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      Aerial view of Spinalonga Island's historic ruins surrounded by turquoise waters on a sunny day in Crete.
      Scenic view of Agios Nikolaos with its charming lake, white buildings, and boats under a clear blue sky.
      Expansive view of the deep blue sea with a distant cruise ship and mountainous backdrop near Spinalonga.
      Scenic view of Agios Nikolaos harbor with boats, surrounded by lush greenery and charming buildings under a clear blue sky.
      Idyllic boats moored in the serene waters of Agios Nikolaos, framed by lush foliage and rocky cliffs on a sunny day.
      Panoramic view of the Mediterranean coastline near Spinalonga with rugged cliffs and deep blue sea under a bright sky.
      Explore the historic ruins and stunning landscape of Spinalonga Island on a full-day private tour from Chania.
      Spinalonga & Agios Nikolaos Full-Day Tour from Chania
      From € 1080.00
      Listing ID : 45453

      Activity

      Duration11 Hours
      Group SizePrivate Group
      Starts AtYour Hotel, Chania Region
      LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, Russian
      Full-Day Private Tour from Chania

      Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos Full-Day Private Tour from Chania

      A private journey through the history, coastline, and culture of Eastern Crete

      This Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos private tour takes you on a curated full-day journey from Chania through some of Eastern Crete's most historically significant and visually striking destinations. With a dedicated private guide, the itinerary balances cultural depth with coastal relaxation at a pace that suits your group.

      The tour covers the layered history of Spinalonga island, the resort-town character of Agios Nikolaos, and the tranquil seaside village of Elounda. Each stop is chosen to provide a distinct perspective on Crete, from Venetian fortifications and leper colony archives to a lake connected to the sea by a 19th-century tunnel.

      Comfortable road travel is built into the day with refreshment stops in villages such as Agia Pelagia and Fodele. The return to Chania follows a scenic westward route that rounds out the experience of crossing the island's varied terrain.

      Tour Highlights

      Visit Spinalonga island, the second most visited archaeological site in Crete and one of Europe's last active leper colonies, abandoned as recently as 1957.

      Explore Agios Nikolaos and its unique freshwater lake, connected to the Aegean Sea through a tunnel dug in 1870, visible from a panoramic park above.

      Relax in Elounda, a coastal village on the shores of Mirabello Bay, with direct views across to Spinalonga island.

      Walk through the Spinalonga Fortress, a Venetian stronghold with centuries of layered history visible in its surviving architecture and passageways.

      Cross to Spinalonga by boat from Plaka village, with time to swim at the pebble beach before or after exploring the island.

      Travel as a private group with a guide who tailors the pace and focus of each stop to your interests, without the constraints of a shared tour group.

      Itinerary Overview

      1
      Departure from Chania and Stop at Agia Pelagia

      The tour departs from your hotel in the Chania region and heads east along the northern coast of Crete. An early refreshment stop is made in Agia Pelagia before continuing toward Agios Nikolaos.

      2
      Agios Nikolaos

      Arrive in this coastal town perched on hilly terrain above Mirabello Bay. Highlights include the former freshwater lake now connected to the sea, a panoramic park, local restaurants, and shops offering regional products and souvenirs.

      3
      Elounda

      Continue to the seaside village of Elounda, a popular destination known for its calm waters and clear views across to Spinalonga island. Time here is set aside for relaxation and swimming.

      4
      Spinalonga Island via Plaka

      Board a short boat crossing from Plaka village to reach Spinalonga island. Explore the Venetian fortress and the former leper colony, and return to Plaka where a small pebble beach is available for a swim.

      5
      Return via Fodele

      Depart from Plaka in the late afternoon and travel westward back toward Chania with a refreshment stop in Fodele village along the way.

      What Is Included

      Included

      • Private transportation throughout the tour
      • Professional licensed guide
      • Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Chania region
      • Refreshment stops en route
      • Boat crossing from Plaka to Spinalonga island

      Not Included

      • Entrance fees to Spinalonga archaeological site
      • Meals and beverages
      • Personal expenses and souvenirs
      • Travel insurance

      Important Information

      This is a private, full-day tour covering approximately 11 hours. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection, water, and swimwear for the beach stop at Plaka.
      Duration
      11 hours, departing in the morning from your hotel in the Chania region and returning in the evening.
      Meeting Point
      Pickup is arranged directly from your hotel or accommodation in the Chania region. Confirm the exact address with your operator upon booking.
      What to Bring
      Swimwear and a towel for the Plaka beach stop, a hat, sunscreen, bottled water, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera.
      Cancellation
      Cancellation terms are provided at the time of booking. Contact the operator directly for the applicable policy for your reservation.
      Accessibility
      The tour is rated Easy in difficulty. Note that Spinalonga island involves uneven cobbled surfaces; guests with significant mobility limitations should assess this in advance.
      Age Range
      Suitable for all ages. The itinerary is flexible for families traveling with children, and the private format allows the pace to be adjusted accordingly.

      Reserve Your Private Eastern Crete Tour

      Secure your spot for this full-day private tour from Chania to Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos. Places are limited given the private nature of the experience.

      Book Now

      Frequently Asked Questions

      How long is the boat ride to Spinalonga island?▼
      The boat crossing from Plaka village to Spinalonga island takes only a few minutes and is a short and straightforward transfer included in the tour.
      Is there time to swim during the tour?▼
      Yes. A stop in Elounda allows for relaxation by the sea, and a small pebble beach in Plaka is available after the visit to Spinalonga island. It is recommended to bring swimwear and a towel.
      Is the tour suitable for children?▼
      Yes, the tour is rated Easy and is suitable for all ages. The private format allows the guide to adapt the pace and content to suit families traveling with children.
      What is the historical significance of Spinalonga?▼
      Spinalonga served as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957 and is considered one of the last active leper colonies in Europe. It is also home to a Venetian fortress and ranks as the sixth most visited archaeological site in Greece.
      Are entrance fees to Spinalonga included in the tour price?▼
      No, entrance fees to the Spinalonga archaeological site are not included and must be paid separately on the day of the visit.
      Where exactly does the tour depart from?▼
      The tour departs with a direct pickup from your hotel or accommodation in the Chania region. The exact pickup address should be confirmed with the operator at the time of booking.
      Spinalonga TourAgios NikolaosEastern CretePrivate Tour CreteCrete Day TripLeper Colony HistoryVenetian FortressEloundaMirabello BayChania ExcursionIsland Boat TripCultural Tour Greece
      Last updated: June 2025 | Product ID: spinalonga-agios-nikolaos-private-chania

      Activity

      Availability

      You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

      Additional Information

      Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

      Duration

      11 hours

      Languages

      English - Speaking Guide

      Spanish - Speaking Guide

      Russian - Speaking Guide

      Additional Information

      Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

      Cancellation Policy

      Select Date

      Meeting Point

      Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

      Activity Site

      Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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