Crete: Spinalonga, Elounda, & Agios Nikolaos Boat Tour & BBQ

Explore the stunning beauty of Crete’s eastern highlights with the "Spinalonga, Elounda, & Agios Nikolaos Boat Tour & BBQ." This immersive adventure promises an unforgettable experience, from a scenic boat cruise to Kolokytha Beach to a guided tour of the historic Spinalonga Island. Indulge in a delicious BBQ lunch and enjoy free time in the charming town of Agios Nikolaos. With expert guides and comfortable transportation, this tour offers a unique way to discover Crete’s hidden gems. What awaits you on this captivating journey?

Contents show

Key Points

An immersive full-day tour exploring the highlights of Crete’s eastern region, including Spinalonga Island, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos.
Priced at Kč 802 per person, with hotel pickup, guided tour, boat cruise, BBQ lunch, and free time in Agios Nikolaos.
9-11 hour tour with convenient transportation, expert guides, and liability insurance for a seamless and comfortable experience.
Allows visitors to swim at Kolokytha Beach, explore the historic Spinalonga Island, and enjoy scenic views of the region.
Overall positive customer reviews highlighting the tour’s value, high-quality guides, and transportation, despite some concerns regarding long bus journeys.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Crete: Spinalonga, Elounda, & Agios Nikolaos Boat Tour & BBQ offers an immersive experience, with a range of activities and sights to explore.

Priced from Kč 802 per person, the 9-11 hour tour includes hotel pickup, a guided visit to the island of Spinalonga, a boat cruise to Kolokytha Beach for swimming and a BBQ lunch, and free time in the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos.

Travelers can enjoy convenient transportation, expert guides, and liability insurance.

With flexible cancellation policies and the option to book now and pay later, this tour provides an excellent way to discover the highlights of eastern Crete.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Crete

Itinerary and Activities

Spanning 9 to 11 hours, the tour commences with hotel pickups from over 25 locations across eastern Crete, including popular resort towns like Heraklion, Stalis, Malia, Hersonissos, and Agios Nikolaos.

Guests will then board an air-conditioned bus for a 1.5-hour journey to the coastal town of Elounda. From there, they’ll embark on a 40-minute boat cruise to Kolokytha Beach, where they can swim and enjoy a BBQ lunch with options like chicken, pork, and vegetarian.

The tour then visits the historic Spinalonga Island, with a guided tour and free time to explore.

Discover the scenic Elounda region and the captivating Spinalonga Island.
Indulge in a delectable BBQ lunch on the idyllic Kolokytha Beach.
Enjoy a mix of transportation, boat cruises, guided tours, and free time.

Transportation and Pickup Information

Guests can expect convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from over 25 locations across eastern Crete, including popular resort towns like Heraklion, Stalis, Malia, Hersonissos, and Agios Nikolaos.

Guests can enjoy convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from over 25 locations across eastern Crete, including popular resort towns.

The tour operator will provide detailed pickup information the day before the tour.

During the day, guests will travel by air-conditioned bus, with a 1.5-hour journey to Elounda and a 30-minute transfer to Agios Nikolaos.

The bus transportation is included in the tour price, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience throughout the excursion.

Pricing Details and Inclusions

The boat ticket and BBQ portion of the tour costs €15 for adults and €7.50 for children aged 4-11 years.

Admission to Spinalonga Island is €8 for adults, €4 for students/seniors, and free for those under 18.

The tour includes:

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Guided tour of Spinalonga (available in English, French, German, and Polish on specific days)
Liability insurance

Customers can expect a well-organized and informative experience, with comfortable transportation and a delicious BBQ lunch, all at a reasonable price.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have shared their experiences and insights on this boat tour and BBQ in Crete. Based on 264 reviews, the tour earns an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5.

Customers highlight the high-quality guides and transportation, with ratings of 4.5 and 4.2 respectively. Many praise the food quality, interesting route, and overall value for money.

However, some note the long bus journeys and time constraints at Spinalonga. Despite these minor drawbacks, the tour seems to provide a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to explore the highlights of Crete’s eastern region.

Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in Crete

Exploring Elounda and Spinalonga Island

Although the tour encompasses several highlights, the visits to Elounda and the historic Spinalonga Island are undoubtedly the tour’s main draws.

Elounda is a picturesque coastal town known for its striking views of the Mirabello Gulf and the distant Spinalonga Island. Visitors can explore the charming waterfront, browse local shops, and indulge in the region’s renowned seafood.

Elounda’s picturesque coastal town offers striking views, a charming waterfront, local shops, and renowned seafood.

The tour then takes guests to Spinalonga, a former leper colony that has become a symbol of resilience and human endurance. Visitors can wander the island’s narrow streets, learn about its poignant history, and soak in the stunning Mediterranean vistas.

Elounda’s stunning coastal vistas and charming waterfront
Spinalonga’s rich history as a former leper colony
Opportunities to immerse in the local culture and cuisine

Relaxing on Kolokythas Sandy Shores

After exploring the historic Spinalonga Island, the tour takes guests to the pristine Kolokythas Beach for a well-deserved break.

Situated on a secluded peninsula, the sandy shores provide the perfect setting to relax and unwind. Guests can soak up the sun, take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, or simply stroll along the coastline.

The tour includes a delicious BBQ lunch, offering a variety of options like chicken, pork, and vegetarian dishes.

With ample free time, visitors can savor the tranquil atmosphere and capture stunning photos of the picturesque beach and surrounding scenery.

Enjoying the BBQ Lunch

Following the boat cruise and tour of Spinalonga, guests will enjoy a delectable BBQ lunch right on the shores of Kolokythas Beach.

The BBQ menu offers a variety of options, including:

Succulent chicken and pork dishes
Vegetarian-friendly options
Freshly grilled seafood specialties

As they savor the flavors of authentic Cretan cuisine, guests can take in the stunning views of the sparkling Aegean Sea and the picturesque coastline.

This al fresco dining experience provides the perfect opportunity to recharge and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere before continuing on to Agios Nikolaos.

Things To Know

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour seems suitable for families with young children. It includes a boat cruise, beach time, and a BBQ lunch, which should appeal to both adults and kids. The free cancellation policy also provides flexibility.

Are Alcoholic Beverages Included in the BBQ Lunch?

The BBQ lunch on this tour does not include any alcoholic beverages. Guests can purchase their own alcoholic drinks separately if desired. The tour focuses on providing a delicious BBQ meal with options for different dietary needs.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour operator can accommodate dietary restrictions for the BBQ lunch. Vegetarian options are available, and guests should inform the operator of any other dietary needs when booking. The tour aims to cater to all participants’ preferences.

How Much Free Time Is Allowed at Spinalonga Island?

The tour provides 1.5 hours of free time at Spinalonga Island, allowing visitors to explore the historic site and its attractions at their own pace. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated, so guests can enjoy the included BBQ lunch without worry.

Is There an Option to Extend the Time in Agios Nikolaos?

The tour allows 1 hour of free time in Agios Nikolaos, but there’s no option to extend this. Travelers who’d like more time can explore the town on their own before or after the scheduled tour.

Sum Up

This immersive Crete tour offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and local cuisine. Guests will explore the iconic Spinalonga Island, relax on the idyllic Kolokythas Beach, and savor a delicious BBQ lunch, all while enjoying expert guidance and comfortable transportation. It’s an unforgettable way to discover the eastern highlights of this stunning Greek island.