Day Tours | Spinalonga Tour with Panagia Kera & Agios Nikolaos

Panagias Keras Church 
The Church of Panagia Kera is a Cretan Byzantine church, located 1 km from the village of Kritsa, in the Dikte Mountains. It contains the finest-preserved Byzantine-era frescoes in Crete, and for that reason, has become one of the most culturally and historically significant churches on the island. 

Elounda (Pass By)
The road into Elounda from Agios Nikolaos is approximately 12 km in length and follows the shore as it climbs to the top of a small mountain. On a clear day it is possible to see the whole of Mirabello Bay and all the way to the eastern tip of Crete.  

Spinalonga (Kalydon) 
Spinalonga is also known as the Leper Island, as that is where lepers from Crete and the rest of Greece were quarantined until 1957.

Plaka Beach 
Plaka is a seaside village on Elounda Bay in eastern Crete which sits opposite Spinalonga Island. 

Agios Nikolaos 
Agios Nikolaos is a coastal city on the Greek island of Crete, lying east of the island's capital Heraklion, north of the city of Ierapetra and west of the city of Sitia.
Meet with your guide at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel, across from the entrance of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, in front of Hari’s Creperie, Heraklion at 08:30. The Tour starts by driving along the Northern coast of the island were we will visit the 12th century Byzantine church of Panagia Kera located 1km from the village of Kritsa. The church contains the finest-preserved Byzantine-era frescoes in Crete, and for that reason, has become one of the most culturally and historically significant churches on the island.

We continue our tour driving through the beautiful coastal road and village of Elounda, which lies 11 km north of Agios Nikolaos Town. Elounda retains its authentic character and offers a unique landscape with many coves and pristine beaches. One of them is the sea-front village of Plaka where we will board the boat to take us on the now deserted island of Spinalonga. Our guide will guide us through the ruins of what used to be a leper- colony from 1903 to 1957 where lepers could have a better life, medical help and economic support.

After our visit to Spinalonga, you will enjoy some free time to swim in the crystal clear waters of Plaka and optional lunch at Taverna Spinalonga (Plaka). After we will visit Agios Nikolaos town, the capital town of Lassithi. Here, the bottomless salt lake Voulismeni dominates the area. A narrow channel of water connects the lake with the sea, while an imposing backdrop of red rock and trees adds to the natural beauty of the scenery. A small pine tree park lies above the lake, and a stone path leads to its southern section to a cute small harbour for fishing boats.

The city boasts interesting Archaeological, Folklore, and Natural History museums, Byzantine churches, a well-organised marina, bustling pedestrian streets (ideal for leisurely walks), and traditional squares with buzzing cafés and restaurants. Late in the afternoon at 18:00, we return to Heraklion at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel.
  • Air-conditioned Motorcoach
  • Professional Guide
  • VAT and all legal taxes included

Not Included
  • Pick up-drop off transfer
  • Boat transfers, Entrance fees to the archaeological sites
  • Lunch in restaurant throughout in the tour (25,00 €)
  • Drinks and beverage during the meal
  • Gratuities