enjoy the charming Kritsa Village, and gain insights into local olive oil production, all while enjoying convenient transportation and a provided lunch. This comprehensive tour provides an excellent opportunity to experience the best of Crete’s diverse offerings in a single day.

You can check availability for your dates here: