Heraklion Tour Spinalonga and Pearls of Mirabello Bay

Heraklion Private Tour Spinalonga and Pearls of Mirabello Bay

Tour from Heraklion

  • Experience the intimacy of authentic Cretan village
  • Soak up the sparkling vibe of lively Agios Nikolaos town
  • Enjoy the stunning views of Elounda and Mirabello Bay
  • Uncover a unique history of Spinalonga Island
  • Embark on a boat journey over turquoise waters
  • Lunch in some of the renowned seafood taverns
  • Relax at beautiful Plaka – a fishermen’s hangout village
  • Hear the legends of ancient gods and goddesses

Here they are, the pearls – a lovely village, a sparkling port town and a fascinating island - enveloped by majestic Mirabello bay. This wonderful day tour embraces the Mediterranean island life in all its variety - stunning sceneries, its rural and urban charm, some of the most spectacular sites of the island (a swimming opportunity), its culture, history and a sea - it is probably one of the best tours to take when visiting Crete.Heading east from the island's capital, Heraklion, a glorious panorama unfolds as you approach the spectacular bay of Mirabello, a stunning location situated on Crete's north east coast. The gulf sits beneath the dramatically soaring Thripti Mountains. Connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway the island of Kolokythi, attached to Elounda creates a sheltered bay within a bay, which stretches to the fascinating island of Spinalonga.

Explore Kritsa - a traditional mountain village seated among olive groves and known as a setting of quite few film scenes shot in Crete. An opportunity to taste a traditional, well-brewed Greek coffee (or mountain tea), meet the villagers.As we continue the scenic road takes us to small port where we take a boat to Spinalonga. Over the years, Spinalonga Island has gained the reputation as one of all-time favorite sightseeing on Crete - it is stunning location, rich with legends and touching stories. Here we will have a guided tour with our expert guide to discover its secrets and its past. Maybe you have read Viktoria Hislop’s international bestselling novel “Island”?​This tour is not only about island; it’s the whole journey to and from, starting from either the charming seaside village Plaka or fisherman’s Elounda.

Family-owned taverns seated in Elounda bay are great to enjoy the Crete’s seafood offering (fish, calamari, octopus) or equally good lamb chops.Explore the charming port town Agios Nikolaos  - one of the most picturesque in whole Greece, discover its mystic and legendary lake and enjoy the panoramic view of the town from our special view point.

Fascinating island of Spinalonga - once a Venetian fort, then an Ottoman settlement and then a Cretan island of outcasts whose life-affirming stories of triumph over adversity and sense of community could still be witnessed 50 years after it was closed

Mirabello Bay is the largest natural bay in Crete and its name comes from the Italian “mira il bello” that means 'a beautiful view' - a tribute to the wonderful sea views from the bay.

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Testimonials:

“Wonderful tour of the Villages of Crete, Greece by Joseph Batis”Joseph Batis truly showed us the secrets of Crete, Greece. We went to villages and were a part of the daily life of Crete, visited small museums with vibrant histories, had an unexpected surprise stop where we attended a greek celebration on holy spirit day..

You WILL learn secrets of Crete! How many ways can you prepare Greek Coffee? Are dark olives and green olives different varieties? Why is the sea called Aegean? You will find out these and 100's more amazing facts if you hire Secrets of Crete...

יוסי מסיורים בכרתים ויוון, הוא מדריך.... מקצוען, בעל יידע נרחב איש לבבי וסימפטי, טיילנו בשנה שעברה... היה פשוט מדהים כיף... כיף... כיף... ממליץ בחום למי שמגיע לכרתים ויוון להשתמש בשרותיו המעולים. תודה יוסי על הסיורים ,האוכל, הטברנות, היה תענוג גדול ! ! ! מאתנו: אורי אילש, אלי גנט, יגאל גרינשטיין, נטלי גרינשטיין, אור גרינשטיין

“Fantastic and memorable day with Joseph”Joseph is a pleasure to spend time with. He is educated, knowledgeable, extremely well-traveled, articulate in at least 5 languages, personable and also has a lovely sense of humor. Most importantly he has an honest love of Crete that comes through his tours.

CMWNJ, USA

"Secrets of Crete" provides a fascinating Private Tour My husband and I had the good fortune to have spent the day with Joseph Batis, who has tours exploring some of the lesser known parts of Crete, Greece. In our correspondence with him prior to the day we had available, he customized the itinerary to fit our specific requests.

Visitors from Maryland

"Great way to discover Crete off the beaten track" Joseph from Secrets of Crete organised a brilliant tour in the mountains of central Crete today, going off the beaten track to very atmospheric small roads and old villages where we saw no other tourists, only locals.

Ingrid, France

Awards & Accolades

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