Day Trips from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos

Go beyond Heraklion to visit the island of Spinalonga on a day trip by coach and boat. Offering an easy way to get from the city to the scenic Elounda Gulf area, this excursion covers transport direct from your hotel, a boat ride, and a barbecue lunch, along with ample free time to explore the island, Kolokitha Bay, Elounda, and postcard-perfect Agios Nikolas.

Enjoy a day of sun, sea, and sand at Voulisma Beach on a day trip from Heraklion. Swim in the crystal-clear waters and relax on the golden sand. Don’t miss the chance to visit one of Crete’s most beautiful and serene beaches. Whether you’re a sun-seeker, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Voulisma Beach—also known as Golden Beach—has something for everyone. Just a short drive from Heraklion, it offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, relaxation, and adventure. Renowned for its mesmerizing turquoise waters and pristine golden sands, this postcard-perfect setting is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. With its calm, shallow waters, Voulisma Beach is perfect for families with children, providing a safe and welcoming environment. It has also been awarded the Blue Flag for its cleanliness and high environmental standards. You will have four hours of free time to explore and enjoy the beach at your own pace.

Travelers interested in history and archaeology will love this private day tour of Crete. You’ll visit a range of ancient and medieval sites where you can learn more about Crete, including the Bronze Age site of Malia, Venetian Spinalonga Island, and small villages with ancient histories and rich living culture. The private tour is customizable to suit your needs, allowing you to go at your own pace.

Enjoy a scenic, private day trip from Heraklion in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with your English-speaking driver. Begin your journey in Heraklion City, then relax with a coffee by the picturesque Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos, said to be bottomless. 100% Private & Customizable – Choose how long you stay at each stop. Hotel Pickup & Drop-off – Travel with a local English-speaking driver. Continue to Elounda, taking in breathtaking coastal views and glimpses of the historic Spinalonga Island, once a fortress, pirate haven, and leper colony. Then head to the quaint fishing village of Plaka, where you can enjoy lunch or a swim. From Plaka, take a short boat ride to Spinalonga to explore the filming sites of a famous Greek TV series and learn about its unique past. After a day of history, beauty, and relaxation, your driver will return you comfortably to your hotel in Heraklion.

It's all about Crete's wild side on this tour. You'll come face-to-face with monkeys, meerkats, lemurs, and more at Amazonas Park Nature Reserve and see a world below the waves with a glass-bottom boat trip. And in between, there's free time to chill out in Agios Nikolaos. Your destination for the morning is Amazonas Park, an animal refuge where you'll get up close to some of the world's most unusual, beautiful, and endangered animals. You'll also find out about their rainforest environments and how we can help with conservation efforts. At Agios Nikolaos town, you'll have a couple of hours to shop or grab lunch overlooking Mirabello Bay. Next, hop on a glass-bottom boat for a trip in the bay. You'll glide out into the bay aboard a semi-submarine, which features windows beneath the surface. Kids and adults will have a great time spotting the likes of loggerhead sea turtles and multicolored fish darting around the rocks.

Discover the essence of Crete with our immersive tour, where every moment is a new adventure waiting to unfold. Start your day at Amazonas Park, where exotic wildlife awaits amidst lush surroundings. Then, wander through Kritsa Village's charming streets, sampling local delights and soaking in the culture. Relax on the pristine sands of Voulisma Beach before exploring the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos. Dive into the azure waters of Elounda Beach, and unwind at Plaka Beach's scenic shores. Round off your journey with a visit to Spinalonga's historic island, steeped in fascinating tales. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of Crete's beauty and history. Book your experience now!

Particularly during the summer peak, parking in Crete can be hell on wheels. Skip the stress and enjoy a relaxing journey east from Heraklion to four highlights of the Lasithi area on this private door-to-door tour. Visit the historic village of Kritsa, the regional capital, Agios Nikolaos, Spinalonga, an island fortress that was once a leprosy colony, and Elounda, renowned for luxe living and sweeping landscapes.

Combine several landmarks in one sightseeing itinerary in Crete with this full-day boat and coach tour. After hotel pickup, cruise to the island of Spinalonga, home to a Venetian fortress. Learn about its history before returning to Elounda for lunch. Head to the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos, where you enjoy free time for shopping or relaxing in local cafes, ending with a visit to an olive oil factory.

With a minibus your Eye Travel guide shows you the Spinalonga island and other interesting places. Our first stop is in Agios Nikolaos where we have a fantastic view over the "Bottomless lake". You have some free time for a coffee, shopping and a stroll along the most eastern main city of Crete. After passing Elounda it is time for SPINALONGA, the last leper colony of Europe. A typical Cretan fishing boat brings you to the island, this takes no more than 10 minutes. On the island you make a tour. After finishing the trip on Spinalonga, a fishing boat brings you back to the small village of Plaka. Plaka is a tiny harbor, so the unique opportunity to eat fresh fish. After our lunch we are heading to an olive oil factory. You get a guided tour through the factory. All facts about olive oil, the pressing methods and grades of olive oil are explained. At the end of the tour you can taste different olive oils and other local products.

Skip the usual restaurant scene for this private cooking class in Hersonissos. Tour an olive oil factory, visit an authentic Cretan mountain village, and learn the secrets of the local cuisine and cooking methods in your host's garden. Then, learn to cook local specialties such as Greek salad, dolmades, tzatziki, loukoumades, and more in a restaurant with noteworthy views.

Embark on a captivating tour starting from Heraklion and Elounda, discovering the enchanting landscapes of Crete. The journey begins at Rihtis waterfalls, a mesmerizing display of cascading waters amidst lush greenery. Continue to the seaside allure of Mochlos village, where the Aegean Sea invites you to relax and savor Cretan cuisine during a leisurely lunch break. Explore the historical Azoria and marvel at the Ancient Olive Tree at Kavousi, showcasing the island's rich cultural heritage. As the day unfolds, find serenity at Voulisma beach, a paradise for music enthusiasts. Let rhythmic beats and tranquil shores create a perfect harmony, offering a soothing end to your day of exploration. This thoughtfully curated tour seamlessly blends nature, culture, and relaxation, ensuring an unforgettable experience in the captivating landscapes of Crete. Embrace the magic of each moment, creating cherished memories in this picturesque Greek paradise.

Discover the eastern portion of Crete as you explore the region with a private guide. Explore the quaint seaside village of Elounda before boarding a boat for the island of Spinalonga. Visit the archaeological site, which was once a leper colony, and end your day with a walk around the town of Agios Nikolaos.

Through this unique route we will explore the most famous destinations of Eastern Crete, in one day. Lassithi Plateau taking in the beautiful view of the North Cretan Sea. We then head to the Cave of Zeus (Diktaion Andron) where we can explore the many ancient parts of Greek mythology. In the traditional village of Psychro, we can enjoy some traditional Cretan flavors. We then make our descent through an awe-inspiring route, eventually reaching the serene town of Agios Nikolaos, the cosmopolitan capital of the prefecture of Lasithi. Here we can take in the beauty of the lake and take a stroll through the enchanting city market. We can also enjoy a meal next to the sea before heading for our next destination, the majestic Elounda, known to be the most beautiful part of Crete. Finally, we will end our day in the fishing village of Plaka, with a visit to Spinalonga, the UNESCO Heritage Site, located just 500 meters away.

Head away from the tourist trail to catch the sun slipping into the Cretan sea. This private evening tour starts with visits to Agios Nikolaos and Plaka, and passes the village of Vrouchas as the route climbs high in to the mountains. You’ll then catch the sunset at a high-altitude spot where sweeping views await. A traditional dinner is also included.

Visit Spinalonga Island and Elounda on this day tour. Your driver will pick you up and take you to Elounda Port, where you'll catch a boat out to Spinalonga for a guided tour. You'll then sail back to Elounda, where you'll sit down to an included Cretan lunch and have a bit of time to swim before returning to your hotel via the village of Agios Nikolaos.

Start your day with a comfortable hotel pick-up and a scenic drive through picturesque villages and mountains of Crete, with stops for photos along the way. Visit the elegant town of Agios Nikolaos to stroll along the lake and marina or relax with sea views, continue with stunning sights of Elounda Bay and the Mirabello Gulf, and arrive in the village of Plaka to board a traditional boat to the historic island of Spinalonga, where you can explore the Venetian fortress and learn about its past as a leper colony. Conclude the day with a mountain drive through Fourni, enjoying panoramic views and authentic Cretan life and cuisine, before returning to your hotel with lasting memories of Crete’s history, landscapes, and hospitality.

Visit Spinalonga, the last leper colony in Europe, is located in Elounda from where we take the boat for Spinalonga island. Originally, Venetians fortified the islet in 1579, by building a fortress with 40 cannons and they are actually the best preserved walls in Europe. Visit Agios Nikolaos and walk around the famous Lake Voulismeni

Spend a day sailing on the glimmering waters around Crete on this leisurely cruise to Spinalonga Island. Climb aboard your boat and sail across Mirabello Bay as you make your way to “the island of tears” known as Spinalonga where you take a guided tour and then enjoy free time to explore. Then, head to Kolokytha where you enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch and plenty of time to swim and sunbathe.

Embark on a captivating private tour of Eastern Crete, beginning with the Journey to gouves for an immersive experience at a family-run olive mill, where you'll discover the secrets of olive oil production and enjoy a tasting. After that we descend to the charming fishing village of Plaka. From there, a short boat trip transports you to the poignant island of Spinalonga (it is optional), a former leper colony and fortress, for a unique historical exploration. Return to Plaka to savor a delicious fresh lunch (optional). Conclude your day in the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, admiring the serene "Bottomless Lake" and enjoying leisure time to explore its charming streets and vibrant atmosphere. This carefully crafted itinerary blends cultural discovery, culinary delights, and stunning Cretan scenery for an unforgettable experience.

Crete island is known for its traditions and culture heritage, historic places which begin from ancient times and come through centuries to modern ages. Our tour includes all these features of real Crete. While traveling with our guide you see the authentic traditional villages and beautiful town, medieval monastery and Venetian fortress, picturesque breathtaking views. Also while driving our experienced guide tells stories and historical facts about Greece and Crete. This tour at the end of the day makes you feel pleased and satisfied about having a good time!

This tour offers guests a chance to immerse themselves in the rich heritage and culture of Eastern Crete. From visiting the traditional Fourni village, to stopping at the breathtaking viewpoint of Spinalonga, to exploring the charming town of Agios Nikolaos and finally experiencing the authentic Kritsa village, this tour showcases the diverse beauty and history of Eastern Crete. With a focus on local culture, history, and tradition, this private tour for cruise ship guests and those who want a half-day tour is a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the island of Crete.

This tour offers guests a chance to immerse themselves in the rich heritage and culture of Eastern Crete. From visiting the traditional Fourni village, to stopping at the breathtaking viewpoint of Spinalonga, to exploring the charming town of Agios Nikolaos and finally experiencing the authentic Kritsa village, this tour showcases the diverse beauty and history of Eastern Crete. Focusing on local culture, history, and tradition, this small group tour (limited to 8 persons) offers cruise ship guests and others seeking a half-day tour a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the island of Crete.

We will take you by our air-conditioned bus from Makry Gialos, drive through Ierapetra until Elounda, a famous village for its beauty and view. From there we will visit the island of Spinalonga, where you will be offered a walking guided tour and have enough free time to explore the island. This small isle carries within the history of Ancient Greece, as it was used as a Leper Colony until 1957 and there is a great history for you to find out behind this. Back to Elounda where you will have time to explore the beautiful promenade and enjoy your coffee or lunch. Our last stop will be in Agios Nikolaos, to walk around the "bottomless" lake and enjoy the picturesque scenery. There will be enough time for shopping and coffee.