Visit Spinalonga Island in Crete

Are you tempted to visit Spinalonga Island in Crete? Follow our practical tips to explore this charming place full of history.

The island of Spinalonga is a few kilometres from the Cretan coast. It is located in front of Elounda, a small kilometre from the port of Plaka, and at the west entrance of the Gulf of Mirabello. In addition, the island is easily accessible from the tourist region of Agios Nikolaos.

From the Cretan coast, therefore, you can already see the fortifications that surround almost entirely the small area of the island (a little less than 9 hectares ). The latter bear witness to a tumultuous past, which we say below.

But today, Spinalonga Island has become a must-see for tourists who travel to the region. Therefore, if you come to Crete, you will have the leisure to visit the island of Spinalonga for a few hours or a whole day, and to discover all its secrets... For believe us: the island is full of mystical stories that will make this journey all the more unforgettable!

Note that access to the island costs 8 € , and is free for under 25 who owns passport of a member country of the European Union . Please also a collation and water because the island is not much provided in grocery stores or restaurants.

The bastion of Spinalonga

As you follow the island of Spinalonga, you will walk on a place full of stories. Yes, plural! Because the long existence of Spinalonga is full of bounces.

Let’s first go back to Antiquity, during which the island was used to defend the region. Located on a strategic point, the Men built a strong fortress to protect the places, including the city of Elonunda.

Subsequently, it was the Venetians who put their stone in the building (in the proper sense of the term!) and built new fortifications in order to make the enemies move. They also gave their name to the island: Spinalonga or the long thorn.

Finally, the Venetian resistance has a three-month long seat. It is the Turks that break the island up to date and invade Spinalonga around 1715. They remained there until the twentieth century before the island was taken over by the Cretans.

The island of Lepreux

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the island of Spinalonga serves as a territory of isolation for the Greek lepers. The inhabitants of the time on Spinalonga are sometimes forced to leave the island so that the latter will welcome the sick. The latter are thus “closed” until the leprosy, considered a true curse, leads them to death.

For about 50 years, the island of Spinalonga sees hundreds of patients marching. They are then pariahs, and are even deprived of their nationality. Of course, the island deteriorates along with the sick.

However, there is a cut-off micro-society in the world where a school and other small village establishments are created with a pope (high Orthodox dignitary) to supervise the place.

The novel The island of the forgotten , from Victoria Hislop returns to this section of Spinalonga’s history and lepers through an exciting fictional story!

Finally, it is necessary to wait 1957 for the leprosy to close and the island to empty. The sick are then transferred to an institution to Athens .

Spinalonga then became the property of the Tourist Office, and then was given the status of archaeological heritage that we know today. Since then, it has been a high place for visitors from all over the world.

What to see and what to do on Spinalonga Island?

First, you can discover the abandoned village that welcomed the lepers in the twentieth century. It is during this visit that you will learn more about the living conditions in Spinalonga at that time.

So, to explore this curiosity, you will pass through a stone tunnel called the Dante Gate. You will then see the colorful houses, a church, some religious establishments and will be able to deepen your knowledge of the island in the museum on the history of Spinalonga and lepers. Don't miss out on the village square!

After the visit of the abandoned village, you will go back in time, direction the Venetian fortifications. As we explained, the latter were used to protect themselves from the Turks’ attacks to the famous siege of 1715. They thus testify to the warlike past of the region and the various empire wars.

Finally, don’t hesitate to take a path to the island and climb to the top. From this point of view, you can admire the Cretan coast and the Aegean Sea. In addition, you will have a breathtaking view of the rest of the island!

How to visit Spinalonga Island?

Several excursions are available to visit Spinalonga. The two most common are cruises and guided walking tours.

By boat during a cruise

If you want to visit the island of Spinalonga from the inside and from the outside, and access its seaside, then opt for a cruise! In a large or smaller group, agencies offer various options. Therefore, you can always find the one that best suits you according to your wishes and budget.

With a boat ride, you can discover the surroundings of Spinalonga and walk on the island. But you will also have the chance to learn more about Mirabello Bay in which the island is located.

Indeed, the boat will take you to the cave of the pirate Barbarossa, but also near the city of Olous. In addition, in some cruises, you can taste delicious local dishes directly on the boat!

Walk on a guided day tour

With a certified guide, you will spend a full day visiting Spinalonga Island. It is therefore the ideal opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the place and make the most of what the island can offer. You can feed anecdotes and dive into the fascinating past during this visit to Spinalonga Island.

You will make the tower of the abandoned village, fortresses and can also witness the beauty of the surrounding nature. So plan on Good sneakers !

Generally, the meal and transfer are provided by the agencies in charge of the guided walking tours of Spinalonga Island.

Are there combined visits?

You can easily combine a visit to Spinalonga Island with a tour to Plaka, a visit to Elounda and a discovery of Agios Nikolaos. In fact, we invite you to get closer to the agencies that offer this complete tour by bus. This is an ideal solution if your time in the region is counted.

How do I access Spinalonga Island?

By boat from the port of Plaka or Elounda

Embark on an outboard or small boat from Plaka to reach the island. The crossing lasts about 5 minutes from Plaka, and 15 minutes from Elounda. Count about 10 € for a departure from Plaka and 12 € from Elounda. Prices may vary depending on the size of the boat.

From other cities in Crete

If you are in the region of Agios Nikolaos, then several shuttles offer round-trips in the day to Elounda or Plaka. We have to count 25 minutes by shuttle to Plaka and 20 minutes for Elounda. You will then take the boat to access the island.

You can also visit Spinalonga Island from Heraklion via an organized tour.

The right addresses around the island of Spinalonga

Housing

You will not find No housing on Spinalonga Island. However, you can spend one or more nights around Plaka, Elounda or Agios Nikolaos. You will find accommodations at home, hotels or resorts and you can choose according to your budget. However, we have selected these two establishments for you.

Domes of Elounda

This 5-star boutique hotel is a nugget in the region! It offers a must-see view of the Aegean Sea. Also, you can enjoy barboting in the wonderful pool, refresh yourself in one of the comfortable air-conditioned rooms or take a sunbath on the terrace.

The Island Sea View

Enjoy a breathtaking sea view every morning from your room window! In addition, this charming establishment is particularly affordable: you can count about 70 € per night . Ideal so, if you want to visit the island of Spinalonga but want to avoid going beyond the budget for the holidays. The great plus of the hotel remains its proximity to the beach: less than 300 metres !

Restaurants

On Spinalonga Island you will find a snack . Attention, however: being the only place to sell food and beverages on the island, not all products are affordable. If you want to eat at a good table, we invite you to test the Taverna Spinalonga located in Plaka, on the beach. There you will enjoy traditional Cretan dishes.

On the side of Elounda you can eat at the Taverna Despina , which also serves quality local dishes.

Ready for a jump through the ages on Spinalonga Island? Share your adventure in comments!