Spinalonga Island cruise from Elounda: Leper colony & swim

A Venetian fortress on an island that was once a leper colony, now abandoned and open to walk through.

A seven-hour day trip from Elounda takes you by boat across the Gulf of Mirabello to Spinalonga Island, a former leper colony with preserved houses, churches and a Venetian fortress. You explore the abandoned village with a guide, swim in the bay, then return to Elounda for an afternoon visit to the harbor town of Agios Nikolaos. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Elounda to Spinalonga Island Cruise

• Drive to Elounda village
• Board boat at Elounda harbor
• Cruise to Spinalonga Island
• Explore Venetian fortress and village
• Swim in crystal blue water
• Enjoy lunch with chicken and potatoes
• Return to Elounda by boat
• Drive to Agios Nikolaos town
• Visit Agios Nikolaos harbor and lake

The experience

The day starts with a drive to Elounda, where you board a boat for the crossing to Spinalonga Island. The island sits in the middle of the Gulf of Mirabello and was once a leper colony. What remains is a Venetian fortress that surrounded the village, along with houses and churches in varying states of preservation. A professional guide leads you through the site, explaining the history of the occupation and the island's past. The Venetian influence is visible in the architecture and the fortress walls that still stand.

After exploring, you swim in the clear water of the bay before returning to Elounda. Lunch with chicken and potatoes is included on the German-language option. Other departures do not include a meal. Once back at the harbor, the group is driven to Agios Nikolaos, a small harbor town on the Cretan Riviera known for its quaint waterfront and a lake locals call bottomless. You have time to walk around before the return journey to your hotel.

What’s included

• Cruise to and from Spinalonga Island.
• professional guide in English.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels.

Options for this experience

6 options

From Ag. Nikolaos to Elounda, GermanGuide in English · Available from 20 May 2027Includes pickup

From Ag. Nikolaos, EnglishAvailable from 2 May 2027Includes pickup

From Elounda ENGuide in English · Available from 2 May 2027Includes pickup

See 3 more options

From Kokkini to Sissi, EnglishAvailable from 2 May 2027Spinalonga English guiding from the Heraklion area, excluding entrance fees to Spinalonga; pickup is included

From Karteros to Milatos, GermanGuide in English · Available from 20 May 2027Includes pickup

From Amoudara to Fodele, GermanGuide in English · Available from 20 May 2027Spinalonga German guiding from the Heraklion area; includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Lasts 7h, from € 40 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 2 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cretan Holidays

Is this one for you?The boat crossing and guided walk through the fortress suit anyone interested in Venetian history and archaeology, and the swim in the bay gives you time in the water without needing to arrange separate beach time. If you are based in Elounda, note that the tour ends in Agios Nikolaos, so you will need to return on your own unless your hotel is in that town.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What is Spinalonga Island and why was it significant?

Spinalonga Island was a leper colony and is now an abandoned village surrounded by a Venetian fortress. The preserved houses and churches show the influence of Venetian occupation, and the site is open to visitors who want to walk through and learn its history.

Do I swim during the tour, and where?

Yes, you swim in the bay near Spinalonga Island in the clear water of the Gulf of Mirabello after exploring the fortress and village.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch with chicken and potatoes is included only on the German-language departures. Other language options do not include a meal.

What happens in Agios Nikolaos, and how much time do I spend there?

After returning from Spinalonga, you are driven to Agios Nikolaos, a harbor town on the Cretan Riviera. You have time to walk around the quaint waterfront and see the lake before returning to your hotel, though the exact duration in town is not fixed.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels. If you are staying in Elounda, you will need to arrange your own return from Agios Nikolaos at the end of the day.