Agios Nikolaos-Elounda-Spinalonga

A Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos & Spinalonga: A Journey Through History and Beauty

Discover one of the most charming and historically rich destinations in Crete with our organized excursion to Agios Nikolaos , Elounda , and Spinalonga .

First Stop: Agios Nikolaos, A Picturesque Seaside Town. Our tour begins early in the morning around 07:00 to this cosmopolitan town where you will have free time to explore the town’s highlights aside from having a coffeebreak by the lake, including:

Lake Voulismeni, almost circular lake with a deep blue color, surrounded by charming cafés and shops. According to mythology, this lake has no bottom and is connected to the sea through a narrow canal.

The vibrant harbor, with fishing boats and yachts.

Quaint streets filled with boutiques, local artisan shops, and cozy tavernas offering authentic Cretan products.

Second Stop: Elounda, The Idyllic Fishing Village. We take a short break in this picturesque coastal village. It has a unique charm, combining traditional Greek fishing village vibes with a cosmopolitan touch.

Next Stop: Spinalonga, A Fascinating Journey Through Time. A  place where history meets mystery from a Venetian fortress to a Turkish settlement and, most notably, Europe’s last leper colony in the early 20th century. Highlights of our 2-hour visit:

The Venetian fortress walls, built in the 16th century to defend against Ottoman attacks.

The old settlement, where narrow alleys and stone houses tell the stories of the past inhabitants.

The leper colony ruins , a haunting yet moving reminder of the island’s role as a place of exile for those suffering from leprosy between 1903 and 1957.

Stunning panoramic views of the Gulf of Mirabello.

Back to: Elounda for about 2 hours where you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. Stroll through the charming village streets. Enjoy a delicious meal at a traditional seaside taverna.

We arrive back in Rethymno around 18:30, with stops as needed along the way.

“This trip offers breathtaking landscapes, cultural insights, and a fascinating journey through time—from the Venetian era to the last Leper Colony in Europe.”