- Home
- Experiences
- Panagia
- Spinalonga Excursion with Panagia Kera and Agios Nikolaos



The tour begins with a drive along the island's north coast, where we will visit the 12th-century Byzantine church of Panagia Kera, located 1 km from the village of Kritsa. The church boasts the best-preserved Byzantine frescoes in Crete, making it one of the most culturally and historically important temples on the island.
We continue our journey along the beautiful coastal road and through the village of Elounda, located 11 km north of the city of Agios Nikolaos. Elounda maintains its authentic character and offers a unique landscape with several coves and unspoiled beaches. One of them is the coastal village of Plaka, where we will board a boat to visit the deserted island of Spinalonga. Our guide will lead the tour through the ruins of the former leper colony, which operated from 1903 to 1957, offering better living conditions, medical assistance, and economic support to patients.
After visiting Spinalonga, there will be free time to swim in the crystal-clear waters of Plaka and the option of having lunch at Taverna Spinalonga (Plaka).
Next, we will visit the city of Agios Nikolaos, the capital of Lassithi. The salt lake Voulismeni, of unknown depth, dominates the landscape. A narrow channel connects the lake to the sea, and an impressive backdrop of red rocks and trees contributes to the region's natural beauty. A small pine park is located above the lake, and a stone path leads to its southern end, where there is a charming harbor for fishing boats.
The city also offers archaeological, ethnographic, and natural history museums, Byzantine churches, a well-organized marina, bustling pedestrian streets (ideal for leisurely strolls), and traditional squares with lively cafes and restaurants.
The tour ends in the late afternoon, at 6 PM, with the return to the Cretan Spiti Travel terminal in Heraklion.
Encontro com o guia no terminal da Cretan Spiti Travel, em frente à entrada do Museu Arqueológico de Heraklion, em frente à Hari’s Creperie, às 08:30.
Doubt or unforeseen? Send a message via Chat.
Check the discounts according to each experience.
9h 30min
Regular tour
Espanhol / Francês / Inglês / Italiano
Available
It operates every Sunday.
Duration: 9h30 (08:30 – 18:00)