Day Trips in Heraklion

Explore enchanting Spinalonga Island off Crete's north coast on this full-day tour. Start with a visit to the colorful mainland village of Agios Nikolaos, and then travel to the portside at Elounda. Ride a boat to the rocky island, site of an old Venetian fortress and one-time leper village. After a walking tour of the preserved buildings and streets, finish with a barbecue lunch and time for a swim before the journey back.

Want to experience village life in Crete? Spend a day away from the island beaches and discover the charms of the Greek island hamlets instead. The 6-hour day trip includes visits to the historical Agia Triada monastery with its vineyards and olive groves, plus a stop at Koules Fortress to see the Souda Gulf. Explore the charming village of Maheria, visit a ceramic studio, and finish with lunch at a family-run tavern in the mountain foothills.

Visit the former leper colony buildings and Venetian fortress on Spinalonga Island on this 8-hour tour. Sail to this rocky island, and explore the streets, houses, and ruined Venetian fortifications where lepers were confined from 1903 to 1957. Then, relax with a swim stop and barbecue lunch (own expense) before cruising back to port. Return coach transport, the boat ride to Spinalonga, and select hotel pickup and drop-off in north-coast resorts included.

Visit Elounda and ride a boat to Spinalonga Island on this day trip.  Travel to Elounda and cruise to Spinalonga in Mirabello Bay, where a Venetian fortress and old village once housed a leper colony. Explore the ruins where lepers were confined, and enjoy a swim and barbecue lunch. After docking back at Elounda, drive to Agios Nikolaos' to see its harbor and reputedly bottomless lake. Pickup and drop-off from selected hotels included.