Crete: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda with BBQ Lunch

Crete: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, and Elounda with BBQ Lunch offers a well-rounded taste of Crete’s coast, history, and culture. For just over $28, you’ll spend about 5 to 12 hours exploring some of the island’s most iconic spots — from the fortified island of Spinalonga to the charming streets of Agios Nikolaos. The tour is designed to combine history, relaxation, and local flavors into one enjoyable package.

What we particularly love about this experience are two things: first, the guided tour of Spinalonga lets you get a real sense of the island’s layered past, and second, the delicious BBQ lunch on board provides a relaxed backdrop for enjoying Crete’s flavors. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the short time allocated for each stop, which can leave you craving a bit more of each location.

This tour suits travelers eager to tick off historic sites, enjoy beautiful scenery, and indulge in local cuisine, all without needing to plan every detail themselves. It’s especially good if you appreciate having a knowledgeable guide to bring the stories to life, and if you like balanced days that include both sightseeing and downtime.

Key Points

• Historic focus: Explore Spinalonga’s layered history, from ancient Greek times through Venetian and Turkish eras.
• Beautiful coastal scenery: Pass through Mirabello Bay, Elounda, and Kolokytha Bay, known for their clear waters and scenic views.
• Authentic culinary experience: Enjoy a BBQ lunch with pork, Greek salad, bread, fruit, and a glass of wine or lemonade.
• Local touch: Visit an olive oil factory for tasting and learn about local products.
• Leisurely pace: The tour balances sightseeing with time for swimming, shopping, and relaxing.
• Efficient transportation: Comfortable air-conditioned bus and boat rides make travel easy and scenic.

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What the Tour Covers and Why It’s Worth It

This tour delivers a full day of varied experiences—from history to leisure—at a pretty reasonable price. For around $28, you get transportation, guided tours, a boat trip, a traditional BBQ, and free time in some of Crete’s most picturesque spots. It’s an efficient way to see a lot without the hassle of organizing the logistics yourself.

The tour starts with a scenic drive along the coast, passing through the gorges of St. George, which adds a touch of drama and natural beauty. The first stop is Elounda, a tranquil resort town along Mirabello Bay. Here, we love how the views of the bay and the calm waters set a relaxed tone. You might spend some time shopping or just soaking in the scenery before heading out on the water.

The boat ride across Kolokytha Bay is a highlight, offering an opportunity for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters. Many reviews mention the quality of the swim and the beauty of the bay — “ample to swim and take drone shots,” as one reviewer put it. The lunch on board is a simple, tasty BBQ featuring pork steaks, Greek salad, bread, and fruit, with a glass of wine or lemonade. The onboard lunch is praised as “tasty” and well-balanced, especially for a summer day.

Exploring Spinalonga: The Heart of the Tour

Most travelers’ main reason for joining this trip is the visit to Spinalonga Island. Once a natural barrier for the ancient city of Olous, it later became a Venetian fortress and a Turkish settlement. The guided tour of Spinalonga provides a fascinating look at its layered past. Expect to learn about its role as a leper colony, its strategic importance, and how history has shaped the island’s current quiet charm.

We loved the way guides like Lina bring the island’s stories to life, making history feel tangible. You’ll have about an hour and a half on the island, which many find just enough to get a sense of its significance. Some reviews express a desire for more time — “a bit more time would have been nice,” says one reviewer — but most feel the schedule is tight but manageable.

The island’s scenic views and ruins are photogenic, and you’ll enjoy some free time to explore the narrow streets and viewpoints. Many appreciate the opportunity for photos and quiet reflection, especially as the island offers a stark contrast to the bustling mainland.

The Charm of Agios Nikolaos

Post-Spinalonga, the tour takes you to Agios Nikolaos, the charming lakeside town. Known for the Voulismeni Lake, a “bottomless” lagoon surrounded by cafes and shops, it’s perfect for a gentle stroll. Many reviews mention how relaxing and scenic this stop is, with one reviewer noting “a peaceful walk around the lake and exploring the local shops.” It’s a good spot to pick up souvenirs or just relax with a coffee.

You’ll have roughly an hour here, which some travelers find a bit brief, but it’s enough to absorb the atmosphere and enjoy some local treats. The town’s laid-back vibe makes it a highlight for those who appreciate authentic, less-touristy places.

Practical Details and Tips

• Transportation: The tour includes a comfortable, air-conditioned bus and boat rides, making logistics seamless. The short boat trips between stops give you scenic views and a break from walking.
• Timing: The schedule is tight, with about an hour and a half on Spinalonga and an hour in Agios Nikolaos. If you prefer more leisure, be prepared for a busy day.
• Food & Drink: The BBQ lunch gets good reviews, praised for its simplicity and flavor. It’s included in the price, with a choice of wine or lemonade, making it good value.
• Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, adding stories and context that bring the sites alive.
• Cost & Value: At around $28, this tour offers a lot — historical sights, scenic views, local flavors — but it’s a quick overview rather than in-depth exploration. Still, many reviews say it’s “well worth the price,” especially considering all-inclusive transportation and meals.

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What Reviewers Say

One review sums it up: “Considering the short time available, it was a very nice day trip, and very well time-boxed. The visit at Spinalonga was a highlight, and the stop at the little beach for bathing was very well-timed.” Others appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the tasty onboard meal, although some wish they had more time in each stop — “a bit more time would have been nice,” as one commented — but overall, the pacing is viewed as efficient and enjoyable.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip suits history buffs interested in Crete’s layered past, families looking for a mix of activities, and travelers with limited time who want a broad overview. If you enjoy scenic boat rides, relaxed lakeside towns, and authentic Greek cuisine, you’ll find plenty to love. Be prepared for a somewhat fast-paced day, with some spots feeling a little rushed, but the variety and scenery make up for it.

This Crete tour offers a balanced blend of history, scenery, and local flavor. It’s perfect if you want to see Spinalonga and enjoy some downtime by the water, all without the stress of planning every detail. The guided tours and included meals give you a sense of security and value, especially for budget-conscious travelers. While the schedule can feel a bit tight, most visitors find it worthwhile for the overview and the chance to experience some of Crete’s most iconic sights.

If you’re the kind of traveler who appreciates cultural insights, scenic boat trips, and a taste of local cuisine, this tour can be a highlight of your trip to Crete. Just remember to pace yourself and bring your camera — you’ll want to remember these views and stories long after you return home.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts between 5 and 12 hours, depending on the starting point and chosen options. Most guests spend around a full day exploring.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the boat cruise, guided tour of Spinalonga, BBQ lunch with a glass of wine or lemonade, bus transportation, and local liability insurance. Entry fees for Spinalonga are not included.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the experience is generally family-friendly, keep in mind that it involves some walking and sightseeing. Swimming and outdoor activities are optional. Check with the provider if you have specific age concerns.

Are there options for pickup and drop-off?
Yes, pickup is available from various locations including Malia, Heraklion, and other resorts. The exact pickup point and time will be communicated the day before.

How much time do I get in each location?
Expect about 1.5 hours at Spinalonga, including the guided tour and free time, and about 1 hour in Agios Nikolaos for strolling and shopping.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, swimwear, cash, and comfortable clothes. A sun hat is also recommended.

Can I buy additional souvenirs or food?
Yes, there are shops in Agios Nikolaos and Elounda where you can buy souvenirs, and you can purchase extra snacks or drinks if desired.

This detailed review should help you decide if this Crete tour fits your travel style, offering a mix of history, scenery, and authentic Greek flavors that many find well worth the time and money.

You can check availability for your dates here: