Full day Spinalonga Ag Nikolaos Kritsa Olive Tour from Heraklion

Overview

Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Kritsa, and Olive Tour excursion stands out by seamlessly blending historical exploration, cultural immersion, and an in-depth look into the region's vital olive industry. Spinalonga provides a poignant historical backdrop, Agios Nikolaos offers coastal charm, Kritsa adds cultural richness, and the olive tour provides insight into Crete's iconic agricultural tradition. This unique combination allows participants to delve into the island's diverse facets, from its past to its present, making the excursion a comprehensive and memorable experience.

Itinerary

1. The tiny, teardrop-shaped island of Spinalonga, just off the southern coast of Crete’s Lassithi region, wasn’t always on the tourist map. Today, taking a boat trip there is a must for any visitor to Elounda. On the island are the remains of a 16th-century Venetian fortress, built to protect the strategically important Bay of Mirabello. The castle is visible from the coast and gives a special beauty to the landscape. However what makes Spinalonga unique are the ruined houses and buildings of the settlement that was from 1903-1957 official leper colony for Greece. While walking in the narrow roads of Spinalonga you will experience what you can read in history books and in Victoria Hinslop’s best-selling novel “The island”. Around the island’s perimeter there is a 1,5 path leading you through the ruins and all the prickle pear trees of the island.

   2 hours · Admission not included
2. Agios Nikolaos

   A picturesque town of Crete – calm enough to relax and busy enough to be interesting. In Ag. Nikolaos visitors can admire the beautiful lake, surrounded by red rock formations and lush vegetation, it becomes one with the sea through a narrow canal. Following the canal, we reach the harbor of Ag. Nikolaos. The town is full of shops, cafes and restaurants with local and international cuisine. Among the shops, some sell traditional Cretan artifacts, art, copies from the local archaeological museums, jewels, impressive embroidery, local products, and many delicacies

   3 hours
3. Kritsa

   Kritsa is one of the oldest and most picturesque villages in Crete, Greece, built amphitheatrically on a rock hill, named Kastellos, surrounded by olive groves, at an altitude of 375 m. It is part of the municipality of Agios Nikolaos. During the Middle Ages, it was thought to be the largest village in Crete. Kritsa has been destroyed many times during the last centuries because it participated in all of Crete's revolutions. It is located 10 km from Agios Nikolaos.Before the entrance of the village is the old Byzantine Church of Panagia Kera with unique, in technique and importance, Byzantine frescoes (13th and 14th century).

   2 hours

4. You learn how olive oil is made, today and in the past, stopping at the outdoor olive museum where the original 1865 family stone mill is displayed.
   The tour includes an olive oil tasting testing, during which visitors are given tips on how to recognise a superior olive oil.

   1 hour

Meeting and pickup

The pick-up point will be just outside the reception of your hotel. For cruise passengers, it will be outside the main building at the harbor. Your driver will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name. If your address is not listed, please let us know so we can check if a pick-up can be arranged for you or if another pick-up point near your residence is possible.

Good to know

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.