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

Introducing a popular day tour from Heraklion that takes you beyond the city to explore some of Crete’s most picturesque spots—Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, and Elounda. This 8-hour adventure, offered by Platanos Tours at about $37 per person, includes hotel pickups, a scenic boat ride, and a tasty BBQ (if you opt for that add-on). While the reviews are mixed, many travelers find the combination of beautiful scenery and engaging guides makes this a worthwhile outing, especially if you’re eager to see the island’s highlights without the hassle of planning each detail yourself.

One of the best parts of this trip is the convenience of hotel pickup and air-conditioned transportation. The fact that they handle the logistics means you avoid wandering around trying to find the start point or dealing with difficult public transport. Many reviews mention the guides as a highlight—friendly, informative, and experienced—often making the trip feel more personal. Plus, the boat rides across the Elounda Gulf are appreciated for their relaxing pace and stunning views. Lastly, the panoramic photos you’ll snap from the boat and on the island are undeniably postcard-worthy.

However, a common consideration to keep in mind is the limited time on Spinalonga. Some travelers, like David, felt an hour wasn’t enough to really soak in the atmosphere and explore the island, which is quite small but historically significant. Also, the overcrowding at Spinalonga can diminish the experience, especially during peak season when the boat fills up. If your priority is lots of free time to roam or delve deeply into history, this tour might feel rushed. Another thing to consider is the group size—up to 50 travelers—which can impact the intimacy of the experience and the ease of hearing guides or navigating crowded spots.

Key Points

• All-in-one convenience: Hotel pickup, transport, and activities make it stress-free.
• Engaging guides: Many reviews praise guides like Manuella for their friendliness and knowledge.
• Scenic boat rides: These provide relaxing moments and great photo opportunities.
• Limited island time: Expect about an hour on Spinalonga, which some find too brief.
• Crowded spots: Spinalonga can feel packed, especially in high season.
• Value for price: At around $37, it offers a comprehensive taste of Crete’s highlights.

If you’re visiting Heraklion and want a day packed with sightseeing, this tour offers a lot of what makes Crete special—crystal waters, historic sites, charming towns, and good company. The tour’s main attractions are the island of Spinalonga, known for its fortifications and former leper colony; the lively town of Agios Nikolaos with its famous lake; and the scenic Elounda Gulf area with its beaches and quiet coves.

The Itinerary

The day begins with a hotel pickup—a real time-saver, especially if you’re staying in busy resorts around Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, and Heraklion. Expect to be picked up up to 90 minutes before the tour start, so plan accordingly to avoid missing the coach. Once on the bus, the air conditioning makes the long drive comfortable, though some reviews note the pickups can be slow, and the overall day includes quite a bit of travel for just a few hours on each site.

The first big stop is Spinalonga. From the port in Elounda, you’ll jump on a boat and arrive at the tiny island around 10:50 am. The guided tour—lasting about 30 minutes—is packed with information about the fortress and the island’s history. Some travelers, like David, felt an hour was enough to see what they wanted, given the island’s size. Others, such as Gemma, appreciated the guide’s friendliness and the opportunity to learn about the island’s past.

The Island Experience

Spinalonga is undeniably photogenic—its fortress walls and the ruins of the leper colony create a compelling backdrop. The reviews suggest that overcrowding can be an issue, especially in peak season, making it a challenge to fully explore or take photos without humans in the shot. The guide, Johanna, is praised for her knowledge and her engaging talk, which many found to be the highlight of their visit. However, the limited time means you’ll need to pick your favorite spots and move quickly.

After leaving Spinalonga, the tour continues with time for swimming at Kolokitha Bay, a relatively quiet spot with clear waters. Keep in mind, the water is great for cooling off, but some reviews mention the beach can be dirty or unfamiliar if you’re expecting pristine sands—so don’t forget your swim suits!

Next, the group heads back to Elounda, where you can enjoy a lunch (if you’ve chosen the BBQ option). Several travelers, like Melissa and Ricardo, rave about how delicious the barbecue is—perfect after the morning’s sightseeing. The boats are described as comfortable and spacious, with enough room to relax while enjoying the views.

The last stop is Agios Nikolaos, a lively harbor town famous for its Voulismeni Lake. Here, you get about two hours to stroll, shop, and sip coffee by the water. Many reviewers, like Monica, wish they had more time to soak in the town’s atmosphere and browse the shops. It’s a great place to unwind and take photos of the colorful harbor.

Finally, around 6:30 pm, the bus returns to Heraklion, ending a long but rewarding day. You’ll appreciate the ease of transportation and the chance to see a blend of history, scenery, and local life without the stress of planning each step.

This experience is especially suited for travelers who want to maximize their day with minimal fuss. The key advantages include guided insights from knowledgeable guides like Manuella, who are praised for their friendliness and professionalism—they truly help bring the places to life. For many, the boat rides add a relaxing element, offering a break from walking and a chance to enjoy the stunning landscape from a different perspective.

The value for money is undeniable, considering that transportation, guiding, boat trips, and a meal are bundled into one affordable price. For less than a dinner out, you gain a full day of sightseeing on Crete’s beautiful coast.

Possible Drawbacks

Not every traveler found this tour perfect. Several reviews comment on the short time on Spinalonga, which can leave history and photo opportunities feeling rushed. Overcrowding and the need for advance ticket purchase are issues during busy months—so plan accordingly if you want a more relaxed experience. On top of that, some passengers reported slow pickups and disorganized logistics, which can be frustrating if you’re on a tight schedule.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is best for first-time visitors to Crete who want an overview of key sights without fuss. It’s also suitable for families and older travelers who appreciate guided commentary and comfortable transport. If you’re someone eager to hear local stories, see beautiful views, and enjoy a well-organized day without worrying about navigation, this tour hits the mark.

If your goal is a full, easy, and scenic introduction to some of Crete’s most iconic spots, this tour offers a solid balance of value and experience. The guides’ friendliness and local knowledge add meaningful context, turning a simple sightseeing trip into a memorable day. The boat trips and views at Kolokitha Bay and Agios Nikolaos are particular highlights that many travelers treasure in their photos and memories.

While the limited time on Spinalonga can feel rushed, many appreciate the manageable schedule that keeps the day moving without feeling overwhelming. For those wanting a cultural, scenic, and relaxing excursion, this tour suits a wide range of travelers, especially if you’re okay with a busy, group experience.

Overall, it’s a good introduction to Crete’s coastal charm with some historic allure—especially appealing if you value comfort, convenience, and guidance over deep exploration. Just be prepared for the potential crowds and plan your expectations accordingly.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup from many locations, including Heraklion, Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, and more. Pickup times can be up to 90 minutes before the tour starts.

How long do we stay at Spinalonga?
Most travelers spend about one hour on Spinalonga, including guided touring and free time for photos and browsing. Some find this enough, but others wish for more.

Is the boat trip comfortable?
Yes, reviews mention the boat as comfortable and spacious, with good views. The boat ride provides a relaxing break and scenic perspective of the coastline.

What is included in the price?
The package covers transportation (air-conditioned coach), a professional guide, a boat ride (if selected), and a barbecue lunch (if chosen). Admission tickets for Spinalonga and the boat are not included in the base price.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, some attractions like Spinalonga require an admission fee for entry, and the boat ticket and BBQ are optional extras for adults. Children’s prices are slightly different.

How is the group size?
The maximum group size is about 50 travelers, which balances social interaction with some level of comfort.

Can I do this tour if I don’t swim?
Swimming at Kolokitha Bay is optional. If you prefer, you can skip it or just relax on the boat while others swim.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, families with older children can enjoy the scenic boat rides and interesting stops, though younger kids should be prepared for a day of walking and some waiting.

This detailed exploration should help you decide whether this trip suits your style. It offers a great way to see several of Crete’s scenic and historic highlights without the hassle of organizing transportation and guides yourself—perfect if you want a straightforward, pleasant day out.