Spinalonga

Admission: Free

ATTRACTION Keywords:
Walking/Hiking, Island, Monument - Historical, Neighborhood

1:02 AM Sunday, May 26
Partly cloudy. Mild.
7 day forecast

For centuries the island of Spinalonga has been known for its Venetian fortress, and more recently it was the setting for the 2005 novel 'The Island' by Victoria Hislop.

The now-abandoned island is the perfect place to lose yourself for half a day. You’ll discover how the island was once part of the mainland, and was created by the Venetians to protect the Gulf of Mirabella. You’ll also see where salt was harvested by the Venetians, but the main attraction and dominating landmark is the fort.

The Venetian fortress was built in 1579, and over the years it’s been used as a Turkish bastion and leper colony. Built to watch over the neighboring mainland port of Elounda, the massive fort is surrounded by a circular walk passing ruined churches, homes, fortified structures and turreted walls.

Along the shore there are sheltered pebbled beaches for paddling, but that’s about it when it comes to facilities. There’s a small snack bar but no accommodation, so the island is a destination for day trips only.

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All Spinalonga Reviews

Review by Kathleen Z, Australia, November 2010
Doing what: Full Day Tour to Spinalonga Island with BBQ Lunch

Amazing day of relaxed sailing, swimming and seeing a wonderful island with an unusual history.

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Review by Anonymous, July 2010
Doing what: Full Day Tour to Spinalonga Island with BBQ Lunch

Okay so I've read The Island By Victoria Hislop and thats the reason I wanted to visit. I actually think having read the book it made the trip more real. I would have loved to have seen the inside of the hospital but this was having work done. We went out of main season so got chance to explore without the crowds. Would recommend reading the book before you go, Horrifying to think how lepers were treated in the past. Perhaps the cretan government would consider donating some of this tourist monies

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Review by Caitlin H, July 2012
Doing what: Full Day Tour to Spinalonga Island with BBQ Lunch

Great service being picked up directly from my hotel. Slight confusion as you book with viator but the trip is run by another company. Lovely day out with really well informed tour guides. Shame that you only have 30mins to explore Spinalonga on your own, also be prepared for the masses of other tourists doing the same thing.

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Practical Info

The little island of Spinalonga lies 80km (50 miles) east of Heraklion in the Gulf of Mirabella. The island’s southern tip is connected to the mainland by a causeway near the town of Elounda, but you need to take a quick ferry ride from Plaka or Elounda if you want to be dropped off at the fort.

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