Spinalonga, Elounda, Plaka and Agios Nikolaos
Description
Our journey begins with a short cruise to Spinalonga Island from the small port of Elounda or Plaka. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning views of eastern Crete’s landscapes before reaching this historic island. After exploring Spinalonga, we can visit Elounda or enjoy a delicious lunch in Plaka, a charming seaside village known for its fresh fish restaurants. Elounda, once a traditional fishing village, is now considered the most prestigious area in Crete, famous for its luxury hotels, boutique shops, and picturesque waterfront restaurants. To complete our experience, we will visit Agios Nikolaos, the capital of the Lassithi region. This small yet picturesque town is home to Lake Voulismeni, a natural lagoon wrapped in myths and legends. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely walk and take in the charming atmosphere. Throughout the journey, we can adjust the tour to your preferences, visiting an Olive Farm, Amazonas Park for kids, or any other place we decide together!
Tour Options
Itinerary
The fortress of Spinalonga was built in 1579 by Venetians to protect the Gulf of Elounda from Ottomans and was considered one the strongest Venetian Defensive Structures in the Mediterranean. In 1715 finally the Ottomans conquered it becoming a small town for many Muslim families. In 1903 all the population of the island was evacuated because the Greek turned it to an isolated leper colony serving as a refuge for people suffering from Hansen’s disease up to 1957. Today, the island remains a powerful historical site, drawing thousands of visitors as a reminder of human resilience and isolation.
Elounda is a beautiful seaside town on the northeastern coast of Crete, known for its clear blue waters, traditional charm, and luxury hotels. Despite being a traditional fishing village, it is also a popular destination, attracting visitors who seek both authenticity and comfort. Even with its high-class hotels, Elounda still keeps its authentic Cretan character, with a small harbor, friendly locals, and cozy tavernas by the sea.
Agios Nikolaos is the capital of the Lassithi region in eastern Crete, known for its relaxed atmosphere, scenic waterfront, and the famous Lake Voulismeni. The lake, surrounded by cafes and legends, adds a unique character to the town, making it a perfect place for a peaceful walk. Agios Nikolaos combines traditional Cretan charm with a chilled vibe, offering visitors a mix of local culture, seaside beauty, and cozy shops and restaurants. It is an ideal spot for those who want to experience Crete at a slower, more enjoyable pace.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick up Areas : Bali, Fodele, Agia Pelagia, Lygaria, Ammoudara, Heraklion, Karteros, Kokkini Chani, Gournes, Gouves, Analipsi, Anissaras, Hersonissos, Piskopiano, Koutouloufari, Stalis, Malia, Sisi, Milatos. If you reside outside the pickup areas and are interested in the tour, please send us a request—we may still be able to serve you, with or without an additional cost! This tour is operated exclusively on a private basis, meaning the vehicle and driver are only at the disposal of your group. Tour duration starts counting from the moment you are picked up from your accommodation or meeting point and ends when you are dropped off. The tour is priced for 5 - 7 hours, with the option to extend at €55 per additional hour.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(1)
We booked the private Spinalonga, Elounda, etc., tour with round-trip transportation. George was friendly and helpful from the start, enthusiastically customizing the tour to our needs with great suggestions. Such a warm and hospitable host! We upgraded to include a professional tour guide on Spinalonga who joined us for the whole day, but George clearly also is a wonderful, knowledgeable host on his own. The tour guide he contracted for us— Vangelis—was also truly special. Professional, intuitive, and, no doubt, one of the best in Crete. In addition to his expertise, his amazing connections (he seemed to know every local … those he did not were turned into friends very quickly) got us some special added perks (bonus access and views) and VIP treatment. Both guides—individually and as a team— were exceptional. It’s hard to know what you’re booking from across the continents. Rest assured that not only did Route C come through with all the basic expectations—clean, safe, comfortable vehicle; timeliness; responsiveness (at a competitive rate)— but they also happen to be great at what they do. They clearly take pride in their tours and their country. We are so glad we found George and, in turn, Vangelis. We had a perfect day. Highly recommend.
