All Ages
7,5 hours
Enjoy a trip including our Speedboat trip to Spinalonga with a 1-hour stay on the island. Then enjoy a breathtaking & fantastic drive over the mountains to explore the dark caves of Milatos. The history of this cave is unbelievable. Later we relax with a perfect lunch in a very good local taverna. A perfect day for you!
Tour around the area of the north eastern peninsula of the Gulf of Mirabello taking in various points of interest including the cave at Milatos and the windfarm above Plaka, followed by the highlight of the tour, an exhilarating speedboat trip to the former leper colony island of Spinalonga.
After picking you up from your accommodation in the morning, we work our way north through the local mountains to the cave at Milatos, passing through some stunning scenery and traditional Cretan villages. On arrival at Milatos, we follow the path carved in the rock to the entrance of the cave.
There is a macabre story associated with the cave, about the slaughter of around 1500 local villagers by the brutal Turk invaders and the remains of some of the murdered are now kept in a small ossuary (kind of shrine) next to the chapel built-in memory at the entrance to the cave. The full story will be explained to you at the site. The cave has no lighting so exploring will be done by torchlight (provided) & just be aware that the entrance has a very low ceiling so you'll need to be able to duck down a little.
From here we travel northeast to the wind farm high above the village of Plaka where you can take in some spectacular views of Mirabello Bay and Spinalonga Island. We then travel off-road down the side of the mountain adjacent to Spinalonga to join the speedboat for your exciting ride to the former Leper colony.
Only officials are permitted to guide on Spinalonga, however, your driver will give you plenty of info and guidance before you enter. In our experience employing a guide is not required but of course, you are free to do so at the entrance if you wish, but please bear in mind the speedboat will return to pick you up after 1 hour.
There is a small entrance fee to pay and then enter through the Dantes gate where the lepers were brought to begin their confinement.
You can now explore the island and its ruins at your leisure before catching the speedboat for a trip around the island and then back to Plaka.
Land Rover Discovery with air-conditioning, experienced driver, refreshments/water, speedboat transfer, lunch
Please make sure that you bring comfortable shoes and clothes.