Lake Voulismeni

Lake Voulismeni: Our most recommended tours and activities

Crete: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda with BBQ Lunch

Crete: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda with BBQ Lunch

Experience a full-day guided tour of Spinalonga Island, including visits to the charming towns of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, as well as a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Kolokytha, where you’ll enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch. Your day begins with a scenic ride along the coast, passing through the St. George Gorge to the peaceful coastal resort of Elounda. Around 10:00 AM, you’ll board a boat for a short trip to Kolokytha Bay, a perfect spot for a refreshing swim in the clear, inviting waters. While there, you can also enjoy a tasty lunch on board. At about 12:45 PM, the boat will take you across the stunning Mirabello Bay to Spinalonga. Once on the island, a professional tour guide will lead you through its fascinating history. Learn about Spinalonga’s past as a natural barrier for the ancient Greek city of Olous, a refuge for Saracen pirates, a Venetian fortress, and a Turkish settlement. Spend time exploring the island and soaking in its rich history before departing around 2:45 PM. After leaving Spinalonga, you’ll head back to Elounda by bus. On the way, stop for a quick and informative olive oil tasting. Then, continue on to Agios Nikolaos, the capital town of Lassithi, arriving around 3:45 PM. In Agios Nikolaos, relax at a café by the beautiful Lake Voulismeni, also known as the "bottomless lake." Enjoy a peaceful stroll around the lake and explore the local shops. After a day of exploration and relaxation, you’ll return to your hotel, carrying with you unforgettable memories of this incredible tour. This Spinalonga Day Tour offers the perfect combination of history, relaxation, and local culture, making for an unforgettable experience.

Crete: Agios Nikolaos, Plaka and Spinalonga Island Tour

Crete: Agios Nikolaos, Plaka and Spinalonga Island Tour

Start your tour with a visit to an olive oil park. Here, you can see how extra virgin olive oil, table olives, and olive paste are made. Taste the famous Greek olive oil, known worldwide for its great taste and health benefits. You can also try other Cretan products like "raki" and honey. Next, head to the capital town of Lassithi, Agios Nikolaos. Discover this pretty city at your own pace. Walk through the shops or relax in one of the many cafes by the beautiful bottomless lake of Voulismeni. Continue your journey to Plaka, a small fishing village near Spinalonga. Enjoy free time here for lunch or a refreshing swim. Take a short 15-minute boat ride from Plaka to the famous island of Spinalonga. Spinalonga has a rich and tragic history. It has served many purposes: a natural defense for the ancient city of Olous, a pirate hideout for the Saracens, a Venetian fortress, a Turkish settlement, and a leper colony. Spend about 90 minutes exploring the island and learning about its fascinating past. After your self-guided tour of Spinalonga, return to Plaka. Here, you can enjoy more coffee or lunch before returning to your hotel. An Unforgettable Trip: This tour offers a mix of culture, history, and relaxation. With many exciting destinations, it’s a trip you definitely should not miss. The day tour to West Crete includes round-trip transfers from the following areas: Sissi, Malia, Stalida, Hersonissos, Piskopiano, Koutouloufari, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Karteros, Heraklion Center, Ammoudara Beach, Agia Pelagia, and Lygaria.

Heraklion: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda & Plaka Tour

Heraklion: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda & Plaka Tour

Discover the highlights of Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Plaka on this multi-stop trip from Heraklion. Take in the sights from onboard a ferry and savor a BBQ or tavern lunch. See Spinalonga Island, the Lake of Voulismeni, and more. Meet your local guide, and make your first stop at Agios Nikolaos on the Gulf of Mirabello. This place is famous for its picturesque lake, explored by the ocean researcher Jaques Cousteau. Walk along the city on your own or relax at a cafe. After that, drive to the harbor of Elounda where you'll get on a ferry to visit the Island of Spinalonga. This small isle carries within the history of Ancient Greece, as it served as a natural guard for the ancient city of Olous. Choose to join a guided tour or explore the island by yourself. If you don't want to visit the archaeological site, you can join a 1-hour boat trip to a secret location and dive into the crystal-clear water (cost not included). After visiting Spinalonga, depart for one of the nearby bays. Get plenty of time for swimming and enjoying BBQ served on board. The menu includes pork BBQ, greek salad, feta cheese, bread, seasonal fruit, wine, and Fanta. If your trip is on a Sunday, you'll get to enjoy dinner in a tavern instead of having BBQ on board. After a short drive, reach Plaka, a small fishing village. Plaka was the ferry port of the leper colony, whose history was documented in a book and a Greek television series. The last stop of the day is the capital town of Lasithi, Agios Nikolaos. Relax in a café next to the bottomless Lake of Voulismeni or explore the local shops. Enjoy a refreshing swim before heading back to your accommodation. 10:30 Departure from Elounda with the boat 11:10 Arrival Kolokytha 12:45 Departure from Kolokytha 13:10 Arrival Spinalonga 14:45 Departure from Spinalonga to Elounda 15:00 Arrival Elounda 15:45 Olive oil tasting - Arrival Agios Nikolaos 16:45 Departure Agios Nikolaos – back to the hotels 18:30 Arrival Heraklion. Route:128 km Duration:app. 11 hours Stay in Spinalonga:1 ½ hours Stay in Kolokytha Bay-Beach:1 ½ hours Stay in Agios Nikolaos:app.1 hour ESSENTIALS: •shoes for the sea •sun protection •hat * Remarks:Please notify us in advance, if you are vegetarian or if you do not eat pork at all, as we have to preorder another lunch for you.

Crete: Spinalonga Boat Tour with BBQ & Agios Nikolaos

Crete: Spinalonga Boat Tour with BBQ & Agios Nikolaos

Sail from Elounda to Kolokitha Beach: A Mediterranean Delight Embark on a journey that seamlessly blends modernity with ancient charm, making you feel as if you've stepped back in time. Our adventure begins at the beautiful harbor of Elounda, where we catch the boat to the tranquil shores of Kolokitha Beach. Dive into the crystal-clear blue waters for a refreshing swim and savor a delicious BBQ onboard. Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with tasty pork chops, crisp Greek salad, creamy feta cheese, and freshly baked bread. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine or a fizzy drink, and finish with a serving of fresh seasonal fruit for dessert. Discover the History of Spinalonga Island As the sun glistens on the waves, we leave the serenity of Kolokitha and set sail for the renowned island of Spinalonga. This fascinating island boasts a rich tapestry of history, with remnants from pirate incursions, formidable Venetian invaders, and Turkish settlers. Explore the island's intriguing past on a guided walk, delving into its unique and storied heritage. Enjoy a Cultural Olive Oil Tasting Our magical adventure continues as we transition from sea to land. Hop onto a bus for a delightful cultural experience: an olive oil tasting. Sample some of the finest local olive oils, learning about their production and significance in Greek culture. Relax in Agios Nikolaos and Lake Voulismeni Our final stop is the charming town of Agios Nikolaos. Relax by the famous Lake Voulismeni, rumored to have no bottom, or explore the vibrant town. Discover hidden treasures in the local shops, offering a variety of unique items and souvenirs. Embark on a Timeless Adventure Throughout this journey, each moment offers a glimpse into the past, blending Greece's rich history with its vibrant culture. Your day will be transformed into a timeless escape as you uncover the magic of Crete. Book your adventure today and experience the enchanting blend of modern and ancient on this unforgettable journey.

Spinalonga & Agios Nikolaos with BBQ

Spinalonga & Agios Nikolaos with BBQ

Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lassithi prefecture in eastern Crete. A beautiful coastal town popular for its signature sight of the Lake Voulismeni. Spinalonga is a now uninhabited small island, also known as the “island of the forgotten’’. It was initially built as a Venetian fortress, later used as a settlement by the Turks but it is mostly known for its most recent historical purpose as a leper colony between 1903 and 1957. Full description: Your day trip starts early in the morning when our bus and tour guide pick you up from your hotel. While in the bus you get plenty of information about Crete, its history and culture. Our first stop is the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos where you have free time to scroll around the narrow commercial streets or enjoy a cup of coffee over the “bottomless’’ lake of Voulismeni. After that, we head to the famous village of Elounda that used to be a fishermen village but is nowadays one of the most luxurious areas of Crete, attracting celebrities from all over the world. From there, a short 15 minute boat ride takes us to the beautiful island of Spinalonga. Arriving on the island, you can enter the historical site and enjoy a guided tour around the old market streets and the houses of the lepers, while learning about the heart-moving story of Spinalonga. Scroll around to find the former hospital and the churches of Saint Panteleimon and Saint George and have a glimpse of the past while discovering the life of lepers on the island. Following, we board back on the boat and our trip continues to Kolokytha, a beautiful beach where you can relax, have a swim in the clear blue waters and enjoy a delicious BBQ.

Full-Day Tour: Spinalonga ,Elounda & Ag. Nikolaos with Lunch

Full-Day Tour: Spinalonga ,Elounda & Ag. Nikolaos with Lunch

Spinalonga, the last leper colony in Europe, is located in Mirabello Bay at 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. It used to be a leper colony from 1903 until 1957, where the lepers were isolated on the "borders" of the island , and could have a better life, medical help and economical support. The ruins of the market street with the shops, the hospital and many small houses can be explored individually. Leaving Spinalonga Island, we will pick-up your lunch from a local restaurant at Elounda , and the remaining time is free to explore or relax at the beach . The next destination will be Agios Nikolaos, a town with 14.000 inhabitants which is built on the side of the Gulf Mirabello. In the center of Agios Nikolaos is the lake Voulismeni, probably created by an earthquake. Where, we can have a coffee break or a walk around the lake, which gives you a great view from above, over the center and the harbor of Agios Nikolaos. Next to the lovely harbor are shady thee-lined streets filled with shops give you the opportunity to do some “serious shopping”. Before a take the road back , we will make a short visit at the olive factory in Malia and taste the famous Cretan olive oil.

Crete: Agios Nikolaos, Kritsa and Amazonas Park Day Trip

Crete: Agios Nikolaos, Kritsa and Amazonas Park Day Trip

Start with pickup from your hotel and first pass the Selinari monastery with its impressive gorge, and reach the small town of Neapolis. Visit the Vassilakis Estate, one of the oldest and most successful olive oil producers in Crete. Enjoy a detailed tour of their production facility and learn how olive oil is made. Continue to the provincial capital of Agios Nikolaos where you can admire the shimmering blue waters of the bay of Mirabello. Walk along the harbor and over the bridge to the freshwater Lake Voulismeni. Visit a local market and browse for specialty local products such as honey, olive oil, and spices. After a Greek coffee in one of the cozy cafes, continue to Kritsa, one of the most picturesque villages on the island. Admire the views of the whitewashed houses of the village located below a steep rocky slope. Take a break for some lunch at your own expense, followed by a stroll through the village. Finally, travel to Amazonas Park and discover a sanctuary for the conservation of endangered species. Take a guided tour of the sanctuary and see a variety of colorful parrots and curious monkeys. See rare parrot species which will eventually be released back into their natural habitat, and enjoy the fantastic views of the foothills of the Dikti Mountains.

Spinalonga,Elounda,Ag.Nikolaos, Olive Factory From Heraklion

Spinalonga,Elounda,Ag.Nikolaos, Olive Factory From Heraklion

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. It used to be a leper colony from 1903 until 1957, where lepers could have a better life, medical help and economical support. The ruins of the market street with the shops, the hospital and many small houses in which lepers lived isolated, can be explored individually. Leaving Spinalonga Island we have free time to explore the unique Elounda village or go for swimming in the crystal clear waters of Elounda Bay.. Before we take the road back to Heraklion, we will visit Ag.Nikolaos, a town with 14.000 inhabitants which is built on the side of the Gulf of Mirabello. In the centre of Agios Nikolaos is the lake Voulismeni, probably created by an earthquake. There, we can have a coffee break or a walk around the lake, which gives you a great view from above, over the center and the harbor of Agios Nikolaos. Next to the lovely harbor are shady tree-lined streets filled with shops gives you the opportunity to do some “serious shopping”. Our last stop is at the olive factory in Malia and taste the famous Cretan olive oil.

Full Day trip to Spinalonga and Lasithi Plateau Land of Zeus

Full Day trip to Spinalonga and Lasithi Plateau Land of Zeus

Embark on a captivating full-day excursion uncovering Crete's rich history and stunning landscapes. Immerse yourself in Agios Nikolaos, a town nestled amidst three hills, boasting winding streets and the legendary Lake Voulismeni steeped in captivating folklore. Explore the picturesque bay of Merabelo, visit charming fishing villages, and set sail to Spinalonga, an island with a fascinating fortress and historical leper settlement. Discover the mountainous terrain adorned with diverse flora and ancient olive trees. Pause at Krasi village to admire one of the world's oldest plane trees and savor traditional "raki" by natural springs. Explore the expansive Lasithi Plateau, once home to a grand wind farm of 13,000 windmills. Unveil the legendary Lasithi Plateau, Zeus's birthplace, offering breathtaking vistas of the plateau. Opt for a delightful traditional homemade Cretan meal amidst picturesque surroundings. Conclude your adventure in the traditional village of Mochos, engaging with locals at cozy cafes. Depart with cherished memories and a heartwarming smile, chauffeured back to your location. Embark on an unforgettable journey blending history, natural beauty, and cultural immersion—a voyage that fosters treasured moments and a genuine connection to Crete's soul.

Crete : Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos by Bus 5 Hours Free time

Crete : Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos by Bus 5 Hours Free time

Join us for an exciting day trip by bus to Agios Nikolaos! Hop aboard and relax as we take you on a scenic journey to this beautiful coastal town in Greece. As we travel, you can enjoy the views of the countryside. Once we arrive in Agios Nikolaos, you will have around 5 hours to explore this charming town at your leisure. Stroll along the picturesque waterfront, soak up the sun on the sandy beaches, or wander through the narrow streets lined with quaint shops and cafes. Do not forget to visit the famous Lake Voulismeni, a stunning natural lake nestled in the heart of the town. During your stay, you will have plenty of time to indulge in delicious Greek cuisine at one of the local tavernas or perhaps pick up some souvenirs to remember your trip. After a fun-filled day of discovery, we'll gather back at the bus for a comfortable journey back to our starting point. Sit back, relax, and reminisce about the memories you've made in Agios Nikolaos as we head home. Don't miss out on this unforgettable adventure! 10.15 Arrival in Agios Nikolaos 15.00 Departure from Agios Nikolaos 17:00 Arrival in Heraklion ROUTE: app. 70 km DURATION: app. 8 hours STAY IN AGIOS NIKOLAOS: app. 5 hours

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What people are saying about Lake Voulismeni

Overall rating

4
(27 reviews)

We had a great day! The organization was very nice, with a punctual bus pick-up. Our guide, friendly and funny, spoke three languages and explained many things to us throughout the journey, which was a real plus for French speakers, because it is very difficult to find French-speaking guides on the island. The food on the boat was ok. I recommend this activity with an excellent quality/price ratio!

The guide was great. The transport and the tour itself were also great. The food was good too, the only thing that was a bit annoying was that it was a bit uncomfortable to eat on the boat. Since our hotel was in Anmoudara and thus furthest away from the tour destination, the tour lasted a full 12 hours. We knew this though, so it was fine. It was great that the price included this long transport.

It was a great day. The taxi pickup to the bus was very well organized. That saved us having to drive to each hotel individually. The tour guide was very informative and spoke great German. We had plenty of time at the spots. The absolute highlight was Spinalonga. It was a very nice day out.

Great excursion, with several free times on the beach and relaxing. My guide was very good. The big downside is that the pick-up point was a 25-minute walk away.

Miss Mary was a wonderful guide around the island - thank you!