Heraklion: Spinalonga only French Guide lunch in restaurant

Heraklion: Spinalonga, Lunch, and Town Visit – An Authentic Crete Experience

Exploring Crete’s highlights often involves several separate trips, but this guided tour packs in a full day of history, scenic boat rides, and charming towns with a focus on authentic experiences. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed itinerary and reviews suggest it offers a well-rounded taste of Crete’s maritime charm and cultural gems.

What we really like about this experience is its combination of a boat trip across the Mirabello Sea, the opportunity to walk through the fascinating former leper colony of Spinalonga, and the chance to relax over traditional Greek cuisine in Elounda. Plus, the optional free time in Agios Nikolaos offers a perfect blend of sightseeing and leisure. That said, travelers should be aware that this tour is in French only, which might be a consideration for non-French speakers seeking a more multilingual experience. It’s ideal for history buffs, lovers of scenic views, and those wanting a taste of local life in Crete.

Key Points

• Scenic boat trip with comfortable, air-conditioned transportation that makes the long day manageable.
• Expert French-guided walk through Spinalonga, combining storytelling with historical insights.
• Authentic lunch in a local tavern in Elounda, with options for fish, pork, or vegetarian dishes.
• Ample free time in Agios Nikolaos for photos, shopping, and enjoying local treats.
• Comfortable logistics with hotel pick-up and drop-off from multiple locations.
• Value for money considering all included transportation, guided tours, and meal options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Stage: What to Expect

This tour is tailored for travelers who want a comprehensive look at Crete’s history and scenery in a single day. It begins early with pickup from multiple locations around Heraklion, followed by a roughly two-hour drive. The overall pace is relaxed, giving you ample time at each stop without feeling rushed. The boat crossing to Spinalonga takes around 20 minutes—an enjoyable duration that offers fantastic views of the Mirabello Sea.

Once on Spinalonga, you’ll join a guided walk led by a French-speaking guide who shares engaging insights about the island’s past as a leper colony and its Venetian fortress. Reviews highlight the guide’s knowledge and friendly approach, with some mentioning that the tour is very informative, especially for history enthusiasts.

After exploring Spinalonga’s alleys and ramparts, you’ll return to Elounda for a couple of hours, where you can swim in the clear waters, relax in the sunshine, or explore the small fishing port. The included lunch in a local tavern is a highlight—reviewers note that the food is simple, traditional Greek fare, with options for fish, pork, or vegetarian dishes, served with starters. Some reviews mention that drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

The afternoon takes you to Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque town famous for its lake, bustling cafes, and charming streets. Free time here allows for photos, shopping, or sampling local ice creams—many reviewers mention the sheep’s milk ice cream as a must-try.

Finally, the return journey by bus offers a chance to relax after a full day of sightseeing, with the opportunity to reflect on your favorite moments. The balance of historical insights, beautiful vistas, and leisurely stops makes this tour suitable for those who appreciate a mix of culture and relaxation.

The Full Itinerary Breakdown

Pick-up and Transportation:
The tour begins with hotel pick-up from over 30 predefined locations, including resorts and central spots in Heraklion. The transport is in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus, making the long drive more pleasant. The precise pick-up time is communicated the day before, so travelers can plan accordingly.

Travel to Elounda and the Boat Ride:
A scenic two-hour drive takes you to Elounda, a charming fishing village. From there, a 20-minute boat cruise crosses the Mirabello Sea, offering lovely views of the coastline and a sense of anticipation for what’s to come on Spinalonga.

Visit to Spinalonga:
Spinalonga is the star of the day. The island features a Venetian fortress and a former leper colony. The guided tour lasts around 1.5 hours, giving you time to walk the alleys, see the ramparts, and hear stories that bring the island’s past to life. According to reviews, the guided walk is not just informative but also engaging. One reviewer noted, “Our guide made the history really come alive, sharing stories about how the island inspired Victoria Hislop’s book The Island.”

Lunch and Swimming Break:
Back in Elounda, you’ll enjoy a hearty meal in a traditional taverna. Many guests appreciated the authentic Greek flavors, especially the variety of vegetarian options. Afterward, there’s a chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters or relax at the port.

Visit to Agios Nikolaos:
The final stop is the lively town of Agios Nikolaos, known for its beautiful lake and bustling streets. Free time here lets you explore, shop for souvenirs, or sample local ice cream made from sheep’s milk—an experience many reviews recommend for its creaminess and unique flavor.

Return Journey:
The tour ends with a bus ride back to your original pickup points, giving plenty of time to unwind and chat about the day’s highlights.

A Closer Look at the Highlights

Boat Trip Across the Mirabello Sea
This is a highlight for many because it sets the tone for the day—gazing at the coastline from the water is a treat. The boat’s smooth ride and scenic views are appreciated, and it’s a welcome break from walking. Since the boat crossing is around 20 minutes, it’s long enough to enjoy the sea breeze but short enough to keep the momentum going.

Spinalonga’s Venetian Fortress and Leper Colony
Walking through Spinalonga’s alleys, many mention the intense atmosphere and meaningful stories shared by the guide. The fortress walls, ramparts, and ruins create a palpable sense of history. Visitors have noted that the guide’s storytelling skills, combined with the island’s scenery, make this a memorable experience. One review said, “The island’s quiet serenity, combined with its poignant history, really stays with you.”

Lunch in Elounda
The lunch, included in the tour price, is an opportunity to enjoy authentic Greek cuisine without the hassle of searching for a restaurant. Guests particularly liked the variety of choices, the friendly service, and the relaxed atmosphere. Drinks are not included, so bringing some water or local wine is recommended if you want to indulge.

Time in Agios Nikolaos
The town offers picture-perfect views of the lake and waterfront cafes. Reviewers love wandering the streets, buying souvenirs, and sampling local ice cream. The free time here is well-spent, especially for those who enjoy a leisurely exploration.

Practicalities and Tips

• Duration and Pace: The tour lasts about 9-10 hours, so be prepared for a long day. Comfortable shoes are essential because there’s walking involved at each stop.
• What to Bring: Sunscreen, hat, swimwear, towel, sunglasses, and perhaps a small backpack for the day’s essentials.
• Cost and Value: While the entry fee to Spinalonga costs roughly €20, the tour’s overall value is high considering transportation, guided tour, and lunch. Reviewers note that the experience offers a good balance of cost versus what you get—scenic views, historical insights, and authentic food.
• Language: The guide is in French only, so some travelers may find this limiting if they don’t speak the language. The reviews highlight the guide’s engaging approach, which compensates for the language barrier.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for travelers interested in history, scenic boat rides, and authentic Greek cuisine. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate guided tours in French and want a comprehensive day out without the hassle of planning every detail. The pace suits those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and moderate walking.

It’s less ideal for travelers with mobility issues or wheelchair users, as walking is involved at each stop and the terrain can be uneven. Families with children should note that the tour is generally suitable for most ages, but the walking and long day might be tiring for very young kids.

Final Words

This Crete tour offers a rich mix of history, scenic beauty, and local flavor, making it a well-rounded choice for those seeking a full-day adventure. From the boat crossing to the evocative ruins of Spinalonga, the authentic tavern lunch, and the lively town of Agios Nikolaos, it touches on many of Crete’s best features. The guided walk in Spinalonga, led by a knowledgeable French guide, ensures you gain insights that make the experience stand out.

For travelers who want to see a unique piece of Crete’s past, enjoy stunning views, and indulge in genuine Greek food, this tour delivers. Its value lies not just in the sights but in the stories told and the relaxed pace that lets you soak it all in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for non-French speakers?
No, the guided tour in Spinalonga is conducted only in French, so fluency or a translation app might be needed if you don’t speak French.

How long is the boat crossing?
The boat ride from Elounda to Spinalonga takes approximately 20 minutes, providing enough time to enjoy the views and the sea breeze.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned bus, a French-guided walking tour in Spinalonga, and a traditional Greek lunch in a tavern.

Are drinks included at lunch?
No, drinks are not included in the lunch, so consider bringing some water or purchasing drinks separately.

What should I bring for the day?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), swimwear, towel, and sunglasses are recommended for the day.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can enjoy the trip, but keep in mind the full-day pace and walking involved. Infants sit with parents on the bus, without their own seat.

This tour provides a wonderful way to connect with Crete’s layered history and scenic landscapes, all while enjoying authentic local flavors. If you’re comfortable with a French-guided experience and love a good mix of cultural sights and leisure time, it might just become one of your favorite days on the island.

You can check availability for your dates here: