The island where time stood still
Just opposite Plaka, accessible in just a few minutes by boat from Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, or Plaka, Spinalonga is a unique historical monument. On the island you will encounter ancient and medieval ruins, while the Venetians shaped its current form with the 16th-century fortifications.
From 1903 to 1957, Spinalonga was as a leper colony, where leprosy patients were transported to isolate themselves from the rest of the population. Despite the difficult conditions, the inhabitants of the island gradually succeeded in creating an organised and self-sufficient community, that provided them with dignity and a sense of hope. What remains today, tells the story of their lives in a touching and authentic way.
Passing through the main gate, you will enter a space where military architecture coexists with an intensely human footprint: Patients’ homes, small chapels, the square, and the cemetery.
The tour takes about two hours. Cross the cobbled streets, reach the Venetian walls overlooking Mirabello Bay, and be enraptured away by the unique atmosphere of the island. The experience is deeply human, and worth your time and attention.
You can combine your visit with a walk in neighbouring Plaka and its narrow alleys, where you can enjoy local flavours while gazing at the island opposite. During spring and summer, you can travel from Plaka to Elounda and back every half hour.
One thing is certain: Spinalonga is a destination of remembrance that will remain etched in your memory.
From 1903 to 1957, Spinalonga was as a leper colony, where leprosy patients were transported to isolate themselves from the rest of the population. Despite the difficult conditions, the inhabitants of the island gradually succeeded in creating an organised and self-sufficient community, that provided them with dignity and a sense of hope. What remains today, tells the story of their lives in a touching and authentic way.
Passing through the main gate, you will enter a space where military architecture coexists with an intensely human footprint: Patients’ homes, small chapels, the square, and the cemetery.
The tour takes about two hours. Cross the cobbled streets, reach the Venetian walls overlooking Mirabello Bay, and be enraptured away by the unique atmosphere of the island. The experience is deeply human, and worth your time and attention.
You can combine your visit with a walk in neighbouring Plaka and its narrow alleys, where you can enjoy local flavours while gazing at the island opposite. During spring and summer, you can travel from Plaka to Elounda and back every half hour.
One thing is certain: Spinalonga is a destination of remembrance that will remain etched in your memory.
