Our most recommended things to do in Plaka, Crete

Heraklion: Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda & Plaka Tour

1. 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: Villages Tour with Transfers and Snack

2. Crete: Villages Tour with Transfers and Snack

y a guided tour from Heraklion or Malia, exploring traditional villages and savoring local flavors. Your journey begins with a hotel pickup, heading through the historical town of Neapolis to the first stop, the charming village of Fourni. Here, indulge in traditional raki and local appetizers. Continuing along a scenic route to Plaka, a fishing village with a captivating view of Spinalonga. Enjoy free time to absorb the atmosphere and take some pictures. Next, venture to Elounda, where you can savor coffee or ice cream by the sea. Following a path with a spectacular view, you'll arrive at Agios Nikolaos, allowing a 30-minute stop to appreciate the lake and its beauty.

Agios Nikolaos: Private Boat Cruise with Soft Drinks

3. Agios Nikolaos: Private Boat Cruise with Soft Drinks

Chart your own course from Agios Nikolaos on a private half-day cruise to destinations like Dianiskari and Kolokutha beach or visit towns like Plaka and Elounda. Sip on complementary soft drinks and have access to showers and snorkeling equipment.  Choose an option that meets your group size and space needs with options for a 4.3-meter RIB boat for up to 4 people, a 5.3-meter motorboat for up to 6 people, or a 9-Meter RIB boat for up to 9 people. Hop aboard the ship at the port of Agios Nikolaos and begin your sailing adventure. Listen to music on board with a Bluetooth connection and craft your own itinerary to destinations like Skistra Bay and San Fwkas beach. Have the option to snorkel through crystal-clear waters or stop to purchase lunch at a seaside restaurant in the charming resort town of Elounda. Head to the island of Spinalonga where you can admire natural beauty and historical ruins on this island that was once a leper colony. Return to your starting point at the end of your tour.

Crete: Custom Elafonisi Escape from Elounda & Agios Nikolaos

4. Crete: Custom Elafonisi Escape from Elounda & Agios Nikolaos

Somewhere between heaven & earth, there is a Cretan beach paradise sculpted by nature over ancient times. On some days, this geological masterpiece is connected to the coastline of South-West Crete, and on others, it is an island you can easily wade to through a shallow sea corridor. Imagine yourself basking in crystal blue waters of the intermingled Cretan & Libyan Seas. With your toes sinking in the fine white sand that is blissfully blended with flecks of pink from millions of crushed shells as the fresh sea-breeze touches your cheeks leaving salt crystals in its wake. There are many ways to appreciate Elafonisi, but none quite as rewarding as a tailored & stress-free escape for the discerning travelers who pursue experiences at their own pace. On the road trip across West Crete rely on our top local insider to immerse in a true adventure by the comfort of a luxury chauffeured vehicle. This is your relaxation rhythm. Take things slower, breathe deep & luxuriate in your freedom

From Agios or Elounda: Zeus Cave & Knossos Palace Day Tour

5. From Agios or Elounda: Zeus Cave & Knossos Palace Day Tour

Join an art-historian guide on this journey along Eastern Crete. Discover the beauty of the Lassithi Plateau which is covered in forests and fertile land dotted with iconic windmills. Choose from a range of luxury vehicles that range from 3-12 seats. Be picked up from your accommodation in Agios Nikolaos or Elounda area. Follow your local insider guide for insider-access opportunities and tailored experience. Pass by quaint villages, storied monuments, and Byzantine Monasteries. Amble in the footsteps of gods at the Cave of Zeus. Plunge into the mythical birthplace of the king of the Greek gods and sense the sanctity of this ancient site. Get local recommendations on where to tuck into the genuine flavors of Crete.   Arrive at the Knossos Palace and admire the Minoan ruins and frescoes. Engage with the site as your art-historian guide reveals the past to you at a stress-free pace. Return to your accommodation at the end of your tour. 

Chania: Mirabello, Spinalonga & Agios Nikolaos Private Tour

6. Chania: Mirabello, Spinalonga & Agios Nikolaos Private Tour

Discover the beauty of Mirabello that majestically captures the soul of Crete. Take a boat ride to Spinalonga, stroll through Agios Nikolaos, and visit a local family-run olive oil farm on this private guided day tour. Start with pickup from your accommodation by luxury chauffeured vehicle. Meet your private guide who will escort you throughout the day and provide historical and cultural insight into the sights you will see. After a short journey, hop on a private boat to discover the island of Spinalonga. Bask in azure waters of secluded sandy coves tucked under cave-studded mountains. Hop off in the village of Plaka to indulge in the seafood tastes of delicious tavernas on the waterfront. On the way to Agios Nikolaos, revel in luxurious panoramic scenes of Elounda's elite haven. Stroll through the iconic town that oozes a chic vibe and soak up the splendor of the mythical lake as you unwind at the eclectic wine-cocktail bars. By the end of the day, visit a family olive oil production estate and discover their techniques for producing delectable olive oil, a key product of Greek cuisine. Afterward, relax on your journey back to the starting point.

Heraklion: Lasithi Plateau, Elounda & Plaka Private Tour

7. Heraklion: Lasithi Plateau, Elounda & Plaka Private Tour

Through this route, which is unique, we will visit in one day some of the most famous destinations of Eastern Crete. Our day begins with ascending to Lassithi Plateau and overlooking the North Cretan Sea with an excellent view, while the first stop will take place at the traditional village of Krasi, at an altitude of 600 m, where we will have the opportunity to admire the picturesque streets and the huge plane tree of the village with an estimated age of at least 2.400 years old and with a trunk perimeter of 24 m, as well as the very old fountains through which natural waters run all year round. Then we head towards the Cave of Zeus (Diktaean Cave) where we will have the opportunity to visit it and “meet” some of the most ancient parts of Greek mythology. In the traditional village of Psychro, at an altitude of 830 m, we will have the opportunity to taste traditional Cretan flavours and try the famous Cretan raki. We slowly descend through a majestic route and reach the lovely serene little town of Agios Nikolaos which is the cosmopolitan capital of the prefecture of Lasithi, with a beauty that really will amaze us. Here we can sight the amazing lake as well as visit the city market, which is enchanting. In the city of Agios Nikolaos we will also have our meal next to the sea. After a pause of about 1 hour, we start for a magical destination of Crete, Elounda, which is rightly mentioned as the most beautiful part of Crete. We definitely be amazed by the majestic view of the route and we will end up in the fishing village of Plaka, where just opposite it and at a distance of about 500 m lies the famous Spinalonga, the leper island, which was recently incorporated as a cultural heritage monument of UNESCO. In Plaka we will stay for about 45 minutes and there we will have the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear waters of the sea. Then, through a route with many traditional settlements, we will return to our hotel, full of pictures and memories that will accompany us for all our life.

From Heraklion: Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Private Tour

8. From Heraklion: Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Private Tour

Dive into the extraordinary coastal landscape of Crete on a private tour from Heraklion. Visit the imposing neighboring island of Spinalonga, then explore the quiet village of Plaka, known for its seafood. Discover the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, with a gorgeous lake and chic bars. Enjoy a transfer from your accommodation in Heraklion aboard your private vehicle for the day. Hop on a boat for the ride over to Spinalonga. Take in the deep blue water and sandy coves of this uninhabited island with a striking 16th-century Venetian fortress. Disembark in the village of Plaka to indulge in the fresh seafood of the waterfront taverns at your own expense. Continue on to Agios Nikolaos and revel in the gorgeous streets of the iconic town, oozing a chic vibe. Soak up the splendor of the lake as you unwind at the eclectic cocktail bars. Toward the end of the day, visit a family olive oil production estate and allow them to teach you about their techniques for producing delectable olive oil. Ride back to your accommodation in Heraklion to finish off your adventure.

From Elounda: Minoan Palaces with Winery & Matala Beach Tour

9. From Elounda: Minoan Palaces with Winery & Matala Beach Tour

Hop down to the heart of Central Crete, the beloved land of our ancestors, and let the wonders of the Minoan world collide on this luxurious passage of time. From the comfort of a premium chauffeured vehicle & escorted by our top local insider revel in the endless luxuries of the ancient Messara plain where wine-red fertile soils treasure lavish vineyards & the oldest olive groves stretch perennially toward the horizon. Visit a family award-winning winery set on the peak of allure panoramas & let our passionate winemakers immerse you into their intoxicating world. Luxuriate in ages unearthing the Bronze Age palaces of Phaistos & Gortyna along with storied villages & monasteries.

Spinalonga Island Guided Day Trip with Tavern Lunch & Wine

10. Spinalonga Island Guided Day Trip with Tavern Lunch & Wine

Start with pickup from your hotel and travel by spacious bus through small towns to the picturesque fishing village of Elounda. Then, board a privately booked traditional wooden fishing boat which will take you on a short cruise to the island of Spinalonga. Hear as your professional guide will share insights and stories of a former leper colony and the history of Spinalonga Island. After a guided walking tour on the island, board the boat and sail to the beautiful village of Plaka. Upon arrival, enjoy a lunch of local specialties in a traditional Greek tavern with a cozy atmosphere. Choose between fresh fish or chicken, enjoy some local wine, and enjoy the views of the coastline. Finally, visit the town of Agios Nikolaos for some time for further exploring and shopping. At the end of the tour, the bus will take you back to your pickup point near your hotel.

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What people are saying about Plaka, Crete

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 120 reviews

A great trip and a wonderful guide - Dagmara, who has great knowledge and you can see that she loves what she does. A cruise on a wooden boat has its own unique atmosphere. The Island itself is beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Thanks to Mrs. Dagmara, we got to know her stories in depth. She also made sure that we did not stand too long in the queue for admission tickets, sunbathing while waiting for dinner also had its charm. Very good quality food. A visit to the oil factory combined with a tasting and another portion of interesting facts. Not much time in Agios Nicolaos, which is the only downside of the whole trip, but it is enough for a cursory tour. Everything was very well organized! I heartily recommend!

The visit to the oil factory was not indicated and made us waste time on the next visit to Ágios Nikólaos at a run, otherwise the spot was great for swimming at the top!!! Great BBQ!!! Remember to provide a second bin on the boat for food waste in order to differentiate it from plastics and to replace plastic straws with cardboard straws. Have a nice day thanks again

Pick up and drop off was long but otherwise a great day! The island of Spinalonga is free for EU members under 25! And the plaka beach was beautiful with crystal clear water, too bad the day was punctuated by appointments due to the change of cities (a little stressful)

A really fun experience, got to learn lots about the different cities and islands through historical talks. Lunch was included in the cost of the trip. The tour guide was friendly and informative. Would go again.

Well organized tour! Really beautiful and characteristic spinalonga island. The only flaw was the cove where we stopped for a swim and to eat which did not have very clean water. For the rest all very nice.