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Product #620991
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Spinalonga Island guided tour with seaside villages and lunch
Spinalonga Island guided tour with seaside villages and lunch
Spinalonga Island guided tour with seaside villages and lunch
Spinalonga Island guided tour with seaside villages and lunch
Spinalonga Island guided tour with seaside villages and lunch

Spinalonga Island guided tour with seaside villages and lunch

Greece-Crete , heraklion , Heraklion
Free cancellation 1 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site
  • The tiny isle of Spinalonga is just a short hop away from Crete, but a visit is like stepping back in time. Book here to discover the 'Isle of Tears'.
[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK
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Sightseeing Tours

Tour TypeShared tour
Transportation methodHotel transfer
Departure TimeStandard Departure (8-9 am)
Tour typesGuided tour
Meal arrangementLunch included
Additional service & facilityTransfer included
Sightseeing typeHistoric site tour, Islands tour
TransportSightseeing cruise, Bus tour

Product Info

-What you can expect-
The tiny island of Spinalonga is just a short hop away from Crete, but a visit is like stepping back in time. Centuries of history are packed within the walls that encircle it. See it through the eyes of a local on this exclusive full day tour, which also takes in two coastal towns on Mirabello Bay. Veta, one of our guides, says, 'You'll visit the pretty fishing village of Elounda and the seaside town of Agios Nikolaos. You'll try some typical Cretan food in a taverna, too.'

Spinalonga has been many things throughout its existence, including a Venetian outpost and an Ottoman town. It was even a leper colony, which led to it being dubbed the ‘Isle of Tears'. You'll take a walk with our local guide, who'll lead you along narrow lanes of long-abandoned roofless dwellings and show you around the fortress and the colony, which closed in the 1950s. What's more, you'll beat the crowds by arriving early on the first ferry of the day.

Later, you'll sail back via the seaside village of Elounda. You'll have some free time to explore at your own pace. Swim, stretch out in the sunshine or watch the world go by at one of the many family-run bars on the waterfront. Then, it's onto a nearby taverna for a tasty Cretan lunch. Rounding off the day is a visit to Agios Nikolaos, a chic coastal town sheltered by two offshore islets. Many make a beeline for the bars overlooking the boat-fringed inshore lake.



**What is the itinerary for this experience?**The itinerary for this experience is...

- 8:00am (approx., depending on your area) – pick-up from your hotel

- 9:00am to 9:10am – arrive in Elounda

- 9:15am to 9:30am – boat departure to Spinalonga Island

- 10:00am to 12:00pm – guided visit and free time on Spinalonga Island

- 12:15pm – depart from Spinalonga Island

- 12:30pm – arrive back in Elounda, with free time for swimming and lunch

- 2:15pm – depart for Agios Nikolaos

- 2:30pm – arrive in Agios Nikolaos with free time to explore

- 4:00pm – depart from Agios Nikolaos and return to your hotel



Please note, the times and schedule may vary on the day

Purchase Notice

Duration: Lasts at least 8 hours

Reminders

  • Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time

  • Ferry trip is 25 minutes each way

  • Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility

  • Bring bathing gear and sunblock

  • Bring your passport or official EU identification

FAQ

1. What is the history of the leper colony on Spinalonga Island?

Spinalonga Island served as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957, being one of the last active leper colonies in Europe. Patients from across Greece were isolated here, forming a self-sufficient community with homes, churches, and a hospital. Life on the island, though marked by isolation, fostered resilience and a unique social structure until medical advancements led to its closure and the relocation of its last inhabitants.

2. Is a visit to Spinalonga Island recommended for history enthusiasts?

Absolutely. Spinalonga Island offers a profound historical experience, allowing visitors to walk through the preserved buildings of the former leper colony, including the hospital, houses, and fortifications. It provides a unique glimpse into a poignant chapter of 20th-century history and the lives of its inhabitants, making it highly recommended for those interested in social history and powerful human stories.

3. Is Spinalonga Island currently inhabited, or is it a preserved site?

Spinalonga Island is not currently inhabited by permanent residents. After its closure as a leper colony in 1957, the island became an archaeological site and a protected historical monument. Today, it is meticulously preserved, allowing visitors to explore its ruins and learn about its compelling past, making it a powerful testament to human endurance and a significant cultural heritage site.

4. How much time should visitors allocate to explore Spinalonga Island?

To thoroughly explore Spinalonga Island and absorb its history, visitors typically need about 1.5 to 2 hours on the island itself. This allows sufficient time to walk around the fortifications, explore the buildings of the former leper colony, and visit the museum. Guided tours often include transport and additional stops at nearby seaside villages for lunch, extending the overall experience.

5. Are there any restroom facilities available on Spinalonga Island?

Yes, there are basic restroom facilities available for visitors on Spinalonga Island. These amenities are typically located near the main entrance or visitor services area to ensure comfort during your exploration of the historical site.

6. What are the common methods to acquire tickets for a Spinalonga Island tour?

Tickets for a Spinalonga Island guided tour, often including boat transfers and expert commentary, can be conveniently purchased online in advance. Using a platform like KKday allows you to secure your spot, often offering various package options that might include additional experiences such as visits to nearby seaside villages and lunch, providing a comprehensive and hassle-free travel arrangement.

7. What are the primary transportation options to reach Spinalonga Island?

The primary way to reach Spinalonga Island is by boat. Ferries and tour boats depart regularly from several coastal towns in Crete, most commonly from Elounda, Plaka, and Agios Nikolaos. The boat journey itself is typically short, providing scenic views of the coastline before arriving at the island, which is just a short hop away from Crete.

8. What activities are typically included in a guided tour to Spinalonga Island?

A guided tour to Spinalonga Island usually includes round-trip boat transportation to the island, along with a walking tour of the historical leper colony led by an expert guide. This provides deep insights into its past. Many tours also feature stops at picturesque seaside villages for exploration and lunch, offering a comprehensive cultural and culinary experience alongside the historical visit.

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