Day Trips from Crete to Agios Nikolaos

Experience the quiet side of Crete with this all-day Land Rover tour to some of the island’s most beautiful and hidden places. Those who are short on time and eager to get away from the crowds will appreciate this budget-friendly, all-inclusive outing that visits waterfalls, herb farms, and ancient olive groves and includes lunch at a local taverna, a nature hike, and swimming in a cool spring.

This leisurely excursion offers a mix of activities. Visit the Minoan settlement of Gournia to learn about the settlement's history, visit a 3,200-year-old olive tree, and enjoy a sunset dinner at a taverna on the water's edge. Special diets can be be accommodated and since it's just you, the tour has some flexibility. This is a great outing for couples looking for an unforgettable date night.

Explore a side of Crete's mountainous, dramatic countryside that many other visitors overlook—and make your sightseeing seamless—on this full-day tour. After pickup from your area hotel, head off the tourist trail when you take a motorboat to unspoiled Spinalonga Island. Next, discover the Milatos Cave, visit a local producer to sample premium olive oil, and admire spectacular views of the region's valleys, villages, and coastline in between.

Discover the authentic side of Crete on a full-day journey through Lasithi and Agios Nikolaos, where stunning scenery, Cretan traditions, history, flavours and local craftsmanship come together. Travel through traditional villages to learn about the island’s way of life, customs and heritage, and visit a mythology park where ancient Cretan myths come alive in a beautiful natural setting. Enjoy an introduction to Cretan gastronomy with wine tasting, local products and olive-oil specialties, discovering flavours at the heart of the island’s celebrated diet. Visit a traditional pottery workshop and see how centuries-old clay craftsmanship continues today. Savour an authentic Cretan meal cooked in a wood-fired oven, filled with the aromas and flavours of local cuisine. End the day in Agios Nikolaos, with free time to explore the picturesque town and Lake Voulismeni, take photos, enjoy a coffee and relax by the sea. A memorable experience blending culture, nature, gastronomy and traditions.

This private boat tour is designed for travelers who want to enjoy Elounda and Mirabello Bay in a relaxed and personal way, away from crowded group boats. With a local family-owned business, guests can swim in clear waters, relax on board, enjoy snacks and drinks, and use the included paddleboard and sea scooter during the stops. For guests who want something more special, a private chef can also be arranged as an extra service. Everything is prepared with care, so guests can simply arrive, step on board and enjoy their time in Crete.

This tour offers much more than sightseeing—it is a journey through the history, culture, and authentic soul of Eastern Crete. Visit the peaceful Monastery of Kremasta, explore the fascinating island of Spinalonga, enjoy the beauty of Elounda and the cosmopolitan charm of Agios Nikolaos with its famous Lake Voulismeni, and wander through the traditional village of Kritsa with its historic Panagia Kera and local Women's Cooperative. Traveling with me means a relaxed, personal experience filled with local stories, hidden gems, and genuine Cretan hospitality. Small groups, plenty of free time, and a friendly atmosphere make this tour memorable, authentic, and different from the typical excursion.

Discover Spinalonga and the crystal-clear waters of Mirabello Bay on a private 5-hour motor yacht cruise from Agios Nikolaos. Designed exclusively for your group, this experience combines sightseeing, swimming and relaxed time aboard Virtuosa. Cruise around historic Spinalonga, enjoy two 40-minute swimming stops in carefully selected locations, and take in the coastline of Mirabello Bay. Professional skipper and host, fresh fruit, light snacks, soft drinks and water are included, with an optional upgraded onboard meal available.

What makes this tour stand out Experience the wild beauty of eastern Crete on a full-day private yacht cruise from Agios Nikolaos to Psira and Mochlos. Swim in crystal-clear waters, discover authentic Mochlos and enjoy a relaxed day at sea aboard Virtuosa with your skipper and host. Choose how you want to enjoy your day: visit a traditional seaside taverna in Mochlos, with tender transfer from the yacht to shore and back, or enjoy a full Mediterranean menu served privately on board. With the yacht reserved exclusively for up to 8 guests, the cruise combines privacy, comfort, scenery and a personalized pace. - Full-day private yacht cruise to Psira and Mochlos - Swimming stop in the crystal-clear waters around Psira - Time to experience authentic Mochlos - Choice of seaside taverna or full onboard Mediterranean menu - Tender transfer included with the taverna option - Private yacht, professional skipper and host for up to 8 guests

Experience the allure of Voulisma Beach. Located on a brief journey from Heraklion, Voulisma is located near the urban city of Agios Nicolaos. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy four hours immersing yourself in the beach’s beauty at your leisure. Whether you wish to soak up the sun, swim in the refreshing waters, or discover the local area, the time is yours. Relish the local flavors at beachfront bars and tavernas, indulging in the authentic tastes of Crete. As the day concludes, you’ll return to your accommodation.

Enjoy a walking tour of the island of Spinalonga during a full-day excursion from Elounda to the island. Visit Agios Nikolaos and Elounda and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Kolokytha, where you can enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch. Along the coast through the St. George Gorge to Elounda, a tranquil coastal resort At around 10:30, you will get on board to visit the bay and the beach of Kolokytha, a secluded haven that offers a respite from daily life. You can swim and eat a delicious BBQ on board. Then, you take the boat at around 12:45 to Spinalonga, across Mirabello bay. Spinalonga's history is complex. It was a natural barrier for Olous in Ancient Greek times, a Saracen pirate refuge, a Venetian fortification, and a Turkic settlement. You depart from Spinalonga at appr. 14:45 p.m. Transfer from/to port is not included.Clients go with get your guide code to the boat they don't need to have confirmation

The ancient harbor town of Falasarna lies within easy reach of Rethymno, but organizing transportation to reach it independently can be a challenge. On this tour, enjoy round-trip travel from your hotel in Rethymno or surrounds, and reach Falasarna with ease by air-conditioned coach. Enjoy four hours of free time to swim in the crystal-clear waters, explore the ancient sites, and soak up the rays at your leisure.

The tiny island of Spinalonga is just a short hop away from Crete, but a visit is like stepping back in time. Centuries of history are packed within the walls that encircle it. See it through the eyes of a local on this exclusive full day tour, which also takes in two coastal towns on Mirabello Bay. Veta, one of our guides, says, 'You'll visit the pretty fishing village of Elounda and the seaside town of Agios Nikolaos. You'll try some typical Cretan food in a taverna, too.' Spinalonga has been many things throughout its existence, including a Venetian outpost and an Ottoman town. It was even a leper colony, which led to it being dubbed the ‘Isle of Tears'. You'll take a walk with our local guide, who'll lead you along narrow lanes of long-abandoned roofless dwellings and show you around the fortress and the colony, which closed in the 1950s. What's more, you'll beat the crowds by arriving early on the first ferry of the day.

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.

Sail with us along the magnificent Mirabello Gulf and be mesmerized by the thousand shades of blue of the Cretan Sea. Explore the most unique hidden bays of the gulf and savor on our exclusive menu prepared with the finest ingredients. Our journey begins from the Marina of Agios Nikolaos. As we start, after a short safety briefing, you can admire the beautiful coastline of Mirabello. About 1 hour later we arrive to our first swim stop in kolokytha bay where you can enjoy the famous turquoise waters and try snorkeling and SUP paddle boarding. After about 1 hour you will have the opportunity to enjoy our exclusive menu that includes Cretan appetizers, Shrimp Linguini or mushroom risotto and a platter of Mediterranean and tropical fruits. After, the boat will depart to sail around the iconic Spinalonga Island and you will get the opportunity to admire it from the sea which offers the most stunning view before setting sails to head back to the Marina after a day full of great memories.

Join us on a relaxing boat cruise to the stunning coastal areas of Elounda and the historic island of Spinalonga. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing while sailing around the famous “lepers’ island,” admiring its beauty from a unique perspective. We also visit the legendary Pirate Barbarossa Cave, where he once sought refuge before conquering the island. Next, we stop at the beautiful Kolokytha Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and natural scenery. There, our crew prepares a delicious BBQ lunch including two pork souvlaki skewers and grilled bread, served with raki, fresh fruits, a glass of orange juice, or a glass of local wine, accompanied by music and dancing. Finally, we head to Skistra Beach for more swimming and relaxation in a peaceful spot rarely visited by crowds. Our friendly crew promises an unforgettable mini cruise that will be a highlight of your holiday.

Visit the former leper colony and Venetian fortress on Spinalonga Island during this private 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 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.

Experience the heart of Crete on an unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes, authentic villages, and hidden plateaus where mythology and local life come alive. Start in a charming mountain village, explore traditional craft shops, and enjoy a refreshing break. Take in spectacular panoramic views over Mirabello Bay before driving through the lush Selakanos Forest to the remote Katharo Plateau, where wild nature surrounds you. Pause at a traditional kafenion, then continue off-road through the exciting “Goat Valley” to a stunning viewpoint above the Lassithi Plateau—perfect for unforgettable photos. Descend for a delicious lunch with unlimited wine in a timeless rural setting. Discover authentic farm life with working donkeys and, on your return, savor a tasting of local olive oil. A day full of adventure, flavors, and unforgettable Cretan moments.

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.