Spinalonga Island BBQ: A Fun Day Trip Review from Elounda & Agios Nikolaos

So, you’re thinking about taking a trip to Spinalonga Island from either Elounda or Agios Nikolaos, maybe even with that BBQ lunch thrown in? Well, let’s talk about it. It’s almost one of those things that looks cool in the brochure, but you kind of want to know what you’re really getting into, you know?

Setting Sail: What to expect from Elounda & Agios Nikolaos

Typically, the tour will start from either Elounda or Agios Nikolaos, so depending on where you are staying. It’s a pretty calm boat ride over, so, not usually a choppy, sea-sickness-inducing kind of deal. More or less, the boats aren’t super fancy, but they get you there, and that, as a matter of fact, is the whole point, right? Very, very often they’ll have some commentary along the way, possibly about the history of the area, local legends, or just pointing out interesting stuff on the coastline. By the way, pay attention, because it could be fairly cool to learn something.

Spinalonga Island: A Walk Through Time

Once you arrive, you pretty much step back in time, basically. The island has this layered background as a Venetian fortress and, yet, as a leper colony, so it’s got this, almost, haunting feeling to it, very much a spot that leaves a trace. It might be warm and sunny, but you’ll see and hear how that spot has a story to tell. So you get a chance to walk around and explore at your own speed. You can also wander the old streets, peek into buildings, and also see how the inhabitants might have lived back then. Typically, that part hits you a bit more. Anyway, maybe read up on the history, prior to visiting so that it’s something you have in mind, because you want to absorb what happened there.

The BBQ Lunch: Feast with a View

Now, here’s that BBQ portion, right? Most of the tours, clearly, will stop at a nearby cove or beach after the Spinalonga bit. You know, that is the fun part, after all. Very often it’s not some over-the-top, like your luxury buffet, but more or less, a pretty decent spread. Sometimes it’s grilled meat, maybe some salads, bread, very, very often local wine. What makes it great? Very much the location. You happen to be eating on a boat or beach with the sun out, that turquoise water, maybe good company, like the recipe for a good time, really. Is that you get something to eat while on an amazing boat tour to a unique place! Anyway, don’t expect a fancy restaurant and just enjoy a really good, tasty meal.

Things to Consider Before You Go

So, that you’ve been reading about it, let’s think about that before you book, ok? First, sunscreen is a must, like your Mediterranean sun does not mess around, to be honest. Also, a hat, possibly sunglasses, whatever protects you from getting burnt. Pretty important to take some water, also. Then, walking around Spinalonga involves uneven ground and, in some respects, it might get hot, depending on the time of year. So wear comfy shoes; flip-flops might be nice for the beach BBQ, very, very often not great for trekking around a historical site. And finally, remember your camera! So you’ll, as a matter of fact, want to capture those views and memories.

Is This Trip Really for You?

Basically, this trip will give you what you are searching for; it might suit various personalities. Someone who likes culture and history, so, they’ll possibly appreciate Spinalonga’s backdrop. Somebody that wants to chill and tan will really like it, to be honest, since they’ll enjoy that boat trip and beach stop. If you don’t like crowded spots, anyway, you may want to think of doing the tour when there aren’t many other travellers. Families with kids, very, very often, find it pretty good, yet remember to consider if young children might be bored with a history lesson.

A Few Little Nuggets and Takeaways

• History with a view: Get to explore a Venetian fortress and old leper colony.
• BBQ Chill: Beach lunch or a fun, informal meal while cruising.
• Pack Smart: Sunscreen, hats, comfy footwear and water.
• Know Thyself: That you like a historical vacation that’s relaxed and possibly with swimming.

And as I was saying, maybe it’s one of those things you might enjoy!