Spinalonga
Visit the historic island fortress of Spinalonga, once a Venetian stronghold and later a leper colony. Discover fascinating history while enjoying spectacular views over Mirabello Bay.
East Crete Private Tour
Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos & Elounda
A private day trip from Rethymno to eastern Crete, combining the historic island of Spinalonga, the elegant town of Agios Nikolaos and the seaside charm of Elounda.
Duration6 hours
GroupPrivate · 1–7 guests
DepartsRethymno & area
From€350 / vehicle
About this tour
History, sea views and the elegant side of eastern Crete
Discover one of Crete’s most memorable coastal routes on a private tour to Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda.
Your journey begins with a comfortable drive from the Rethymno area towards the beautiful region of Lasithi. Visit Elounda, a famous seaside village known for its calm waters, elegant atmosphere and views towards Spinalonga island.
From Elounda, you can take the boat to Spinalonga, one of Crete’s most fascinating historic landmarks. Walk around the fortified island, learn about its Venetian past and its later history as a leper colony, and enjoy beautiful sea views across Mirabello Bay.
The tour also includes time in Agios Nikolaos, one of Crete’s most charming towns. Enjoy a relaxed walk around the lake, the harbour, shops and cafés, or stop for lunch by the water before returning to Rethymno.
This private tour is ideal for guests who want to explore eastern Crete with comfort, flexibility and a mix of history, coastal scenery and town atmosphere.
- Visit Elounda, one of Crete’s most beautiful seaside villages
- Take an optional boat trip to the historic island of Spinalonga
- Explore Spinalonga’s fortress walls, old streets and unique history
- Enjoy views over Mirabello Bay and the east Cretan coastline
- Spend free time in Agios Nikolaos, famous for its lake and harbour
- Travel comfortably from Rethymno with a private local driver
Your day
A sample itinerary
08:30
Hotel pickup
Your private driver will meet you at your hotel, villa or accommodation in the Rethymno area and you will begin your journey towards eastern Crete.
10:30
Elounda
Arrive in Elounda, a beautiful seaside village with calm waters and views towards Spinalonga. Enjoy a short walk, photos or coffee by the sea.
11:00
Boat to Spinalonga
Take the boat from Elounda to Spinalonga island. The boat ticket is paid directly on site and the schedule may vary depending on the season.
11:20
Spinalonga Island
Explore the historic island of Spinalonga, known for its Venetian fortress, stone streets, sea views and powerful history. Walk around the island at your own pace.
12:45
Return to Elounda
Take the boat back to Elounda and meet your driver for the next part of the tour.
13:15
Agios Nikolaos Town
Continue to Agios Nikolaos, one of the most elegant towns in Crete. Enjoy free time around the lake, harbour, shops and cafu00e9s, or stop for lunch by the water.
14:45
Return drive
Meet your driver and begin the comfortable return journey towards Rethymno.
16:30
Drop-off
Arrive back at your hotel or accommodation in the Rethymno area after a scenic east Crete experience.
No surprises
What’s included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle & fuel
- Friendly local English-speaking driver
- Hotel pickup & drop-off in the Rethymno area
- All tolls, parking & waiting time
- Free child & booster seats on request
- Bottled water on board
Not included
- Boat tickets to Spinalonga
- Entrance tickets to Spinalonga
- Food & drinks
- Personal expenses & gratuities
- Licensed tour guide inside archaeological sites, museums or monuments
WHAT YOU WILL SEE
Places you’ll visit
Agios Nikolaos Town
A picturesque coastal town built around the famous Lake Voulismeni. Stroll along the marina, enjoy waterfront cafés, boutique shopping, and the charming atmosphere of eastern Crete.
Elounda
Renowned for its luxury resorts and crystal-clear waters, Elounda offers stunning coastal scenery, traditional fishing villages, beautiful beaches, and boat trips to nearby Spinalonga.
Good to know
Tour FAQ
Yes, this private tour is suitable for families, couples and small groups. Child and booster seats are available on request.
The tour lasts around 6 hours, including driving time from Rethymno, Elounda, the boat visit to Spinalonga and free time in Agios Nikolaos.
No, boat tickets to Spinalonga are not included. They are paid directly on site and depend on the boat schedule.
No, the entrance ticket to Spinalonga is not included in the tour price and is paid directly on site.
Yes, this is a private tour, so the itinerary can be adjusted depending on your preferences and available time.
No, a licensed guide is not included. Your driver can provide general local information, but official guiding on historical sites requires a licensed tour guide.
There is light to moderate walking on Spinalonga and in Agios Nikolaos. Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for the stone paths on the island.
Boat schedules depend on season, weather and local operators. If boats are not available, the itinerary can be adjusted with more time in Elounda and Agios Nikolaos.
Private · 1–7 guests
From €350 / vehicle
One price for your whole group — not per person. Pickup from Rethymno and the surrounding area.
Keep exploring
Other popular tours
from €250 Half day · 5 hoursArkadi Monastery, Eleutherna & Margarites
A private half-day journey through faith, history, traditional pottery and authentic Cretan olive oil.
from €300 6 hoursChania Old Town & Venizelos Tombs
A private day trip from Rethymno to Chania, combining the Venetian Old Town, the famous harbour and panoramic views from the Venizelos Tombs.
from €450 Full day · 10 hoursKnossos Palace, CRETAquarium & Heraklion Town
A full-day private tour from Rethymno combining the legendary Palace of Knossos, the marine world of CRETAquarium and free time in Heraklion town.