Heraklion Archaeological Museum
One of Europe’s great museums, home to the world’s finest collection of Minoan art.
Museums · Heraklion







Originally, Spinalonga was not an island – it was part of the island of Crete. During Venetian occupation the island was carved out of the coast for defence purposes and a fort was built there. During Venetian rule, salt was harvested from salt pans around the island.The island has also been used as a leper colony. Spinalonga has appeared in novels, television series, and a short film. This excursion is a perfect option for those who want to combine land & sea tours. You will also have the opportunity to visit the eastern part of Crete, Agios Nikolaos, a small town with a picturesque harbour and the island of Spinalonga.
One of Europe’s great museums, home to the world’s finest collection of Minoan art.
Museums · Heraklion
Heraklion's church of the island's patron saint.
Churches & monasteries · Heraklion
Ancient Greek inventions you can see working.
Museums · Heraklion
An elegant Venetian building, now the town hall.
Old towns & landmarks · Heraklion
Heraklion's Venetian basilica.
Old towns & landmarks · Heraklion
Cretan art inside a 13th century basilica.
Museums · Heraklion
Four stone lions in the heart of Heraklion.
Old towns & landmarks · Heraklion
A Venetian gate on Eleftherias Square.
Old towns & landmarks · Heraklion
Icons and church treasures in a Venetian basilica.
Museums · Heraklion
Church where El Greco may have studied.
Churches & monasteries · Heraklion
The Venetian sea fortress guarding Heraklion harbour.
Forts & castles · Heraklion
Heraklion's huge cathedral.
Churches & monasteries · Heraklion
Crete's story from Byzantine times to today.
Museums · Heraklion
Crete's busy capital, with museums and Venetian walls.
All villages & towns · Heraklion
Traditional instruments and live lessons.
Museums · Heraklion
Our tour starts with a visit at the Olive Factory In Malia, there you can taste the famous Cretan Olive oil.
1 hourBy boat we visit the island of Spinalonga. This island was used as a Leper Colony until 1957. In the small village under the Venetian fortress the stigmatised lepers shared fates when exiled to the island. We make a stop to take a swim in the clean waters of Kolokitha beach in the area of the remains of the ancient sunken city of Olous.
5 hoursWe visit the eastern part of the island. Passing through Heraklio, we reach Agios Nikolaos, a small town with a picturesque harbour. The hilly town is built around a former sweet water lake.
3 hoursElounda port, take the boat to Spinalonga
20 minutesHotel pick up and drop off is included only for the preselected areas at indicated hotel or nearby appointed area of our pick up routing. In case of outside proximity property (hotel, AIRBNB, villas) you have to reach meeting point by your own transportation means.
We do offer pickup from: Ammoudara, Heraklion, Karteros, Kokkini Hani, Gournes, Gouves, Analipsi, Hersonissos, Stalida, Malia, Sissi, Aghios Nikolaos
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.