Spend a full day exploring Mirabello Bay: a boat trip to Spinalonga’s Venetian walls, olive oil and natural-cosmetic tastings, and swims at Voulisma. This private, door-to-door tour combines coastal history with hands-on food culture.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light slides across Mirabello Bay as the minivan winds away from Heraklion and the coast opens into Elounda’s string of coves. Salt air and pine follow you to the small port; a short boat ride cuts across turquoise water to Spinalonga, its battered Venetian walls rising like a storybook ruin from the sea. Walk the narrow alleys, hear the layered past — Byzantine chapel stones, Venetian ramparts, and the island’s later role as a leper colony until the mid-20th century.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7–9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; light walking and short stair sections on the island and village lanes.
Wildlife
History
Spinalonga combines Venetian fortress architecture with a 20th-century history as Greece’s last active leper colony; olive cultivation has shaped Cretan life and landscape for millennia.
Conservation
Mirabello Bay includes sensitive marine habitats; visitors are encouraged to avoid littering, support local producers, and refrain from touching archaeological remains.
Reserve your spot on the Olive Oil Cosmetic Factory- Spinalonga - Elounda - Agios Nikolaos today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Sun protection is essential
Strong Mediterranean sun and reflective sea make sunscreen, a broad-brim hat, and sunglasses necessary for the boat and shore stops.
Bring swimwear and a towel
Voulisma Beach is a planned swim stop — pack lightweight swimwear and quick-dry towel for the 90-minute break.
Carry small cash
Local producers and tavernas often prefer cash for small purchases and tastings — 20–50€ in small notes is useful.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Expect cobbled streets, uneven ruin surfaces on Spinalonga, and short uneven paths at the olive mill and monastery.
Sunscreen
Protects skin during boat crossings and beach time under strong sun.
summer
Comfortable walking shoes
Stable shoes for cobbles, ruins and short hikes around production sites.
Swimwear and towel
For the scheduled swim at Voulisma Beach and quick dips off the shore.
summer
Light daypack
Carries water, purchases from local producers, and layers during cooler mornings.