A full-day small-group Land Rover tour (about 7 hours) from Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, Sissi, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Voulisma and Ierapetra to Spinalonga, the Venetian sea fortress that became Europe's last leper colony and the setting of Victoria Hislop's novel The Island, and to the historic Milatos Cave. Maximum 6 guests per vehicle, lunch at a Cretan taverna. The Spinalonga entrance ticket is paid on site. A highlight of the day is a visit to an olive oil factory with a look at the production site and an olive oil tasting.
Highlights
- Spinalonga: Venetian fortress walls and the old village streets
- The story of Europe's last leper colony, known from the novel The Island
- Short boat crossing from the fishing village of Plaka
- Milatos Cave, a place of refuge during the Cretan revolt of 1823, with a chapel inside
- Views over the Gulf of Elounda and Mirabello Bay
- Olive oil factory visit: tour the production site, learn how olives are grown, harvested and processed, and finish with an olive oil tasting
- Lunch at a traditional Cretan taverna
How the day runs
- Hotel pickup, short stop at the harbour of Agios Nikolaos
- Drive through Elounda to Plaka
- Boat crossing and visit to Spinalonga (about 1 hour)
- Milatos Cave (about 45 minutes)
- Visit to an olive oil factory: production site, cultivation, harvest and processing, olive oil tasting
- Lunch at a Cretan taverna, return drive
Why our Land Rover is more comfortable
Book online
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Included
- Professional guide and driver
- Air-conditioned Land Rover Discovery
- Milatos Cave visit
- Lunch with drinks and water
- Olive oil factory visit with tasting
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included
- Spinalonga entrance ticket
Who this tour suits
History and book lovers, photographers, families with children of all ages.
Questions about this tour
Is the Spinalonga entrance ticket included?
No. The Spinalonga ticket is paid on site. Guide, transport, the Milatos Cave visit and lunch with drinks are included.
How do we get to Spinalonga?
By a short boat crossing from the fishing village of Plaka.
Is Spinalonga the island from the novel The Island?
Yes. Victoria Hislop's novel The Island is set on Spinalonga, which was a leper colony until 1957.
How much walking is there?
Easy walking, but the island has steps and uneven paths. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat.
Does the tour include an olive oil factory visit?
Yes. We visit an olive oil factory and see the production site. Our guide explains how the olive trees are grown and how the olives are harvested and processed into oil. The visit ends with an olive oil tasting, which is included.
Information checked September 2026.