spinalonga tourist

Visiting Spinalonga Island Crete

Leper colony, Venetian fortress, possible World Heritage Site - here's my guide to Spinalonga Island in Crete

About the Author: David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian with 30+years experience exploring Europe. His work regularly appears in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, and The Guardian.

Spinalonga Island is a small island located in northeastern Crete, near Agios Nikolaos. It is one of the most popular destinations and one of the best places to visit in Crete. This tiny island is one of the strongest fortresses in the Mediterranean, but better known as the site of Greece’s last leper colony.

Welcome to my guide to Spinalonga Island in Crete. In this article, I explore the history of Spinalonga, especially its time as one of the last leprosy colonies in Europe. I also suggest tours to Spinalonga, and comprehensive advice on getting to Spinalonga Island from the three ports offering trips there.

I hope you find it helpful, and enjoy your visit to Spinalonga.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Spinalonga

Spinalonga Island is one of the most popular day trip destinations in Crete.

It is best known as the site of one of the last leper colonies in Europe, where people suffering from leprosy (also known as Hansen’s Disease) were banished.

The tragic history of Spinalonga was made more widely known by Victoria Hislop in her 2005 novel The Island , and I think it’s important to bear witness to these dark times.

Spinalonga was also a formidable sea fortress, built by the Venetians in the late 16 th century to defend the Gulf of Elounda and the northeast coast of Crete.

The setting of Spinalonga is spectacular, surrounded by gorgeous clear turquoise water. And it deserves to be recognized as one of the outstanding landmarks in Crete .

Spinalonga History

The island of Spinalonga has been of strategic importance for millennia, as it stands at the entrance to the ancient port of Olous.

Under Venetian rule, the area around the island and entrance to the Gulf of Elounda was used to harvest salt from the sea. 

They recognised the strategic location of the island, and fortified it to guard the northeast coast of Crete. Along with Gramvousa , near Balos Beach in the far west of the island, and Souda) it served to guard the whole island of Crete from naval attack. The 16th-century fortress ensured that the island was impregnable.

The Ottoman Empire conquered all of Crete during the Cretan War of 1645 to 1669 – except for the three coastal forts. Spinalonga was home to Christian refugees for over 40 years, until it fell in 1715.

Spinalonga later served as a last refuge for the Ottoman Turks who fled there during the Cretan Revolt of 1878.

After the Turks left in 1903, the island became a place of exile, and was used as a leper colony until 1957. Conditions on the island were horrendously harsh for the first few decades.  Patients were banished there without any medical care. 

Conditions greatly improved after 1936, when a law student from Athens, Epaminondas Remountakis, was sent to the island. He had tried to hide his symptoms for years, and once on Spinalonga, set about making great improvements for the inhabitants of Spinalonga.

He founded the Brotherhood of the Sick of Spinalonga. His initiatives included the opening of the perimeter path around the island, the opening of a café and cinema, and the whitewashing of the patients’ houses. A public address system was also set up, so that classical music could be played on the streets of the island.

An antibiotic cure was found for leprosy in 1948 – and by 1957 the leper colony had been phased out and closed down. The buildings fell into decay and ruin over the following years.

Interest in the island was sparked by Victoria Hislop’s 2005 novel The Island .  It tells the story of the island through lead character Alexis Fielding, who discovers a family secret. Her grandmother and great-grandmother had contracted leprosy, and both were forced to live at the Spinalonga leper colony.

What Is Leprosy ?

Leprosy is an infectious disease affecting the skin, nerves and eyes. Untreated, it could lead to nerve damage, muscle weakness, a reduced ability to feel pain, and even a loss of fingers, toes and sections of the nose.  It can also affect the respiratory tract.

As well as suffering great pain, sufferers of leprosy would also be subjected to social isolation, discrimination and stigmatization.

From ancient times to the 20 th century, very little was known about leprosy.  People who contracted leprosy were forcibly banished, as on Spinalonga.  It was believed that all contact with them had to be avoided, but this is a myth. It takes prolonged contact with a leprosy sufferer, usually over months, before one can contract the bacterial infection.

An antibiotic cure for leprosy was found in 1948. However. According to the World Health Organisation , over 200,000 cases of leprosy are reported annually.

What To See At Spinalonga

1. spinalonga fortress.

As you approach the island, the most prominent sight is the Mocenigo Bulwark tower on the highest point of Spinalonga. It was added at the same time as the fortress towers close to the shoreline. These were built by the Venetians during the late 16 th century. And these fortifications were never breached.

Good To Know : You should wear sturdy walking or hiking shoes when visiting Spinalonga. If you venture off the perimeter path to the ruined houses and bastion higher up the hill, there are some very uneven surfaces. Some of the terrain is what you would encounter on a moderate level hike.

2. Dante’s Gate

Upon arrival, leprosy sufferers would disembark and walk through this gate and the tunnel beyond it to the leper colony of Spinalonga Island.

For many, especially in the early years of the colony, the sight of this gate and tunnel meant they wouldn’t see the outside world again. It’s a horrendous thought.

Sadly, far more suffering awaited anyone left on Spinalonga.

3. Spinalonga Leper Colony and Museum

The residents lived in the houses on the west side of Spinalonga island, below the fortress. The houses are all roofless ruins.  This is the area where sturdy walking shoes are necessary. The terrain is often rough and uneven.

It struck me as inhumane to abandon people somewhere like this.  They were often seriously ill, and had to contend with getting around an island like this in terrible conditions.  The poor souls confined there would have dreaded the punishing heat of summer afternoons, when temperatures would often touch 40 degrees Centigrade.

When a patient arrived on Spinalonga, they were largely left to fend for themselves. There was no running water or sanitation, living conditions were primitive and basic. There was no treatment for leprosy. People were just abandoned there.

The small Museum – in the few intact buildings left on the island – documents some of these appalling conditions.  The exhibition includes some photographs and testimonies, and some board games etched into rocks.

4. Spinalonga Beach

This beach is a small patch of rocky shoreline below the fortifications on the west side of the island. The water is crystal-clear, and the views are spectacular.

But there are many sharp rocks underfoot, so water shoes are essential if you intend to swim.  

5. Spinalonga Churches

There are two churches on Spinalonga – Agios Panteleimon on the west side and Agios Georgios on the east side of the island.

Agios Panteleimon was built by the Venetians, around 1661, and restored by the leprosy patients for use. It held regular services, and also hosted baptisms, weddings and funerals.

Agios Georgios is on the other side of Spinalonga island, next to the footpath around the perimeter.

The Spinalonga cemetery is a two-minute walk beyond the church, assuming that you walk around the island in a clockwise direction.

Tours To Spinalonga Island

Many visitors opt to visit Spinalonga as part of a tour – as we did. Tours from Heraklion to Spinalonga tend to pick up from any of the resorts en route (Gournes, Hersonissos, Stalis, Malia and more). They also tend to be packages, also including stops elsewhere.

This Spinalonga tour from Heraklion also includes stops at an olive oil farm, the city of Agios Nikolaos, and the villages of Elounda and Plaka.

Several tour companies also run tours to Spinalonga in combination with a beach barbecue and time for a swim off Kolokitha beach – My wife and son, the two family fish, opted for this and had an amazing time.

We visited Spinalonga on this tour , which also took us to Agios Nikolaos and the mountainous hinterland of Crete. This included the gorgeous Lassithi Plateau and Cave of Zeus in one of the hills above it.

You can also go on a Spinalonga tour from Rethymno . This includes a visit to the island, a swim in Kolokytha Bay and time in Agios Nikolaos.

Bear in mind that you don’t tend to find tours to Spinalonga from Chania. It’s just too far away. It’s almost a 4-hour drive each way.

Spinalonga Tip : Check how long your tour allows you on Spinalonga. Most tours seem to give you an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half.

We spent an hour and a half on Spinalonga island. This is enough for many visitors. With hindsight I would have liked an extra half an hour or so.

Where Is Spinalonga Island

Spinalonga is a tiny island at the entrance to the Gulf of Elounda in northeastern Crete,  3 miles (5 km) north of the small town of Elounda. It’s part of Lassithi province. It’s also just off the northern end of the Kalydon Peninsula, which is sometimes referred to as the Spinalonga Peninsula.

Distances from Spinalonga Island:

• Plaka – 1 km
• Elounda – 5 km south
• Agios Nikolaos – 15 km south
• Heraklion – 67 km west

How To Get To Spinalonga Crete

Ultimately, the only way to get to Spinalonga is by boat. You can do so from Plaka, Elounda or Agios Nikolaos. Many tour packages tend to use the Plaka Spinalonga ferry, the shortest boat trip to the island.

Plaka to Spinalonga Boat

The boat from Plaka to Spinalonga takes around 10 minutes. The adult return fare in 2024 is €12, and children cost €6. Make sure you bring cash – the ticket booth on the jetty in Plaka doesn’t accept card payment.

And you can’t book online either.

You can drive to Plaka or catch regular buses from Agios Nikolaos bus station or Elounda.

Elounda to Spinalonga Boat

Regular boats run from the port in Elounda, which is next to the marina. The journey takes 20-30 minutes. The boats leave every 30 minutes between 9 am and 5-6 pm. The return journey costs €15.

Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga Boat

The further your starting point is from Spinalonga, the higher the cost. So if you’re just planning to visit Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos, you’re looking at €20. Some operators offer a guided tour of the island as part of the package.

The Agios Nikolaos Spinalonga boat trips often also include a swimming stop at Kolokitha Bay.

Spinalonga Opening Times

The official Spinalonga opening hours are between 8.30 am and 8.30 pm from April 1 st to October 31 st .

The island of Spinalonga is then nominally closed from November 1 st to March 31 st . However, the island is open on weekends in favourable weather conditions. My advice, having spent a November in Crete, is not to count on it or plan ahead around it!

You can also check the official Greek culture and monuments website, Odysseus . Click here for information on Spinalonga .

Bear in mind that it’s an old website, and if the link takes you to a homepage instead (it shouldn’t, but…) then click on F in the alphabetical index and then click on ‘Fortified Islet of Spinalonga’ .

Spinalonga Tickets

Adult tickets cost €8.

Children and reductions (seniors, students) cost €4.

Bear in mind that these entrance fees are not included in any Spinalonga tour costs. 

Spinalonga Island Crete FAQs

Is Spinalonga Worth Visiting

Yes, Spinalonga is definitely worth visiting.

Does Spinalonga Have A Beach?

Yes, Spinalonga does have a beach.  The water is beautiful, but I wouldn’t go out of your way to visit the beach. It’s full of sharp stones and rocks, so water shoes are essential if you plan to go there.

Is Spinalonga a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

No, not yet. It was accepted onto the UNESCO Tentative List in 2014. It can take a decade or more for a submission to reach acceptance onto the UNESCO World Heritage List. I worked on a successful bid for UNESCO World Heritage status back in 2011 – and it took ten years for it to be formally accepted.

Is there somewhere to eat and drink on Spinalonga?

Yes, there is a café with an adjacent souvenir shop. However, it is ridiculously expensive – €3 for a small bottle of water, €5 for a small can of Coke – so my advice is to bring your own!

Visiting Spinalonga – Personal Thoughts

I think it’s a great thing that Victoria Hislop’s book brought the story of Spinalonga to a much wider audience.

However, I feel much more of the story of the leprosy patients should be told. These people were demeaned and discriminated against, indeed dehumanized. One of the most shocking stories of Spinalonga is that the patients were forced to give up their healthy babies. The whole story is absolutely appalling.

I hope that this and other stories are better documented in future.

Spinalonga Island In Popular Culture

Spinalonga Island has been made famous by Victoria Hislop’s book. This in turn inspired to Greek TV series To Nisi about the island.

In my research for this article I was also delighted to come across a short early film by one of my cinema heroes, the German director Werner Herzog.

His film Last Words ( Letzte Worte ) was shot in two days in 1968, based around a fictional character who was the last inhabitant to leave the island. You can watch it on YouTube here . It is quite bizarre, but worth seeing just for the scenes with the two policemen.

Spinalonga Island Crete – Final Words

I hope you have found my guide to visiting Spinalonga useful.

Spinalonga is one of the most popular places to visit in eastern Crete, and we have written many more articles on this region. Don’t miss my guide to Elounda Crete , one of the most exclusive resorts in Greece, and still a lovely seaside village.

Take a look at my guide to the best Agios Nikolaos beaches . This covers all the beaches around Agios Nikolaos city, a half-hour drive south of Spinalonga and Plaka. There are some superb beaches around Agios Nikolaos, particularly Almiros Beach, just to the south of the city.

Also don’t miss my guide to Voulisma Beach , a stunning tropical paradise a short drive or bus ride from Agios Nikolaos.

Agios Nikolaos is a short drive from some of the most beautiful landscapes in Crete, including the gorgeous Lassithi Plateau. Check out our Unique Crete Tours Review for more on this. Also take a look at my guide to Kritsa Crete , one of the most beautiful villages on the island.

Don’t miss my guide to Sissi Crete , one of the most beautiful villages in Crete. This small harbour village below the mountains is gorgeous, with superb mountain views and stunning summer sunsets.

It’s not far from there to the party town of Malia. Check out my guide to the best Malia Beaches , and my individual guide to Potamos Beach .

There’s plenty more to see along this highly developed stretch of coast. Take a look at my guide to Stalis Beach (also known as Stalida Beach) and the nearby Lychnostatis Open Air Museum .  And don’t miss my guide to the best Hersonissos Beaches and Old Hersonissos village, a taste of a quieter Crete on the hill above the resort town.

Finally, don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in Heraklion , the capital of Crete, including the Knossos Palace, beaches and superb Greek food.

David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times.  David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.

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Visiting Spinalonga Island (Crete) – Photos + Tips

Last updated on November 13, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Let’s plan your visit to Spinalonga Island Crete, one of the  most famous places on the island ! The small fortified islet is a classic excursions to admire the scenery and learn more about its long history. Below is my guide to help you get organized: Where it is, how to get to Spinalonga Island, map, visit tips, things to see…

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Crete:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Crete: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Gramvousa island + Balos Lagoon

Fun activity: Quad excursion off the beaten path

My favorite places to stay:

• Chania: see best rated hotels – e.g. Casa Delfino
• Palaiochora: see best rated hotels – e.g. Blue Horizon Hotel
• Rethymno: see best rated hotels – e.g. Leo Hotel

Why visit Spinalonga Island in Crete – video

Top 4 reasons to visit spinalonga island.

Spinalonga is one of the most visited places in Crete because:

• the island is very close to the coast, so the crossing is not long and does not induce sea sickness
• it is covered with fortifications from the Venetians and Ottoman
• it is actually an islet, so you can explore it entirely in a short time
• it has a long tumultuous history under Venetian and Ottoman ruling. And it became a leper colony in the 20th century.

Reasons not to visit Spinalonga Island

• Well, it is  one of the most visited places in Crete… so there are groups of tourists everywhere. It suffers from overtourism.
• There are other nice fortifications to visit in Crete that are not so crowded

Virtual tour – video

Now, to help you make a decision, have a look at my short video showing what it is like to visit the island:

Why is Spinalonga so famous? Is “The island” by Victoria Hislop a true story?

Spinalonga has always been one of the major archaeological sites in Crete; but in recent year, interest has increased because of the Novel “the Island” by Victoria Hislop. Her story takes place on and around Spinalonga. It is based on true facts and stories. But it is a fictional novel. This could make a good book for your road trip around Crete .

Planning – How to get to Spinalonga Island – Map, Boat & Tours

Where is spinalonga island.

• The official name of the islet is actually Kalydon (as it used to be attached to it, but the Venetians transformed it into an islet)
• It is located on the North shore, along the Spinalonga peninsula 
• North of the main town of Agios Nikolaos
• Below is a map to help you get oriented:

This highlight (with GPS coordinates and practical tips) is included in my Travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your road trip around Crete :

Plan your dream trip in Crete thanks to my guide

• 5 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 60+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
• Tips to make the most of your time
• 150+ original photos to help you choose

Opening hours of Spinalonga island – first departure?

People often wonder how early can you go to Spinalonga island? When it is first departure of the day? Well, the information is not easy to get. I talked to a lot of people there, and nobody had a straight answer… But what I can tell you is that:

• Once you are on the island, the doors of the archaeological sites are opened at least 9am to 5:45pm (what the signed on the door said) but it can be from 8am in Summer (according to the ministry’s official website ) / It is closed in Winter (November to March), according to the official website. However it may open on weekends if the weather is good.
• The first boats to arrive are from Plaka as they take the workers in.
• The first boat from Elounda normally leaves at 9:30 although it may wait for the boat to be fuller and might only leave at 10am…

How to get to Spinalonga island? Boat options

Spinalonga from Plaka

• Shortest option (only 800m away)
• Only 10min by boat
• Different boats (several companies but one departure point) – generally smaller boats
• At least every 30min
• Free carparks by the dock
• 10 euros return trip
• No online booking options
• And check out accommodation options in Plaka

Spinalonga from  Elounda

• Short direct option
• 25min by boat
• Different boats (several companies but one departure point) – my boat was large enough and stable
• Departure and return every 30min
• Mix of free and not free carparks around town
• 12 euros return trip
• And check out accommodation options in Elounda

Spinalonga from  Agios Nikolaos

• No regular ferries
• The trips to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos are more organized tours including a lunch and the opportunity to swim at one of the beaches along the way
• For example you can start this tour from Agios Nikolaos, and it includes a swim – check out program and book
• And check out accommodation options in Agios Nikolaos

How to get to Spinalonga island from the main towns in Crete?

You can also find day trips from several of the main towns in Crete (Rethymno, Heraklion, Malia…). They include the bus and the boat, and often a tour guide on the island. Check out the options on GetYourguide and book

or Check out the options on Viator and book   (different departure cities)

Need to rent a car in Crete ?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Prefer a  compact car  for the narrow streets in villages
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

Arriving at Spinalonga by boat

I chose the boat from Elounda where we were staying. The crossing was easy with nice views of the peninsula and of the large island of Kalydon. The landscape is arid and the water turquoise.

The island is in view from Elounda. So you know where you are going. It gets bigger and bigger as you approach. But it really is a small island. Because the island is located in a well protected bay, the boat trips from Plaka and Elounda are very smooth on quiet waters. From Agios Nikolaos it can be less calm because it sails on the other side of the island.

As you arrive, you can see many boats docked there. To your right is a café and toilets. I did not see any inside the fortifications, so I recommend making good use of them

And the, big surprise for many people, you still have to pay to enter the archeological site. The boat companies are independent of this national site. So you have to pay for the boat crossing + the entrance.

Adult entrance fee for Spinalonga is 8 euros.  The whole island is fortified, so there is nowhere to go to if you don’t pay to get inside.

Touring the fortifications of Spinalonga

Once inside there are many things you can do: tour the fortifications, climb to the top, explore the ghost town or visit the small museum. My favorite part was touring the fortifications. I love the mix of turquoise water, rocks and walls

Spinalonga Map

Everywhere you go around, you will see a map that indicates where you are standing, the name and the date of the construction. Most of the tour group I saw started at the museum and toured the island counterclockwise. So I recommend doing the opposite if you are by yourselves 🙂

You first go through a tunnel which puts you in the state of mind right away. You are entering another world with a long history.

Bastions and fortification walls

Then you walk all around. The path is generally even and quite flat. It takes 20min if you just walk around not exploring every platform and wall. Longer otherwise 🙂

From one side, you can enjoy views of Kalydon island (to which Spinalonga used to be attached before the Venetian separated it).

And on the other side, you can see mainland not far ways, with the peninsula of Spinalonga.  North of Plaka, it remains quite wild with only a track heading north.

Climb to the tower

If you feel fit, you can also climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the views. I did not. But in the picture below you can see some stairs heading in the right direction.  For the tour of the fortifications, all shoes would do. But if you want to climb, I recommend sports or hiking shoes.

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

Museum and history of Spinalonga (Venetians, Ottomans and Leper colony)

The museum of spinalonga.

Near the end of the tunnel, you will spot colorful doors. This is where the museum stands. You can find boards outside and inside each houses to learn about the different eras of the island. Olous, the ancient town of Elounda, was an important harbor.

History under Venetian and Ottoman rules

Actually the history date back to even earlier, as traces from Minoan and Hellenistic times have been found.

The building of fortifications on Spinalonga started in 1574. Venetians wanted to protect themselves from the Turks who invaded Cyprus and were looking to expand. when the Turks invaded Cyprus. It would also protect the salterns of Elounda. This version of the fort remains as such with only alteration until the Cretan war (1645 – 1669). After the loss in 1669, Spinalonga still remained under the control of Venice who was hoping to be able to get Crete back. But in 1715, the Turks took over the island. At the beginning, they used it as an exile location. But later, a settlement established on the island, and in the 19th century it became a port. It is believed that the number of families grew from 80 in  the 1830s to over 200 in the 1880s (you will see remains of 2-storey houses and shops from that period).

At the end of the 19th century, major political changes and the revolution happened and French military forces took over the island for a year.

The island was then abandoned…

The leper colony of Spinalonga

…but not for long!

In 1903, the Cretan State gathered all lepers who lived near major cities and brought them to Spinalonga. It became a leper colony (with people even brought from the rest of Greece).

At the beginning conditions on the island were horrible. They had no medications, no care and it became a large cemetery.

But later came doctors, nurses, priest… The lepers lived in the houses from the Turkish settlement and other built more recently. The village of Plaka developed just across on the mainland so as to serve the colony.

The colony eneded up playing a significant roles during the 2nd World war as it was occupied by the Italian and Germans. They did not dare enter the island and were forced to take care of them, so that they stayed on the island. This way, they were left alone and were able to operate illegal radio.

 in 1957, with the discovery of antibiotics and after all lepers were cured, the leper colony closed and the island was deserted. 

The Games of Spinalonga

One of the interesting rooms not to miss in the museum is the one with the recovered games of Spinalonga. Board games were incised on rock surfaces and floors. These were found all around the island. 81 games have been found during conservation work!

Some of them are strategy games others games of skills. Some are explained in the museum.

Abandoned Village on the island of Spinalonga

And near the museum, you can visit the abandoned village and its many buildings :

• A cistern from the Venetian areas, an some more recent ones,
• Old houses, 
• the hospital in and around the mosque of the Ottoman settlement, 
• Garnison building later used as a desinfection area

Map of Spinalonga settlement

In the settlement, you can find a big map listing all 47 buildings and things to see on the islet.

Spinalonga Beach

In the middle of the settlement you will see a gate near the Garnison buidling / desinfection area. There you will find some tamarisk tree and the “spinalonga beach”. Although the mainland is only 800m away, it is not recommended to swim through, as there are strong currents and frequent boats.

Churches of Spinalonga

According to the map, there are 3 churches on the island but I spotted only 2… On the opposite side of the settlement is the small church of Saint George nearby the Ottoman cemetery.

In the middle of the settlement, you can find the church of Saint Panteleimon. This is where the priest lived amongst the leper (although he was not one). Every year, people to the island for the holy pilgrimage to Saint Panteleimon in order to commemorate their relatives who died on the island. 

The village of Plaka, Crete

As I said earlier, just across the island, the village of Plaka developed to serve the leper colony.(Note: Plaka is a very common name for villages in Greece)

It has a perfect view of the settlement on the island, which change colors as the sun sets down.

You can find a few accommodations there, including a 5 star hotel. Check out accommodation options in Plaka

The seafront is full of restaurants with exquisite views and good seafood.

It is a very small village with one main street and its 2-storey houses.

It also has a small beach:

Want to see more of the best Crete has to offer ?

• 40 best landscapes in Crete (in pictures) –  read article
• 20 best things to do in Crete – read article
• The 27 best beaches in Crete – read article
• The most beautiful archaeological sites – read article
• The most beautiful churches and monasteries in Crete – read article
• The best destinations in Crete, where to stay – read article
• Advice for planning your road trip in Crete and your itinerary – read article
• Tips for driving around Crete – read article
• The most beautiful boat trips around Crete – read article
• Chania or Heraklion or Rethymno – where to go? – read article

Planning a trip to Crete?

Check out my travel guide eBook to help you plan:

And keep track of your own trip!

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Reader Interactions

February 14, 2019 at 10:59 PM

I have never heard of this place before but it has a crazy name – Spinalonga!! Thanks for the photos and for sharing inspiration to maybe one day visit it. Safe travels. Jonny

August 30, 2019 at 4:51 PM

Thank you for the lovely photographs and information.

I have read Victoria Hislop’s book The Island which made a lasting impression on me. I will love to travel to Spinalonga and Crete.

August 30, 2019 at 9:31 PM

This is a very interesting place. I wish you wonderful travels!

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The Story of Spinalonga, the Island of the Lepers in Crete

Key Takeaways

• Spinalonga is a small island in Crete with a rich history that dates back to antiquity, and it served as a powerful sea fortress in the Mediterranean due to its strategic location.
• Spinalonga is best known as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957, and it was one of the last active leper colonies in Europe. 
• The stigma around leprosy persisted even after the evacuation of the island, and it took decades for the truth about the leper community to come to light. Victoria Hislop's novel, 'The Island,' helped to clear the fallacy surrounding the island.
• Today, Spinalonga is a popular tourist destination and one of the greatest landmarks in Greece, attracting visitors from all over the world who want to explore its rich history and eerie vibe. Visitors can reach the island by boat from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, or Plaka.

Nicknamed the island of the living dead, Spinalonga  lies at the natural harbor of Elounda in the prefecture of Lassithi in Crete . Despite being a small barren island of 85 acres, it carries a long history and holds a special place in the Greeks' hearts, while it preserves its beauty notwithstanding its dark past.  

The History of Spinalonga

A little-known fact is that Spinalonga was not always an island. It is believed that in 1526, the Venetians destroyed part of the peninsula of Elounda to create an island, which was fortified to safeguard the port of ancient Olous . Olous remained uninhabited until the mid-15th century when it gained commercial value due to its salt pans.

The inhibition of the city, along with the pirate raids and the Turkish threat, made the fortification a necessity and resulted in Spinalonga becoming one of the most powerful sea fortresses in the Mediterranean.

Spinalonga remained under Venetian rule even after the rest of Crete was occupied by the Ottomans. In 1715, however, the Ottomans managed to conquer the small island, banishing the Venetian presence from Crete completely. Eventually, in 1903, the Turkish left the island, and it became once again a part of Greece .

Despite its rich heritage that stretches all the way back to antiquity, however, Spinalonga is known across the world as the host of the leper community from 1903 to 1957 and as one of the last active leper colonies in Europe , reaching a number of nearly 400 inhabitants during the outbreak of the illness.  

The Leper Community

Leprosy, or Hansen's disease, is a long-term bacterial infection that affects the nerves, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes of the patient.

The illness causes the deformation of features, especially on the face and the limbs. Although leprosy itself is not lethal, it can ultimately cause death from a condition secondary to the original diagnosis.

During the early 19th century, there was a world of misconception surrounding the disease. At first, it was believed to be hereditary.

However, it was soon proved to be infectious, and patients were immediately sent to isolation. In Greece , the isolation center was on  the island of Spinalonga .

There are many tales of horror about the island, especially in regard to the early years of its operation as a leper colony. The island had no infrastructure, and people were sent there to wait for their death while battling inhumane conditions, with not so much running water being available in the region.

Additionally, it is believed that due to the ignorance of the doctors at the time, many people were misdiagnosed and imprisoned in Spinalonga while suffering minor conditions, such as Psoriasis.

In March 1936, however, a young man was about to change the fate of all the island's inhabitants . Epaminondas Remountakis , a third-year student of Athens’ Law School, at the age of 21, was forced to exile from Athens to Crete following years of struggle with the disease, which he tried to keep hidden.

There, he founded the ' Brotherhood of the Sick of Spinalonga ’ in an effort to improve the patient's living conditions, and he dedicated his life to this novel cause.

For the first time in years, the houses in Spinalonga were whitewashed, the ring road was opened, a public cleaning service was established, and even a theater and a cinema were constructed, while classical music could often be heard in the streets of the island, coming from a loudspeaker a patient had donated.

After a little while, a power-generating machine arrived to light the streets at night.

Slowly but surely, the inhabitants of the islands started forming a community that didn’t focus only on survival. People fell in love and got married, giving birth to children who grew up without ever being infected by the disease.

They developed strong bonds with one another and started living life as normally as they could: they exercised, went to school, and opened a coffee shop and barbershop, while they had the ability to go to church in St. Panteleimon, operated by the brave Chrysanthos Katsoulogiannakis , a priest that volunteered to live in the island without being a leper himself.

Fortunately, the number of patients on the island started to decrease in 1948 due to the first drug against Lepracy being discovered and the last inhabitant leaving the island in 1962.

The stigma around leprosy, however, didn’t end with the evacuation of the island. Lepers weren’t seen as patients but as monsters, and even the reference to the island’s name remained taboo for years to come. 

Victoria Hislop’s novel - ‘The Island’

In 2005, Victoria Hislop’s novel titled ‘The Island’ told the story of Spinaloga, bringing light to the life the lepers built for themselves against all odds. The book later became a hit television show in Greece, clearing decades of fallacy surrounding the island.

Today, Spinalonga, the once “grave of the living,” is the second most visited archaeological site of Crete after Knossos   and one of the greatest  landmarks in Greece ,  with people from all over the world arriving in Crete only to explore its grounds.

At the entrance of the island, an inscription advises you to leave hope behind, while at the entrance of the cemetery, a small plaque urges respect for the souls that never managed to escape Spinalonga.

While the Greek island has been officially renamed to ‘ Kalydron ’, the past of Spinalonga cannot be erased; it is apparent in every nook and crevice of the island, as well as in the eerie vibe that makes your hair at the back of your neck stand up when you walk down its streets.

Final Thoughts

In the words of Remoundakis,

'Walking along the street of Spinalonga, stop and hold your breath. From a haggard around you, you will hear the echo of a mother's sore, a sister’s, or a man's sigh. Let the tears drip from your eyes, and you will witness the shimmer of the millions of tears that have watered this road before ... '

Choose to visit Crete in one of our Greece vacation packages , and you'll be able to explore Spinalonga, along with many other fascinating sites, alongside expert locals with our Greece tours !

Frequently Asked Questions

Was spinalonga a leper colony.

Yes. In the first decades of the 20th century, Spinalonga served as a leper colony. Back then, people did not know that most of the population was naturally immune to the disease, and the risk of leprosy transmission was very low if the basic hygiene conditions were met.

Thus, an island near the shore, for the easy transport of food and supplies, was the ideal solution for isolating patients and supposedly protecting the healthy population. In addition, housing the patients was easy and inexpensive, as there were many empty houses after the departure of its Muslim residents.

The transfer of the lepers, however, served a second hidden purpose: the removal of the last Turkish families from Spinalonga, who refused to leave the control area of ​​the Cretan State. With the installation of lepers on the island, the remaining Muslim inhabitants left it without a second thought.

On December 14, 1904, the first 251 lepers from all over Crete were transferred to  Spinalonga, which took the name 'Agios Panteleimon.' Then, after 1913, patients from the rest of Greece were gradually transferred, but also from foreign countries, increasing the number of patients to more than a thousand.  

How do you get to Spinalonga?

In order to reach Spinalonga, you need to take the boat from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, or Plaka. From Agios Nikolaos, the boats depart in the morning.

In addition to the transfer to Spinalonga, they offer lunch and swimming on the beaches behind the Kolokytha Peninsula before returning in the afternoon to Agios Nikolaos.

From the port of Elounda, the boats leave every half hour during the summer months. They take 15-20 minutes to reach the island, while often, the sea voyage includes a tour of the Kolokytha peninsula.

Boats also leave the village of Plaka, a little north of Elounda. The journey from there is the shortest -approximately 10 minutes- because Plaka is located directly opposite Spinalonga.  

When was Spinalonga abandoned?

After many years of research, in 1948, the first drug to treat leprosy was discovered in America. Thus, the patients began to be treated, and Spinalonga was gradually emptied of patients until 1957, when the last one left, and the leprosarium was permanently closed.

The few lepers on the island were in very bad condition and were transferred to Athens, in an "Infectious Diseases" hospital.

Many patients, however, initially refused to leave the island, believing that the stigma of the disease had not yet left them and that they would never again be accepted as equal members of society.

Explore the Enigmatic Beauty of Spinalonga Island: A Must-Visit Destination in Crete

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Is it Worth Going to Spinalonga?
• 1.2 How Long is the Boat Ride to Spinalonga?
• 1.3 How Long Do You Need on Spinalonga Island?
• 1.4 Does Anyone Live on Spinalonga Island?
• 2 Spinalonga History
• 3 Visit Spinalonga Island: A Journey to Remember
• 4 Useful Information
• 5.0.1 Video

Introduction

Welcome to the captivating realm of Spinalonga Island , where history, nature, and mystique blend harmoniously. This gem in Crete’s northeastern waters has a rich tapestry of stories that have fascinated visitors for decades. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth venturing to this unique island, how to get there, and what to expect during your visit, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s delve into the enchanting world of Spinalonga Island and uncover the secrets that make it an absolute must-visit destination.

Is it Worth Going to Spinalonga?

Without a doubt, a visit to Spinalonga Island is an experience you won’t want to miss. This small isle, which was once a leper colony, has transformed into a symbol of resilience and strength over time. Stepping foot on Spinalonga will take you on an emotional journey as you explore the remnants of its past and witness the stunning vistas that surround it. The island’s historical significance, coupled with its natural beauty, creates a profound and unforgettable adventure.

How Long is the Boat Ride to Spinalonga?

The boat ride to Spinalonga is not only a means of transportation but also an exciting part of the journey. The ride varies in duration depending on your departure point (Agios Nikolaos, Elounda), but most excursions take around 30 minutes (from Elounda), 45 minutes (from Agios Nikolaos), less than 10 minutes (from Plaka). During this time, you’ll cruise through the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea, catching glimpses of Crete’s coastline and anticipating the allure that awaits you on Spinalonga Island.

How Long Do You Need on Spinalonga Island?

To fully immerse yourself in the island’s history and natural wonders, plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours (depending on the season) on Spinalonga. The island’s size allows visitors to explore its key attractions, such as the Venetian fortress and the haunting leper colony ruins, all while savoring the breathtaking panoramas. Give yourself time to stroll along the paths, take in the sea breeze, and absorb the spirit of Spinalonga. Trust us; you won’t want to rush through this one-of-a-kind experience.

Does Anyone Live on Spinalonga Island?

Today, Spinalonga Island is uninhabited, but it wasn’t always the case. For several centuries, the island served as a refuge for those with leprosy, who were forced to live in isolation from the rest of society. Their stories of courage and perseverance are etched into the island’s history. As you explore Spinalonga, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of the island’s past inhabitants, and their stories will leave a lasting impact on your heart.

Spinalonga History

The history of Spinalonga is as intriguing as it is poignant. Originally built by the Venetians in the 16th century, the island’s fortifications played a vital role in safeguarding the region against invasions. However, its more somber chapter began in the early 20th century when Spinalonga became a leper colony, where those afflicted with the disease were isolated from society. This haunting history will tug at your heartstrings as you encounter the remnants of the past and gain insight into the lives of those who once called the island home.

Spinalonga Survivors

As you walk through the ruins of the leper colony, you’ll encounter the stories of survivors who lived on the island until 1957 when it was finally shut down. Despite the hardships they endured, the island became a close-knit community where individuals formed lasting bonds. The resilience and unity of these survivors are a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and their legacy continues to resonate on Spinalonga.

Leprosy Colony Crete Trip: A Lesson in Compassion

Although Spinalonga’s history is tinged with sadness, it also sheds light on the power of compassion and the progress of medicine. Visiting the island allows us to reflect on the past and appreciate the advances that have been made in treating diseases like leprosy. It serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in our world.

The Island of Spinalonga Film

The gripping history of Spinalonga has captivated the world, leading to its portrayal in various forms of media. Most notably, the island served as the backdrop for Victoria Hislop’s bestselling novel, “The Island,” which has since been adapted into a captivating television series. Exploring Spinalonga while keeping these stories in mind adds an extra layer of depth to your visit, making the experience all the more immersive.

Visit Spinalonga Island: A Journey to Remember

A visit to Spinalonga Island promises a truly unique and unforgettable experience. To ensure you make the most of your trip, consider booking an organized excursion with knowledgeable guides and comfortable boat rides. Discover the island’s hidden corners, immerse yourself in its history, and feel the emotional connection to the past that only Spinalonga can evoke.

Useful Information

Entrance Cost to Spinalonga Island

Before embarking on your journey to Spinalonga Island, it’s essential to be aware of the entrance fees. As of the latest update (July 2023), the entrance cost to the island is €8 for adults and €4 for children (aged 6-17 years). Children under the age of 6 can enter for free. These fees may be subject to change, so it’s advisable to check for any updates on the official website or with your tour operator before your visit. Keep in mind that the entrance fee contributes to the preservation and maintenance of the historical site, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the island’s captivating history and natural beauty.

How to Get to Spinalonga Island

Reaching Spinalonga is an adventure in itself. Most visitors opt for a boat excursion from Plaka or Elounda, two charming coastal towns on Crete. Alternatively, you can take a boat from Agios Nikolaos, the lively capital of the Lasithi region. Regardless of your starting point, the journey to Spinalonga will set the tone for an unforgettable day.

Cost of the Boat Ride to Spinalonga Island

The boat ride to Spinalonga Island is an integral part of the adventure, offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding landscapes. The cost of the boat ride can vary depending on your departure point and the type of excursion you choose.

From Plaka: Boat trips from Plaka to Spinalonga typically cost around €15 to €20 per person for a round trip. From Elounda: If you depart from Elounda, the boat ride to Spinalonga is priced at approximately €10 to €15 per person for a round trip. From Agios Nikolaos: Boat excursions from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga may cost between €20 to €25 per person for a round trip.

It’s essential to check with local tour operators or boat providers for the most up-to-date pricing and availability. Some excursions may offer additional amenities or guided tours, which could affect the overall cost. However, regardless of the package you choose, the boat ride to Spinalonga promises to be an unforgettable experience, setting the stage for the wonders that await on the island.

In conclusion, Spinalonga Island is a destination that promises to touch your soul and leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. As you plan your visit, remember to immerse yourself in the island’s history, honor the spirit of its past inhabitants, and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you. Plan your excursion to Spinalonga today and embark on a journey of discovery, compassion, and enchantment. Let the allure of Spinalonga captivate you and create an experience that will linger in your heart forever.

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Phone: +30 2810341560 Fax: +30 2810343740 Skype: visitcrete

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Spinalonga, information on Spinalonga in Crete

Spinalonga is a small island near Elounda in East Crete. Spinalonga is also known as the Leper Island , as that is where lepers from Crete and the rest of Greece were quarantined until 1957.

Today thousands of tourists visit Spinalonga each summer by boat from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and Plaka, for a tour of its ruined buildings, which the Archaeological Service is laboriously trying to maintain.

According to the data for 2009, Spinalonga has 1200-1500 visitors daily during the summer months and is the most popular archaeological site in Crete after Knossos.

The strategic position of the rocky islet for the control and defence of Elounda harbour could not but mark Spinalonga with a turbulent history of fierce battles and much human suffering.

• History of Spinalonga

The name Spinalonga

View Spinalonga on Google Maps

Today the name Spinalonga is only applied to the islet, but the Venetians used it to include the large peninsula of Nissi or Kolokytha, which is connected to Elounda by a narrow isthmus.

Apparently Kolokytha used to be joined to Spinalonga (which is why it shared the same name), but in 1526 the Venetians cut a canal between the two, forming this small island.

This information comes from the Venetian cartographer Vincenzo Coronelli, but it may not be true. However, the islet is only 170 metres from Kolokytha and the water is shallow, so perhaps the Venetians did indeed carry out this project to form an impregnable island fortress.

The name Spinalonga appeared around the 13th century, bestowed by the Venetian conquerors, who, unfamiliar with Greek, corrupted the place-name “Stin Olounda” (“at Olounda”), originally to Spinalonde (13th century) and later to Spinalonga . It is no coincidence that the small island of Giudecca near Venice was also known as Spinalonga.

According to another interpretation the name of the island is derived from its shape, like a long thorn ( spina longa ), but this theory is not widely held.

Much later, in 1957, another name, Kalydon , was proposed for the island, in an unsuccessful attempt to replace the Latinate Spinalonga with a Greek name.

How to get to Spinalonga

To get to Spinalonga you must take the boat from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda or Plaka.

Boats depart from Agios Nikolaos in the morning. Apart from the trip to Spinalonga, they also offer lunch and the opportunity for a swim off the beaches behind the Kolokytha Peninsula, before returning to Agios Nikolaos in the afternoon.

From Elounda harbour , there is a boat to Spinalonga every 30 minutes throughout the summer. It takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the island, while the sea voyage sometimes includes a sail around the Kolokytha Peninsula.

There are also boats from the little village of Plaka just north of Elounda. The trip from here is shorter, taking about 10 minutes, as Plaka is directly opposite Spinalonga.  

Prices for the boat trip to Spinalonga in 2010 :

• From Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga: 18-20 € per person
• From Elounda to Spinalonga: 10€ per person for adults | 5€ for children of 5-11 years old
• From Plaka to Spinalonga: 8 € per person

This price does not include the cost of the entrance ticket to the Spinalonga archaeological site, which was 2 € in 2010

There are no scheduled boat trips to Spinalonga in the winter, and you will have to find a boat owner to take you across. This shouldn’t be too difficult – just ask at the seafront tavernas in Plaka, as most people have their own boats for pleasure and fishing.

If you visit Spinalonga outside the tourist season, the chances are you won’t meet anyone except the archaeological team working there. In summer, on the other hand, apart from the floods of tourists, there are also tour guides offering their reasonably-priced services to individual tourists.

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• Spinalonga Island

By Katia Luz

Plaka Village

Elounda Village

Experiences

Explore Eastern Crete

Getting Here

Spinalonga Σπιναλόγκα is a little island of the north-east coast of Crete in Greece. It has come to international fame due to its colourful history.

The island is a destination for boat trips from Plaka , Elounda and Agios Nikolaos in Lasithi, Crete. No one lives on the island now.

The island sits off the northern tip of Kolokitha peninsula, which forms the safe harbour of Elounda, in the wide Mirabello Bay, protected from the north by Cape Agios Ioannis.

Since ancient times this bay was the home of peoples, long ago there sat the town of Olous , which is now submerged under water.

The physical beauty around Elounda Crete, the bay and the island are the reason that many fall in love here. 

The island was fought over by succeeding powers in the Mediterranean and played an important strategic role in history. Its location at the entrance to a secure harbour made it ideal for a defensive fortress. When the sea lords of Venice claimed Crete as theirs they built a fort here. It remains in ruins today.

The island was the home of a leper colony from 1903 to 1957.

The word 'spina-longa' is Italian for 'long spine'. The island is popular with visitors for boat tours to enjoy its unusual history and its aqua marine bays.

The Village of Plaka

The small village of Plaka lies opposite the island, and its fate has been intertwined with it for many years. It has experienced some recent development, yet still remains a tiny seaside village.

Fish tavernas like this one serve the freshest of fish and other seafood, whilst the local ferries and small boats take visitors over to the island.

Plaka Beach Cottages - how close do you want to be to the water? Is this close enough?

These 3 studio cottages are small and sweet, modern and sit 3 metres from the sea and minutes from Plaka village.

The suite actually looks out over the bay to the island of Spinalonga. We know where we will be staying next time we visit 'the island'!

The Akti Olous Hotel sits on the bay of Elounda just minutes from 'the island' in the protected bay. Stroll around the village, enjoy the beachside dining and swim at Blue Flag beaches.

The Island Seaview Apartment is located by the sea in central Plaka hamlet. Just made for sitting and gazing at Spinalonga and feeling history come alive.

We have some more suggestions for both luxurious and budget-priced accommodation nearby.

Our tip is to visit the island from the harbour of Plaka or Elounda, get a local boat to take you across to the island. In summer season ferries leave from Plaka every half an hour.There is a small entrance fee to be paid when entering the island.

If you need to book ahead, or like a guided tour, there are options available below.

Cruise to Spinalonga & BBQ at Kolokytha From Agios Nikolaos - enjoy a swim and a BBQ as well as an interpretative visit to this island full of stories. 5.5 hours.

4.1 / 5 | 360+ Reviews

Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island - a full-day guided trip to north-eastern Crete with a boat trip to Spinalonga Island. Visit Agios Nikolaos with its famous lake, and explore the picturesque village of Elounda. 8 - 11 hours.

4.5 / 5 | 800 Reviews

Books and TV about the island

The island, Plaka and Elounda have been the subject of many books, histories and fiction stories, such as

• Spinalónga - The Isle of the Damned by Victor Zorbas
• Spinalónga - The Lepers Home 2013 by Beryl Darby
• The Island 2006 and One August Night 2020 by Victoria Hislop
• Spinalonga; The True Story 2020 by Anna Giakoumaki

The novel 'The Island' by Victoria Hislop has been made into a television mini drama by Mega TV, Directed by Theodoris Papadoulakis and filmed on location in Crete. The story is available on DVD in Greek language with English subtitles.

FAQs About Spinalonga

Is 'The Island' by Victoria Hislop a true story?

No, it is a fictional story based upon the historical background of Crete. Whilst the general themes were based on historical facts, the specifics were not.

Was Spinalonga a leper colony?

Yes, the island was home for those suffering from leprosy from 1903 to 1957.

When was Spinalonga abandoned?

The island was first left empty in 1898 due to conflicts between Cretans and Turkish. The island was most recently left empty after 1957, when the leper hospital was closed and the last 20 patients were transferred to a leper hospital in Athens.

Can leprosy be cured?

Yes, cures and treatments for leprosy have been available since 1982. The disease is known today, all around the world, especially in areas of poverty and ignorance where the stigma of leprosy leads to lack of diagnosis.

Why do people visit Spinalonga?

A visit to the island is a day to enjoy the magnificent views of Elounda Bay, to absorb the multi-layered history of the island which has been occupied since ancient times, and explore a wonderfully atmospheric, poignant and fascinating place. Many people visit because they have read the book 'The Island' and want to see it first-hand.

Exploring Eastern Crete

The region in the east of Crete is named Lasithi and holds some of the best-kept secrets of Crete, as there are generally fewer visitors to this side of the island. There are rocky mountains and gorges, forests and beautiful beaches to explore, as well as the towns of Agios Nikolaos , Elounda , Sitia and Ierapetra .

Some highlights of the region include:

• Elounda Beach
• Kritsa Village and Gorge
• Zakros Gorge
• Kato Zakros Beach
• Zakros Minoan Ruins
• Vai Palm Beach
• Chrissi Island
• 7 B eautiful beaches of the east

Images of Spinalonga

Arrive via Heraklion International Airport HER or Sitia Airport JSH.

From Heraklion, drive east via Agios Nikolaos for 75 km, allow 1.5 hours for the drive.

It is best to stay nearby at Plaka, Elounda or Agios Nikolaos.

See our Q&A pages about getting to Spinalonga:

• Getting to Spinalonga by bus
• Getting to Spinalonga from central Crete
• Getting from Heraklion to Plaka and Spinalonga

More details of flights and ferries to Crete below.

Athens to Heraklion Flights

Athens to Chania Flights

Athens to Heraklion Ferry

Athens to Chania Ferry

Santorini to Heraklion Crete Ferry

Car hire in Crete is a really good idea as it is a large island 60 km by 260 km. There is so much to explore.

When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and easy online booking. We are sure you will be well looked after by the team. Choose from hybrid, electric or regular vehicles .

We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the We Love Crete team. Evíva!

Yiásas! Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia are the We Love Crete team We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel About us   Contact Us   Kaló taxídi!

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About the Team

Yiásas! Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia are the We Love Crete team We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel About us

© 2006 - 2024 We-Love-Crete.com All Rights Reserved.

We are original, independent and unsponsored.

Spinalonga Island

Spinalonga is an island located in the Gulf of Elounda in the eastern part of Crete. It is a small island that was originally fortified by the Venetians in the 16th century and was used as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world.

The history of Spinalonga Crete is fascinating and unique. During the Venetian occupation , the island was used as a strategic military fortification to protect the Gulf of Elounda from pirate attacks. The island was also used as a place of exile for political prisoners during the Ottoman Empire. In 1903, the island was converted into a leper colony, and patients from all over Greece were brought there to live in isolation. The colony was closed in 1957, and the island was abandoned until the late 1960s when it became a popular tourist destination.

Visitors to Spinalonga can take a boat tour to the island and explore the ruins of the old colony. The island is surrounded by a beautiful, crystal-clear sea, and visitors can swim or snorkel in the warm waters. The island is also home to many interesting ruins, including the remains of the Venetian fortifications and the old leper colony buildings . Visitors can also explore the narrow streets and alleys of the old colony, and see the homes and shops where the lepers once lived.

One of the most interesting parts of Spinalonga is the old church, which is still standing on the island. The church is a beautiful building that has been well-preserved, and visitors can still see the original frescoes and mosaics inside. The church is a unique and beautiful example of Venetian architecture, and it is one of the highlights of a visit to Spinalonga.

Spinalonga has been rather popular over the past few years after the best-selling novel of Victoria Hislop tells the story of a family tragedy set in the leper colony.

The island can be accessed by boats departing from  Plaka ,  Elounda  as well as  Agios Nikolaos . The boat trips from Plaka take about 15 minutes, while the trips from Elounda take 25 minutes and from Agios Nikolaos take up to an hour.

Round trip via boat from Plaka is 8 euro, from Elounda 10 euro.

Entrance fee costs 8 euro.

Spinalonga Crete is a unique and fascinating island that has a rich history and many interesting attractions. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or simply want to enjoy the beautiful scenery and crystal-clear waters, Spinalonga Crete is a must-visit destination. So, if you are planning a trip to Crete, be sure to include a visit to Spinalonga on your itinerary!

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The Leper Colony Spinalonga

Greece is so rich in interesting destinations that a short holiday is never enough to discover even a fraction of them.

During our stay in Crete, the wish list was very long, but Spinalonga was a “must”. This actually had a very trivial reason. I had read a novel of Victoria Hislop shortly before the trip, and it completely captured my imagination. The “Island of the Forgotten” is set in the leper colony just off the coast of Crete and I was curious about the small island that is within sight of the coastline of Crete.

Leprosy is an infectious disease that can be transmitted by direct and indirect contact. To this day, the disease still causes fear and fright and the sufferers are still isolated but today treated with medication. More than 100 years ago there was no such possibility. The Free State of Crete, therefore, decided to build a leper colony on the island of Spinalonga in 1903. The formally unused fortress on this island then became a place for sickness, despair, and the desire for healing. In the true sense of the word, the government collected all those suffering from leprosy on the main island and brought them over to the small island.

That caused big problems on the island at first. Water and food had to be transported over from the inland of the main island and also no doctor set food on the leper colony for the first four years. But gradually the inhabitants began to feel at home on the island. Houses were renovated, they tinkered with a self-sufficient water supply, gardens were built and livestock was kept. Even small shops were opened by the residents and tavernas with entertainment program started to appear. In the middle of the 1930s, it became possible to build up a generator driven power supply on the island. In 1954 it was decided to abolish the Leper Colony. The last 30 patients were taken to a hospital in Athens.

Today, tourist boats carry countless visitors to the island every day. I really enjoyed the stay on the island. Everywhere I discovered something that I had read before in the novel.

Especially the passage through the archway to the city, from where healthy family members had a last look on their sick relatives before they disappeared in the colony, gave me chills. Some of the residential buildings of the former inhabitants still look as if someone is about to open the door.

Clearly, time has left its mark on Spinalonga, but it is still possible to imagine the conditions under which those with leprosy lived here. For me one of the most impressive places and one that touched me emotionally.

Access to Spinalonga

There are ferries and small fishing boats from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and Plaka. Prices vary according to the departure place and the provider. One should also pay attention to the length of stay on the island offered.

Opening hours of the island:

April 1 – October 31: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. open in good weather

The archaeological site is closed on January 1, March 25, May 1, Easter Sunday, December 25 and December 26.

Entrance fee to the island:

Per person: 8-€

Book your tour to the island

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Reader Interactions

6. April 2018 at 11:01

This is just fascinating! I can’t imagine what must have been going through the minds of these patients when they first inhabited the island.

6. April 2018 at 1:46

I’ve never heard of this island before, but it sounds pretty eerie! Still, something just interesting enough to pique my interest!

Avril is Away

5. April 2018 at 3:11

I’ll be in Greece in 5 days and I’m definitely going to put Crete on my itinerary ! Thanks !

Wandering life - Catarina Leonardo

5. April 2018 at 3:05

What a good reason to visit Create. I´ve been in Greace but only in Athens and Mykonos. I need to go back and visit Crete and other places.

Danila Caputo

4. April 2018 at 14:43

I never heard of the Island of the Forgotten, but gosh, leprosy sounds pretty scary! I can’t even imagine how terrifying it was back then!

Lara Dunning

4. April 2018 at 4:52

I’ve been to Greece, but not Crete, and would love to see it and this island. I’m always looking for a new book to read that has historical context so I will have to check that book out. I can’t believe tours there are only 2 Euro! That makes it a no-brainer to go there! Thanks for putting it on my radar!

Christine | The Traveloguer

2. April 2018 at 18:08

This was such an interesting read, I’d love to visit Spinalonga. It must have been so sad for the people who were sent away from their families to live there.

1. April 2018 at 15:59

Oh. Hearing about the tunnel parting really made me tear up. I would definitely want to visit based on your descriptions.

Well Worn Suitcase

1. April 2018 at 0:07

How interesting! I had no idea that was the history of Crete. Very intriguing, thanks for sharing. I learned something new!

Kavita Favelle

31. March 2018 at 17:28

I visited Crete as a teenager many many moons ago, and while we did visit quite a few tourist sites, I never knew about the former leper colony at Spinalonga. I remember fundraising when I was a young child at school for leprosy charities but hadn’t thought of the disease much since then. It’s very interesting to vsit and imagine what life must have been like for both sufferers and carers at the colony.

31. March 2018 at 9:59

I feel places like this are sometimes difficult to visit because of all the emotions it brings out. It’s intriguing to learn about the history , but then again, it also makes you want to cry knowing how these people suffered in the beginning.

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Spinalonga, Crete: the Island of the Living Dead

Jo Williams

• Spinalonga day trip

Known as ‘The Island of the Living Dead’, Spinalonga is an eerie yet strangely uplifting place. At just 85 acres in size, this small barren island offers a loaded history with stories of great hardship.

But you will also find a deeper understanding of an often misunderstood disease and find a testament to the enduring resilience of human nature. If you're spending some time in Crete , it's well worth considering a trip to the island.

Spinalonga is best known for the leper colony that resided on the island between 1903 and 1957. Around 1000 people suffering from the disease were sent here from all over Greece to reduce the spread of infection.

Spinalonga was one of the last active leper colonies in Europe, but it only really found fame when it was rediscovered by popular culture in 2005 through Victoria Hislop's insightful novel, 'The Island,' and later by Greek television.

It now sees around 1200-1500 visitors per day over the summer as the second most popular archaeological site in Crete (the first being the Minoan city of Knossos ).

• Is Spinalonga worth visiting?

As you arrive on Spinalonga you are confronted by the imposing Venetian fortifications and Dante's Gate. Passing through the 20m-long tunnelled entrance you will notice the inscription above reads ‘leave hope behind’. A fitting message for the many souls that never left this place.

The island, though now mainly ruins, is an evocative place where visitors stroll silently through the streets, and passionate guides tell the story of a community born from a sense of common humanity and unwavering hope.

Inside you will find ruined and renovated houses that have been turned into museums with photographs and information on the former inhabitants. The so-called ‘Disinfection Room’ still holds the large barrel that was used to hose down visitors coming to and from the island.

Further along, there is the hospital, the theatre, the Church of St George and it's cemetery, and the easy 1.5km path around the island’s perimeter.

• The Fortress of Spinalonga

Although it’s true that Crete isn’t short of Venetian fortresses to visit, Spinalonga’s unique position and evocative history make it one of the most interesting.

Positioned within the natural harbour of Elounda in the prefecture of Lassithi, it was in its heyday one of the most powerful sea fortresses in the Mediterranean. It was so impenetrable in fact that it remained under Venetian rule long after the Ottomans occupied the rest of Crete, right up until the year 1715.

Once Crete was back in Greek hands the island again provided a last stronghold but this time for its Turkish settlers. Struggling to persuade the Turks to leave, the Greek government decided to start sending Crete’s lepers to the island - a move that quickly provided the desired results.

• The story of Spinalonga’s lepers

The long-term bacterial infection Leprosy, or Hansen's disease as the patients preferred it to be called, caused awful deformities making sufferers targets of ridicule and often violence.

Once it was discovered to be infectious rather than hereditary, patients were separated from their families and sent to live in poor conditions in remote areas. The heavy stigma surrounding the disease meant anyone with a white rash was targeted - including those that simply suffered from psoriasis.

Though Leprosy affects the nerves, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes of the patient, it is not fatal and patients lived for many years with the disease. The infected islanders of Spinalonga started to receive government income and soon provided a lucrative business for locals in nearby Plaka.

With little else to spend their money on the islanders were considered wealthy and nearby locals capitalised on this by providing food, medicine and other goods and services - often at heavily inflated prices.

In 1936 a young law student named Epaminondas Remoundakis arrived on the island and started to better organise infrastructure, farming and medical care. Over time this changed the whole island's dynamic, creating a pleasant and thriving community for the people of Spinalonga.

Developments included a theatre, a cinema, a school, a coffee shop, a barbershop, and the church of St. Panteleimon complete with a non-infected volunteer priest.

People fell in love, there were marriages, and over 100 children were born and left the island to live a ‘normal’ life on the mainland - just 10 of them later contracted the disease.

When a cure for leprosy was discovered in 1948, people were excited to leave the island but soon found everything they had once known had changed or disappeared. Families had moved to escape the harsh stigma associated with relatives of lepers, and townspeople often didn’t accept that the cured no longer posed a risk.

Soon people were returning to the island to once again live in peace and harmony in a community that supported each other. It was far from a prison, but instead a sanctuary from the misinformed. As a source of national shame at this point, the government once again intervened, forcibly removing the last people from Spinalonga in 1957 - the island remains uninhabited to this day. 

• Getting to Spinalonga

You can get a day tour to Spinalonga from all over the island of Crete. Coaches will pick you up from your hotel and transport you to the port of Agios Nikolaos.

Boat tours from Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga start from €20 per person, including a swim stop at Kolokitha Bay. This cruise to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos lasts for 4.5 hours with around an hour and a half of free time to explore the island.

From Agios Nikolaos the boat journey lasts for around 1 hour, departing in the morning with a stop for a swim at the beaches on the Kolokytha Peninsula.

You can also catch a boat from Elounda or Plaka to Spinalonga . From Elounda harbour it takes about 20 minutes to reach the island, and from the little village of Plaka, just north of Elounda, the journey is just 7 minutes.

The boat from Elounda costs €14 (€7 for children), while the boat from Plaka costs €12 (€6 for children). Boats leave every 30 minutes in peak season, this way you can spend as long as you like exploring the island. Buses to Elounda are frequent, but Plaka can be harder to get to by public transport.

The tour and boat prices do not include the cost of the entrance ticket to the Spinalonga archaeological site - €8 per person must be paid separately on arrival (with discounts for concessions).

• Tips for visiting Spinalonga Island

There is a cafe, toilet and souvenir shop on Spinalonga but food is very expensive on the island - make sure to bring snacks, water and sun cream.

The crossing from Elounda/Plaka is protected and there is a very low chance of choppy seas or seasickness.

Spinalonga has been officially renamed to ‘Kalydron’, but everyone will know what you mean if you ask for trips to Spinalonga.

The site is open daily from April-October (8:30-18:00). In the peak months of July-August visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.

• Introduction

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Author - Jo Williams

Jo Williams is a freelance writer with 10 years' experience working in travel and tourism. A Brit who got fed up with the 9 to 5 corporate life, she sold everything to become a full-time wanderer.

Jo has travelled to over 70 countries and worked throughout Europe for a major tour operator. She hopes to inspire you to work less and travel more.

Last Updated 13 January 2024

Mysterious Greece » Islands » Crete » Spinalonga

The Isle of Lepers

Where culture meets history.

“…Spinalonga. She played with the word rolling it around her tongue like an olive stone. The island lay directly ahead and as the boat approached the great Venetian fortification which fronted the sea. This, she speculated, might be a place where history was still warm, not stone cold, where the inhabitants were really not mythical…”

V.  Hislop, The Island  

An island of history and memories , an island with an imposing fortress lies in the Bay of Mirabello . A walk around Spinalonga will guide you through the pages of the novel, feeling the serenity of Spinalonga while the remnants of its history will tempt you in staying longer to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and its glorious history .

Mysterious Greece Tips

About Spinalonga

General Information

Spinalonga is an island of history and memories, an island with an imposing fortress is lying at the Bay of Mirabello. A walk around this mysterious island will guide you through the pages of the novel, feeling the serenity of Spinalonga while the remnants of its history will tempt you in staying longer to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and its glorious history. Discover Spinalonga through a photographic journey of Google!

Historical Information

During the Hellenistic period, the island was fortified from the inhabitants of Olounda in order to protect the harbor of the Ancient City of Olous, an ancient town that has now immersed under the thin strip of land that connects Elounda with the Peninsula of Kolokytha. The island belonged to Olounda until the Arab pirates forced the residents to leave from the island, which remained deserted until the Venetian domination. At that time, the island was fortified with a new powerful fortress, according to the fortified architecture system of Genoese Bressani and Latino Orsini, above the ruins of the ancient fortress of Olounites at the highest point of the area. Spinalonga remained under the occupation of the Venetian suntil the Ottoman and Venetian War in 1715, when the island was captured from the Ottoman Empire. During the Ottoman Occupation, the island served as a place of exile and isolation while later an Ottoman settlement was established as a place of absolute security for families. In the middle of the 19 th century, the harbor of Spinalonga obtained a license for export trade and a large number of merchants and sailors gathered in the island who took advantage of the safety of the fortified settlement in order to exploit the commercial seaways of the Mediterranean. In the end of the 19 th century, the life of the settlement was stopped owing to political changes of Crete, until the Military Forces of France were settled in Spinalonga for a period of one year in 1897. Until 1903, the Turks abandoned the island owing to the uncertainty that prevailed amongst the Ottomans in Crete because of the revolutionary actions of Christians. The same year, the Cretan State established the isolation of lepers and decided to create a leper hospital in Spinalonga. This was the time that the island became a leper colony for the patients of the disease of Hansen, known as leprosy, who were forbidden to leave. In the following years, lepers from the whole area of Greece were sent at Spinalonga. A story of pain conquered the island for almost half a century, a place where the people did not have access to medication. However, the Leper Hospital was upgraded later while the residents of the opposite coast established the village of Plaka so as to serve as aid for the leper colony. During the Italian and German domination, the occupiers did not release the lepers and were forced to take care of the patients since the opposite village of Plaka was abandoned. As the Germans and the Italians did not enter the leper colony, the lepers operated an illegal radio sharing the news.  In 1957, the discovery of antibiotics cured the patients of leprosy and the island was deserted. After the renovation of the old buildings and houses and the fortifications of the Venetian walls, the island became one of the most important fortresses of Greece.

Travel Information

By Boat (5.3 Nautical Miles): The island of Spinalonga is accessible by boat from the areas of Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and Plaka from early May until the end of October.

By Car: The Peninsula of Spinalonga is accessible by car from the bridge in the area of Elounda, where you can leave your car at the parking space next to the Church of Agios Loukas.

As Impregnable As it Gets: The Fortress of Spinalonga

The Fortress of Spinalonga is an exemplary sample of Venetian architecture located on the island of Spinalonga. During the Hellenistic period, the island was fortified from the inhabitants of Olounda in order to protect the harbor of the Ancient City of Olous. Under the Venetian domination, the island was fortified with a new powerful fortress, according to the fortress system of Genese Bressani and Latino Orsini above the ruins of the ancient fortress of Olounites at the highest point of the area. After the renovation of the old buildings and houses and the fortifications of the Venetian walls, the island became one of the most important fortresses of Greece.

Find More Information about Spinalonga

Discover Spinalonga though the Brochure of the Official Tourism Website of Greece !

It’s Sunset Time

The best spot to enjoy the sunset is the Venetian Fortress of Spinalonga!

Greece Official Website can enlighten you!

Quick Facts

Region: Crete

Archipelago: Aegean Sea

Geographical Location: North Aegean

Area: 0,85 km 2

Population: 0

Did you know?

The original name of the island was Kalydon, which was renamed to Spinalonga from the Venetians. The Venetian words spina and longa means long thorn, deriving from the shape of the island.

The Island (2005) is a historical novel written by Victoria Hislop, which won the British Book Award of the Newcomer of 2007. The book has been translated in fifteen languages. Also, the book was transformed into a Greek television series set on the island of Spinalonga.

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Spinalonga, the island of banned mirrors

Spinalonga is an islet located on the northeastern side of Crete. It is hard to believe that this area which covers only 8,5 hectares, once was a place of suffering, death, and lost hope.

Actually, Spinalonga is known as a leper colony, where leprosy patients from Crete and from all over Greece lived and died until 1957. Today it is a famous tourist location and one of the highlight places to visit on Crete , the biggest island in Greece.

The route around the island is about 1.5 km long. So take a deep breath and find out more about this unusual island.

The west side of the Spinalonga island

Table of Contents

How to get to Spinalonga

Spinalonga is located in Mirabello Bay, opposite the fishing village of Plaka.

There are three ways to get to the island. The quickest and cheapest way is by boat from Plaka. The trip takes about 5-10 minutes, the return ticket costs 10 €  per person, and departures are about every 20 minutes.

Then, you can go from Elounda city which is 5 km far by fishing boats every 30 minutes during the summer. The return ticket is 12 €, and you can just take the next boat when you want to come back. The trip lasts about 30 minutes.

The third way is from Agios Nikolaos by ferries or organized tours. Since we were located in this picturesque city, we went on the island with the Nostos Cruises agenc y. There are two types of 4 hours mini-cruise every day from the port of Agios Nikolaos. One guided tour includes visiting Spinalonga and swimming in Kolokitha Bay. The price is 16€ for adults and 8€ for children. The other tour includes swimming in the Kolokoitha beach, a barbeque, and visiting Spinalonga. The price is 25€ for adults and 15€ for children.

Mini cruise – Nostos boat on Spinalonga island

Additionally, the entrance fee for Spinalonga is 8€. You can buy a ticket in the ticket office when you arrive on the island.

What you should know before visiting Spinalonga

• Wear comfortable shoes during the visit island because the path around the island is full of various stones.
• Take sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a cap or a scarf to protect yourself from the hot sun. Usually, it is very windy in Spinalonga.
• Bring a bottle of water with you. There is a small cafe at the entrance of the fortress, but it is pretty expensive.
• It is forbidden to enter the ruined houses and buildings.
• Since it is an archaeological site, smoking and using alcohol are not allowed.

A few words about the history of Spinalonga

The history of Spinalonga dates back to ancient times, i.e. during the Minoan period. Spinalonga was very important for the ancient harbour of Olous (or Olounda), which is now a modern Elounda city on the mainland.  At that time, Olous was a powerful city-state with a temple, harbour and had its coinage. It flourished, particularly in Roman and Byzantine times, but it was destroyed by an earthquake in 780 AD. The city sank and remained in ruins until the Venetians came in the 15th century.

Spinalonga during the Venetian and Ottoman periods

By the way, the original name of the island is Calydon, but the Venetians called it Spinalonga. In Italian, it means “the long thorn”.

Spinalonga island the Michiel mezzaluna bastion, the view from the sea

The Venetians built an impressive fortress in 1579 to protect Elounda Bay from the pirates and the Ottomans. Also, they cut down a portion of the peninsula and made the island of Spinalonga. Owing to the good natural position of the harbour and shallow water, the Venetians built salt pans and they were trading the salt in the Mediterranean.

The Venetian fortress on the top of the Spinalonga island

The fortress with bastions and walls still looks impressive, with a carved statue of a lion as a symbol of the Venetian Republic. By the way, it is one of the best-preserved fortresses in the Mediterranean Sea.

Venetian fortress and lion on the wall

So, the fortified walls with 35 cannons were all around the island. Even when the Turks conquered Crete, the Venetians still held Spinalonga for more than 50 years despite Turkish attacks. Spinalonga fell under Ottoman rule in 1715 during the last Ottoman–Venetian War and became a home for Ottoman refugees. Ottomans ruled the island for almost two centuries. A few years after the Crete Revolt revolution (1878) against the Ottomans, in 1903, the last Turks left the island.

But this tiny island is also known for leprosy, which has changed many lives in Crete and Greece.

Map of Spinalonga

What is leprosy?

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease, an infection caused by slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium lepra. Also, it is known as Hansen’s disease by Norwegian doctor G. A. Hansen, who discovered bacteria in 1873. Actually, leprosy symptoms can occur between one year to 20 years after infection.

The disease affects nerves, skin, eyes, and nose. Usually, it blocks the sensation of pain and reduces the possibility of moving the fingers. That is a reason why leprosy patients have burns and various injuries that lead to infections. As a result, they lose their fingers or become blind.

The face of the leper man

This disease has been known for thousands of years, and it is mentioned in the Bible. Probably you remember the famous film “ Ben Hur “ and the scenes with the leper colony. It also hit Europe in the Middle Ages. Since there was no cure for leprosy, the only way to stop it was to isolate the patients. These places were known as leprosaria.

Although leprosy is eradicated in Europe today, it is still present in some countries in Africa, India, and Brazil. Every year more than  300,000 people are infected with leprosy worldwide.  Today, the disease is curable with multidrug therapy that lasts from six to twelve months.

The leper colony 

In 1903, the Greek government decided to make a hospital for leprosy patients in the Spinalonga fortress. It was a perfect place: the island was close to shore because of the transport, and far enough to isolate the sick people. Also, it was one of the reasons why the last Turks abandoned this area.

Spinalonga was a leper colony (leprosarium) from 1903 to 1957. The first patients were from Crete and then they came from other cities in Greece. It became the island of the living dead… Some people thought that leprosy was God’s punishment, meaning that only sinners had leprosy. Also, it was a shame for the family to have leper members.

There were two entrances to Spinalonga. The first entrance leads to a small pebbled beach and from there, the island receives food and supplies. The second and main entrance was for the lepers, a tunnel known as “Dante’s Gate” or “The Gate of hell” . It got this name according to the poem “ The   Divine Comedy” by  Dante Alighieri and 9 Circles of hell.

And we entered Spinalonga through this gate. But even today, it is dark and it looks a little bit scary. Hm, we can only imagine how the leprosy people felt when they came to Spinalonga…

Spinalonga, Dante’s Gate

Life on the leper island

In the beginning, leprosy people lived in caves and in very bad conditions on the island.

Since it was no cure, patients knew that they could not come back home to their families. There were up to 1.000 patients on the island. Only a few hundred meters separated them from normal life on the mainland and their beloved. But they have to stay on the island waiting to die. The food, doctors, and nurses were coming from Plaka in small boats.

But everything changed when Epameinondas Remoundakis, a third-year law student came to Spinalonga in 1936. He was ill, but also he wanted to live despite losing his arm and going blind.

Epameinondas Remoundaki

So Epameinondas founded the “Fraternity of Patients of Spinalonga” and he demanded from the state better conditions for living. The government gave them small amounts to buy food from the mainland. But for leprosy patients, the prices were double, so they made small gardens and started to cultivate vegetables and aloe plants as well.

Remains of houses

And day after day, the people started to care about one another. Mirrors were banned because no one wanted to see what they looked like.

Abandoned buildings in Spinalonga

The leprosy patients painted houses, planted trees and constructed the only road that goes around the island. They created a new community and its own world, similar to the life they had before.

Market Street

Close to the entrance, there was a market street with several small shops in houses from the Ottoman period.

Spinalonga ruins in the market street

Today we can see a few restored objects with colourful windows and doors.

Buildings before and after restoration work in the Market Street

Inside the former shops, there is a permanent exhibition with various items from different periods. For example, there are Ottoman, Venetian and Orthodox tombstones, informative panels with photographs, display cases with syringes and morphine vials, pottery, etc.

Spinalonga, Market Street

Interestingly, they got an electric generator before Plaka had it. So they had a cinema, and classical music could be heard from loudspeakers. They built a bakery, “kafenio”, a barbershop, and a small school.

Spinalonga houses

Once it was 7 churches, but now we can see only three. And there was one priest who stayed voluntarily on the island, together with lepers, although he was not infected.

The will for living

Close to the market street is the old Church of Saint Panteleimon built in 1709. The leprosy patients restored the church and it was used only for prayers, weddings and baptisms.

The Church of  Saint Panteleimon

Well, the will to survive was stronger than the disease. Some of the lepers fell in love, got married and lived together in small houses. More than 150 babies were born healthy in Spinalonga. Unfortunately, they could not stay on the island. Babies were taken away to the special hospital in Athens and adopted. Actually, they never met and saw their real parents. This story brings tears to your eyes and breaks your heart, doesn’t it…

In front of the church on the left side, there are ruins of a large water tunnel. It was built by the Venetians and it goes all around the island. Since there was no fresh water, they had to wait until the winter came, collect the rain and store it in the tanks.

Venetian cistern on Spinalonga

Around the path, you can see the ruins of abandoned houses.

Spinalonga ruined houses

The biggest building between them was a hospital.

The hospital building

Fortified walls

Fortified walls from ancient times, the Venetian period, and Ottoman times are all around the island. Very impressive is the Mezzaluna Michiel bastion with walls built in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Spinalonga, Mezzaluna Michiel bastion

The strong wind is blowing through the holes in the bastion.

Walls of the  Mezzaluna Michiel bastion

The view of the sea and walls is fascinating.

Walls of the Mezzaluna Michiel bastion

Then, the path leads to the Church of Saint George , built by the Venetians.

Spinalonga, Church of St George

Going further, we came to the small cemetery on the northeast Donato Bastion. In 2013, the bones were placed in one ossuary next to the cemetery and covered with new plaques. There is one plaque that stands in memory of all those who lived, suffered and died on Spinalonga.

Spinalonga cemetery and ossuary

It seems strange, but from this place is a wonderful view of the sea and harbour.

The end of  leper life in Spinalonga

Finally, around 1948 the first antibiotics and effective therapies for leprosy were found. And then, exactly on 25.08.1957., Spinalonga was officially closed.

In the meantime, many people recovered and went home. Some of them died deformed and in pain, and they were buried in the cemetery on the island. In 1957, the last twenty patients were transferred to a leper hospital Agia Varvara, an Athens hospital. Only the priest stayed until 1962, to maintain the Greek Orthodox traditions and hold the memorial services. After that, Spinalonga was abandoned and forgotten for the next two decades.

But coming back to normal life was almost impossible because of many restrictions and hygienic conditions. Everything changed and many families were separated. Most of the surviving people went to a leper hospital Agia Varvara in Athens and built there their village, close to it just like in Spinalonga.

Spinalonga island

 “The Island” book by Victoria Hislop

Since Spinalonga was closed, the Greek government burned the files about the leper colony. The leprosy survivors didn’t want to talk about life in Spinalonga. It seemed that the leper colony never existed.

And then, everything changed when Victoria Hislop , a British novelist, wrote the book “Island” in 2005. The book became an international bestseller and won several awards including Newcomer of the Year at the British Book Awards in 2007. It is a story about one family, tragedy, war, love, passion and Spinalonga. Also, Victoria was a script consultant on a Greek television series “ The Island” – “To Nisi” (in Greek) in 2010, based on the book. It is one of the most expensive Greek television productions ever with a budget of €4 million.

The book “One August Night” is the long-awaited sequel “The Island“. It describes what happened with a family after Spinalonga was closed.

So if you find this story interesting, I highly recommend these two books. I am sure that this dramatic story of love, betrayal, allegiances, suffering and happiness will leave you without a breath, as it happened to me.

Spinalonga today

Spinalonga is a protected archaeological area since the 1970s. Also, it enters the final stage of its nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Every year over 300.000 people visit the tiny island of Spinalonga. It awakens a storm of mixed feelings. The blue Aegean sea, fortified walls and ruins of the abandoned houses are the scenes that you cannot easily forget.

For some people, it was the last trip without coming back. But there is always hope to survive. At least, “In Spinalonga, no one died alone” were the words of Epameinondas Remoundakis.

And according to his and the words of our tourist guide, Spinalonga is the island of hope, the island of light.

It gives us a big lesson today: humanity has to come always first.

Well, at the moment when the whole world is still struggling with COVID-19, being humane is necessary more than ever.

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HOW TO GET TO SPINALONGA ISLAND

Spinalonga is a small island located in the Gulf of Elounda in Crete , Greece. It can be accessed by boat from the town of Elounda. The island has a historical significance as a leper colony, where people with leprosy were isolated from the rest of society. There are several options when it comes to how to get to Spinalonga and this covers all of them.

Where is Spinalonga Island?

Spinalonga is located in Western Crete, in the regional unit of Lasithi, very close to Agios Nikolaos, the capital city of the region.

You can access it by boat from Agios Nikolaos, which takes around 20-30 minutes, or Plaka, or Elounda, which takes less than 10 minutes.

The history of Spinalonga.

Spinalonga is an island with a rich history. It was originally settled by the Venetians in the 16th century and was fortified to protect against Ottoman invasions.

In the late 19th century, it was used as a place of exile for political prisoners. In 1903, it was converted into a leper colony, where people with leprosy were sent to live in isolation from society.

The colony operated until 1957, when the last patients were moved to a hospital on the mainland. Initially, patients arrived from Crete, but after the unification with Greece in 1913 patients also came from the mainland. 

The island was then abandoned until it was opened to tourists in the 1970s. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its well-preserved fortifications and its history as a leper colony.

Life on Spinalonga

Life on Spinalonga for the leper colony would have been very difficult and isolating.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease , is a chronic infectious disease that causes disfigurement and disability. It was highly stigmatized in the past, leading to discrimination and ostracization for those affected by it. As a result, people with leprosy were often sent to live in leper colonies like Spinalonga in order to prevent the spread of the disease and to isolate those affected from the rest of society.

Living on the island would have been challenging for many reasons. The lepers were cut off from their families and communities, and the island itself was small and had limited resources, leading to basic living conditions.

In addition to these practical difficulties, the lepers would also have had to face the physical and emotional challenges of living with Hansen’s disease, such as numbness, loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and atrophy, which can make it difficult for sufferers to feel pain, temperature changes, and other sensations, often increasing the risk of injury. There were also psychological effects, such as stigmatization and discrimination, although this was of course lessened given they were living amongst other sufferers.

Despite these challenges, the lepers who lived on Spinalonga were able to form a community and support each other. Many residents had their own homes and there were shops, a school, a market, churches, a cinema, and a   Kafenio (cafe). 

Spinalonga Opening Hours and Prices

Opening Hours:

From April 1st until October 31st, 8.30 am – 8.30 pm each day

From Nov. 1st to Mar. 31st – closed weekdays

It may pay to call ahead on +30 28410 22462 / 28361 or check the official website .

Entrance Fee:

Adults €8.00, concession €4.00 

How to get to Spinalonga

To get to Spinalonga island, you can take a boat from mainland Crete.

There are several boat tour operators that offer daily trips to the island from the towns of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, and you can also catch a boat from Plaka Beach.

The trip takes about 20-30 minutes by boat, and tickets can be purchased at the departure points or in advance through a tour operator. It is also possible to rent a private boat to visit the island.

Once you arrive on the island, you can explore the well-preserved fortifications and learn about its history as a leper colony. There are also several cafes and souvenir shops on the island and actually the water there is perfect for swimming too. 

Boat Tours from Agios Nikolaos

There are several boat tour operators in Agios Nikolaos that offer daily trips to Spinalonga. Some of the companies that offer boat tours to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos include:

• Agios Nikolaos Boat Trips
• Spinalonga Cruise
• Nostos Cruises
• Cretan Daily Cruises
• Agios Nikolaos Water Taxi

These boat tour operators offer a variety of tour options, including half-day and full-day tours, sunset tours, and private tours. The tours typically include round-trip boat transportation to and from Spinalonga, as well as guided tours of the island.

There are also tours that pick you up from different places in Crete such as:

• Malia, Stalida, Hersonissos or Anissaras
• Heraklion  

Prices and departure times may vary depending on the tour operator and the type of tour you choose. We recommend you book your tour in advance, either online or through your hotel, to ensure availability.

Boat Tours from Elounda to Spinalonga

There are several boat tour operators in Elounda that offer daily trips to Spinalonga.

These include:

• Elounda Sea Cruises
• Crete Private Tours by Snami Travel
• Elounda Water Taxi

Again, these operators offer a range of tour options, including half-day and full-day tours, sunset tours, and private tours. The tours typically include round-trip boat transportation to and from Spinalonga, as well as guided tours of the island.

Boat Tours from Plaka to Spinalonga

There are several boat tour operators in the town of Plaka that offer daily trips to Spinalonga. Some of the companies that offer boat tours to Spinalonga from Plaka include:

•   Plaka Boat Trips
• Plaka Water Taxi  

Main Points of interest on Spinalonga

Apart from the Museum and a general look around the town try and make sure your see the following:

• The fortifications: it’s hard to miss the well-preserved walls, towers, and gates that were built by the Venetians in the 16th century to defend against Ottoman invasions.
• The islands two churches on the island, Agios Panteleimon and Agios Georgios
• The lighthouse which was built in 1906.

The Venetian harbor, a small harbor that was also used by the Venetians to defend the island against Ottoman invasions.

The Venetian well: There is a well on the island that was built by the Venetians to provide fresh water for the island’s inhabitants.

• The island also has several cafes and souvenir shops for visitors to enjoy.
• The island has a small beach where visitors can swim and sunbathe.  

Further Reading:

Things to do on Crete

Where to stay in Crete

Road Trips in Crete

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The Tentative Lists of States Parties are published by the World Heritage Centre at its website and/or in working documents in order to ensure transparency, access to information and to facilitate harmonization of Tentative Lists at regional and thematic levels.

The sole responsibility for the content of each Tentative List lies with the State Party concerned. The publication of the Tentative Lists does not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever of the World Heritage Committee or of the World Heritage Centre or of the Secretariat of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its boundaries.

Property names are listed in the language in which they have been submitted by the State Party

Description

Spinalonga is a barren, arid rocky islet, with an area of 85,000 sq. m., lying in the mouth of the natural harbour of Elounda in Lasithi Prefecture, Crete. The islet was fortified in antiquity, to protect the ancient city of Olous. Towards the end of the 16 th century, the Venetians, as part of their great fortification works to defend Crete, built on Spinalonga one of the most important bastion-type seaward fortresses of the Mediterranean, designed according to the bastion system of fortification by Genese Bressani and Latino Orsini. At strategic points in the fortifications are set the Michel and Moceniga or Barbariga demilunes, major works of fortification architecture.

During the Cretan War (1645-1669), refugees sought shelter on the islet, as did rebels (“Chainides”) who used it as a base to harrass the Ottomans. Under the terms of the treaty for the surrender of Chandax (Heraklion) in 1669, Spinalonga remained a Venetian possession. In 1715, following a siege, the islet was surrendered to the Ottomans, the Venetian garrison left and the remaining 600 inhabitants were taken captive.

From 1715 onwards, Spinalonga was settled by Muslims, who built their houses on the foundations of the Venetian buildings. The village flourished after the mid-19 th century, until by 1881 it housed a population of 1,112 and was the largest Muslim commercial centre of Merabello Bay.

The village houses were arranged in a stepped pattern across the west and south sides of the islet. At the end of the 19 th century it is estimated that there were approximately 200 homes and 25 shops or workshops on Spinalonga. Today many well-built two-storey houses and shops remain; their morphology and symmetrical proportions are indicative of the principles of local and Balkan architectural tradition.

In 1904, during the period of the Cretan State, Spinalonga was chosen as the site of a Leper Hospital. Sufferers who were sent to live on the island survived on State funding and charitable donations. Their hard, wretched life did not weaken their will to live. They organised their home, fell in love, married, had children.

After the Leper Hospital was shut down in 1957, the islet remained deserted and uninhabited. In 1976 it was designated an archaeological site. Today it is an organised archaeological site with hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Justification of Outstanding Universal Value

What makes Spinalonga a monument of outstanding universal value is the fact that architectural remains of different historical periods and cultural influences coexist and converse on the island. Moreover, due to the leper hospital, Spinalonga is a monument to human pain. It symbolizes the concept of incarceration and is synonymous with torment. It is a source of inspiration for authors, film directors, artists and musicians.

Criterion (i) : The fortified islet of Spinalonga is a masterpiece of human ingenuity. The fortification architecture that was implemented and evolved on Spinalonga is an innovative application by the human mind of theory in practice.

Criterion (ii) : It demonstrates human values over a long period of time, as regards developments in urban planning, the fortification of the islet and the use of space.

Criterion   (iv) : It is an important example of a seaward bastion-type fortress that portrays important phases of human history.

Criterion  ( vi )  : The use of Spinalonga as a leper colony, the most tragic part of its history, emphasizes the unique character of the island.

Statements of authenticity and/or integrity

The fortress complex is in a very good state of preservation due to its solid construction and use of quality materials. Large parts of the village on the island have also remained authentic. The streets, the paths, the houses with their pebble courtyards, the walls with several layers of whitewash, the traces of games on the house doorsteps, are all imbued with the aura of the people who lived here. The island is a fascinating monumental and historical palimpsest.

The integrity of the site is protected given that the islet is a designated archaeological site. The restoration work carried out in recent years is under the Ministry’s control and has helped preserve and promote the archaeological and architectural riches of Spinalonga.

Comparison with other similar properties

Spinalonga is an excellent and unique example of the use of a historical monument as a leper colony without alterations of its appearance. The monuments cited below, to which Spinalonga could be compared, do not combine both these characteristics.

As regards the fortifications alone, Spinalonga presents similarities to the fortification complex on the Suomenlinna group of islands off Helsinki (Finland, 18 th c.), a World Heritage Property. However, the fortifications of Spinalonga are earlier in date (late 16 th c.), and the planning of its fortified enceinte is striking for its successful adaptation to a natural terrain with great variations in altitude, which clearly poses a greater architectural challenge. Of roughly similar date to Spinalonga are the fortresses of S. Andrea and S. Felice in the Venetian lagoon, which form part of the full World Heritage List inscription of Venice. The former is an emblematic Renaissance fortress, although its seaward defences have a simple layout (a central demilune forming a bent arc), while the design of the latter is extremely simple compared to that of Spinalonga.

Compared to other fortified islets around the world, such as Suda (Greece), Forte S. Nicolò (Šibenik, Croatia), Chateau d’If (Marseille), Fort National, Fort Petit Bé and Fort de la Conchée (S. Malo, France), Fort Guesclin, Fort Bloqué, Fort Chapus (Charente Maritime, France), Cornet Castle (Guernsey, UK), Vaxholm (Stockholm, Sweden) and Vyborg (St Petersburg, Russia), the islet of Spinalonga stands out as the only example of an advanced asymmetric layout of the main fortification element, the seaward Michiel demilune, ensuring its perfect adaption to the natural terrain and the defensive requirements of Spinalonga island and the port of the same name.

As regards the operation of Spinalonga as a leper colony, it may be compared to Robben Island, South Africa, which is recorded on the World Heritage List as a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit, freedom and democracy over oppression, and was used as a prison and as a hospital for sufferers from leprosy and chronic and mental conditions. The same applies to the islands of Chacachacare (Trinidad and Tobago), Sorok (South Korea), Fantome (Australia), Quail (New Zealand) and Culion (Philippines).

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Official online boat tickets to Spinalonga and for Private Cruises

Experience our sea tours.

Spinalonga Tours with experienced captains offer high quality services. Our 5 boats ranging in various sizes, capacities and styles to satisfy even the most demanding guests.

Our boats start from the morning and every 30 minutes offering trips to the historic island of Spinalonga or delightfully and relaxed Fishing Trips. For the most demanding friends we offer and private cruises.

For an experience you will never forget trust us!!

Spinalonga, full of memories

Spinalonga... She played with the word rolling it around her tongue like an olive stone. The island lay directly ahead and as the boat approached the great Venetian fortification which fronted the sea […]. This, she speculated, might be a place where history was still warm, not stone cold, where the inhabitants were really not mythical

- as Victoria Hislop wrote in her best-selling book “The Island”

We are here to travel you among the past feeling the aura of this magnificent landscape!

the Island of Spinalonga

Visit the Island of Spinalonga with a licensed tourist guide to get the most out of your visit and day.

Your licensed tourist guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning.

The tour includes transportation from your hotel and licensed tourist guide,boat fare, entrance fees are also included and if you wish to enjoy a traditional lunch by the water’s edge at Plaka that also can be arranged.

The scenic drive to ELOUNDA is beautiful but the view of ELOUNDA it self is breathtaking! On route you will have the opportunity to stop for photographs enjoy the views, on arrival at Eloúnda you sail through Eloúnda bay to the Venetian Fort and Leper colony of Spinalonga.

Along route your guide will deliver all the history and stories of the area for what you are about to see on the Island. The Island of the damned as it was known by the locals and Greeks like so many leper colonies around the world in the past. The crystal blue waters and captivating Fort somehow makes it hard for a visitor today to realize the sadness, grief and pain of the souls that once were exhaled here some even forgotten.

After a 15 minute sail you arrive to Spinalonga, your licensed guide will get your entrance tickets, you will not have to stand in the sun. The tour begins on foot as your guide explains and points out the history of the Fort and Leper colony and its people that suffered on the island of tears.

You see the market street, one of the  coffee shops, Dante’s gate, disinfection room, churches, residences, burial grounds as the island comes alive again. Our stay is around 2 hours on the island of Spinalonga give or take, there will be plenty free time after the guided tour to take photographs, get a feel of the place, enjoy the stunning views despite the sad history of Spinalonga.

You sail back to Eloúnda and there is free time to swim and enjoy lunch!

After your visit of Eloúnda you continue to the capital of Eastern Crete Ag.Nikolaos, the drive is about 20 to 30 minutes here in this pretty city you have the opportunity to do some shopping enjoy coffee and ice cream or even a cocktail.

Ag.Nikolaos is also famous for its lake joined today with the sea and harbor of the city, a sacred lake in antiquity.

Your licensed tourist guide will show you the highlights of Ag.Nikolaos and after your visit of this bustling city it’s time to return home to your hotel.

The duration of the tour depending from what part of the island varies, if you are staying on the Eastern side of Crete you are closer to The Island Spinalonga and Eloúnda. If you are staying further West you have a longer journey and ground to cover!

Either way the scenery on route is lovely and you have the opportunity on this tour to see, learn and experience a large part of Crete.

The Island of Spinalonga and Eloúnda  is one hour and half approx from Heraklion and three from the area of Rethymno.

Either way it’s a must!

Seeing Eloúnda, Spinalonga and Ag.Nikolaos at your own pace with your private licensed and expert guide away from the crowds and mass tourist industry makes this tour a memorable day well worth it!

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In the mystical land of Greece, where ancient history and breathtaking beauty intertwine, a guide like Ioanna Kalypso Glypti is the key to unlocking the secrets of the past. With her unparalleled knowledge and passion for Greek and Cretan history, she is the best guide one could ever hope to find. Ioanna’s enchanting storytelling will transport you to a time when gods and goddesses roamed the earth, and heroes valiantly fought for love and honor. As she weaves tales of ancient battles and timeless romance, you will feel the heartbeat of Greece in every word she speaks. Her profound understanding of the rich culture and traditions of the land will provide you with an experience that transcends mere sightseeing. Ioanna’s love for her heritage shines through in every aspect of her tours, making each moment a treasured memory. As you traverse the rugged landscapes of Crete, Ioanna’s captivating presence will make you feel as if you are walking alongside the legendary figures of Greek mythology. Her ability to bring history to life is truly a gift, one that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of this ancient civilization. In the company of Ioanna Kalypso Glypti, you will not only discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Greece and Crete but also find yourself immersed in a world of romance, adventure, and timeless tales. Allow her to be your guide, and you will undoubtedly experience the magic and mystery of these lands in a way that will forever remain etched in your heart.

October 20, 2022 Our tour guide,  Ioanna Kalypso Glypt i, is probably the best tour guide I have ever experienced. She has an incredible wealth of knowledge, is crystal clear, and is theatrical enough to make history comprehensive and enjoyable. I loved the way she made her explanations personally relevant to all the cultural, religious, and linguistic groups on tour. The day trip included the Arkadi Monastery,  the Archeological Museum of Eleftherna, the Margarites potters’ village, and lunch at the house of Polios folk museum. We received an excellent introduction to Cretian history and culture while enjoying beautiful views and a warm social atmosphere. Read more in pedagogytoshare.com Nikki Aharonian

15 January 2022 Great guides are hard to find. Most guides know their facts. They’ll tell you when something was built, or by whom, and will obligingly recite the contents of the brochure or the guidebook. Better guides are also good storytellers. They’ll throw in a few anecdotes, some fun trivia, and a joke or two to keep it lively and engaging. And often, that’s enough. After all, most travelers have come to see the attractions, not listen to the guide. Let the site speak for itself. Res ipsa loquitur. But Ioanna is unique. She has the ability to transport you away from the crowds, far from coach buses and selfie sticks, all the way to four thousand years ago. With words, she rebuilds ruined palaces, restores faded mosaics, recreates forgotten ceremonies, and you’re an observer, not a visitor, a participant, not a tourist. Her breadth of knowledge is outstanding. As easily as she moves you in time, she whisks you thousands of miles to faraway lands, drawing cultural parallels from societies all over the globe, ancient and modern, to help you gain better understanding – and deeper appreciation of your experience. And while doing so – she keeps you constantly engaged, so you’re not listening to a lecture, you’re conversing with a friend. We are avid travelers and have worked with hundreds of guides. Ioanna is, without a doubt, one of the very best we have ever encountered, and one of the most interesting people we’ve ever met. But fair warning – her love for Crete is so infectious, she’ll make you fall for it too! So you might have to come back again and again and again… Anon

The only way to visit and understand Knossos is to have Joanna Kalypso Glyptis as your guide. “Kalypso” in ancient Greek means “she that conceals”; a complete misnomer – Joanna herself is quite the opposite. She is the best historical guide we have ever used, anywhere. She is equipped with an extraordinary depth and breadth of knowledge of Middle East, Egyptian and Mediterranean culture, language and history. She draws a powerful picture of the emergence and decline of Minoan culture and the impact of the bull on mankind’s shift from hunter gatherer to agrarian domesticity. Joanna connected the dots for us across Iranian, Egyptian, Phoenician and Indo-European tribes and migration, and gave Knossos context. She challenges old dogma and myths and brings fresh insights into the role of women, and new interpretations of the roles of gods, witches and divines which interweave and embellish all religions. Her historical portrayal of Sir Arthur Evans and his unearthing of Knossos is revelatory. Joanna vividly emphasises the power of language and communication to cause major cultural shifts. Her own linguistic and intellectual prowess made our brains fizz. Gordon Ferris

If any of you travelin’ women are going to Crete, Santorini or mainland Greece, and are looking for a way cool woman guide, I highly recommend Ioanna Kalyso Glypti. She has incredible wisdom on so many topics, including Greek history, archaeology, Divine Feminine, mythology… and the list goes on. Ioanna can be contacted thru her small boutique travel company she recently formed with a few colleagues called 1618Travel.com

An elaborate, detailed historical overview as I have never hoped to experience. Smart lady, knows her stuff and because she really loves what she does, she does it so well. I would recommend anytime! Well done Ioanna!!!

A tour to the Island of Spinalonga with Ioanna was a memorable tour. A heart warming tour, an eye opening tour, not only into Crete and Spinalonga, but also an experience of ones inner soul. Thank you Ioanna!

Arriving on Crete, most people will be excited to discover the beauty of the island and of course, million solutions can be found. However, sometimes it is difficult to select the expected quality. For sure, the 1618 Travel can cover the top expectations bearing in mind the fact that the company provides a wide range of services, including sightseeing privet tours, event organization, etc. The highly qualified unique members of the team will help you to schedule in advance your stay on Crete and the areas around (ex. Santorini) as well as to give you the possibility to taste and feel Crete! I had the possibility to be guided by the amazing Ioanna Kalypso Glypti and for sure my trips to Knossos and Spinalonga, Heraklion and Rethymno town will stay unforgettable. Once again THANK YOU IOANNA!

Towns, temples, textiles and even tasty treats were all to be had on tour with 1618 Travel Private Tours! Ancient history was made relate-able and relevant and, delivered with such clarity and conviction that each person in my group was transfixed if not transported. Highly recommend!

We have had unforgettable day with conversable and nice guide Ioanna, who has considerable experience of work and extensive knowledge of history. Our excursion was very informative and exciting. We would like to say thank you to 1618 Travel Private Tours for competent work! Highly recommend!

I had the chance to savor the best of Crete in 3 visits all of which in the company of the experienced tour guide Ioanna Kalypso Glypti.As a professional travel editor for the past 15 years I was amazed by her knowledge, her love for the land and the people and professional ethos.This summer she gave me deep insight information concerning Spinalonga, the renovated Herakleion museum (a definite must), picturesque Aghios Nicholaos and Rethymno.But what was truly reveling was our tour last spring during Carnival in the countryside of Rethymno!She was the right person to open all of the closed doors to Byzantine chapels,the ancient site of Eleftherna (which is due to open to the public for the first time in June 2016) as well as narrate truly interesting stories on carnival traditions and festivities.Ioanna Kalypso is definitely going to be my choice whenever I visit Crete.My next goal?The antiquities of Lassithi and southern Crete!

I’ve had to opportunity to tour the World working as a musician on many luxury cruise ships, visiting many exotic and romantic ports. One of the benefits of my job is I get to go on ship tours as an “Escort.” I take notes of the itinerary, the timing, the Guest’s reactions and the competence of the Professional Tour Guide. After several hundred tours I consider myself well-versed in evaluating these tours. One of my most memorable and enjoyable times was when I was on a four month tour with RCCL “Independence of the Seas” We stopped in Crete every 10 days. This Island has fascinated me for its incredible history and mythological genesis. The Head God of Greek Mythology “Jupiter” was born there and the Minoan civilization flourished until the volcanic explosion on Santorini wiped them out. (I’ve been scuba diving in the caldera left from the eruption, nice dive!) I was fortunate enough to be on tour 3 or 4 times with Ioanna as our Professional Tour Guide. It was such a treat to see her work, as I very much appreciate top-flight professionals with that extra non-definable element that makes their work so special and enjoyable. Not only is her knowledge of History and Archeology vast, her delivery is spellbinding and intriguing. She has a rare ability to imbue seemingly innocuous sites with historical perspective and adds excitement and wonder to the tours. An eloquent and passionate speaker, she enthralled the guests and made everyone gratified and fulfilled. For connoisseurs and Adventurers, her work got a 5Star rating every time! Thank You Ioanna, for sharing your very special world, and your very special gifts with us! Hope to be on tour with you in Crete soon!

We spent one week at a hotel close to Rethymnon and after a web search for a guided tour , we came across Ioanna Kalypso. What an amazing guide. Excellent English, polite and friendly , met us at the Loggia on time. We booked a city tour in the old part of Rethymnon and Ioanna shared all the insights of this beautiful city … Overall a great experience , Ioanna brought to life all that history of Rethymnon and made it interesting for our children.

I visited Crete for the first time in May 2015 with PTS and my group and I were more than fortunate in having as a tour guide a young lady – Ioanna K Glyptis whose knowledge of the Island was most impressive without any reference to notes we were continually regaled with facts and figures in a way that we could relate to the places we visited. The Temple of knossos is impressive as was the archaeology museum adjacent to Rethymno Castle and it was a pleasure to be guided through the countryside with stops at local Tavernas for refreshment and discussion.

We are fans of active rest and we were looking for different tours to get acquainted with new places and rich history of the island. This year we’ve used services of “Tour Guides Crete” to see two fundamental monasteries of the island which are “Arkadi Monastery” and “Monastery of Preveli” .This private tour took us one day and brought a lot of positive emotions. Since August in Crete is a very hot month, we were pleasantly surprised by the fresh wind and the beauty of the gorge Kourtaliotiko through which our way laid. This tour was very interesting and informative. Ioanna provided us with a detailed history of the monasteries and the island in general. It should not go unmentioned that she has a very responsible attitude to her work and deep knowledge of history and archeology. We got an unforgettable experience. As to the organization of the tour I should say that it was carefully planned fully in line with our wishes. We had a diner in a lovely restaurant where we tasted local cuisine on the advice of our guide and at the end of the day, we went down to the palm grove to refresh in the river water after a hot day. We are very grateful to Ioanna for the day and the memories we got and for her warm relationship. Next year we plan to visit Knossos and Phaistos with her. We are looking forward to the new summer vacation.

I have been to Chania center with Ioanna Kalypso and spent a great time wondering through it’s old beautiful narrow streets accompanied by a friendly and open guide with extensive work experience. It was not my first time in Chania but she showed me a lot of interesting historical places and I’ve learned a lot of new about the modern life of the city and about it’s past. It was a great experience for me. Excursion was guided on the high level. That was just amazing.

I went on excursion guided by Ioanna Kalypso Glypti to the west part of the island. Following the northwest coastline, and turning south before Rethymnon, we reach the Monastery of Arkadi, a supreme symbol for Cretans: Freedom or Death. Due to its isolated situation it has been used throughout history as a centre for resistance movements. But most impressing was Ioanas knowledge about the place and the way she presented it to us. Honestly speaking I am not that interested in history, but Ioanas ability to touch people deeply convinced me very much. That is why I also followed her to Knosos. I highly recommend to check out her service.

I had the most marvelous vacation on the lovely island of Crete this past summer. I owe it all to our lovely tour guide Joanna Glyptis. Her English was impeccable and her knowledge of the area was very handy as she knew just the best places to eat. In Heraklion she took us to a lovely little tavena called Antipodas where we had the local Cretan foods. Oh how I love Greek salad.We then moved on to Rethymno where we ate at Gregori taverna and more Cretan specialties such as chicken with greens. Most tours I’ve been on feel exactly as that,just tours. But Joanna’s warmth made the days truly special. On a scale of 1-10 I’d give her a 20.

Last summer I toured with a group of 18 women to Crete. We were so fortunate to have Ioanna as our guide for the week. Her expertise on Crete , Greek history , the culture surpassed any guide I have had on my many travels. We explored the beautiful museums of the area and she peaked your interest with her extensive knowledge that kept the group so engaged with questions and wanting more.. Ionana was always available to help us order Crete’s Amazing food and always with a smile. I highly recommend Ioanna.

As an archaeologist introducing sites to British ex-pats here on the island, I can only attempt such ventures in the company of a credited Guide. We were put in touch with Ioanna Glypti. Which was extremely lucky for us. In that I had unwittingly found someone with extensive and practical skills in organization (she did much to help the tours run smoothly, and the statutory permits), as well as a lively and inquisitive turn of mind. She is personable, knowledgeable and professional. Her approach embraces both the ‘traditional’, further enlivened and expanded by her own interests in the social aspects of these worlds. And other quirky matters. Thus, when we were on site, it was possible to enthuse our audience with two different viewpoints – one resolutely archaeological and the other from a complimentary social angle. Not that IG was in any way lacking on the historical-archaeological aspects, as was demonstrated when as a bonus she organized a side-trip to one of the many Byzantine churches in the Amari valley. There she had to be translator and guide: accomplished with no problems. I know from the reports of the same ex-pat group that they have taken several other trips with her within and without the cities of West Crete .. and been delighted by her personality, dedication and professional skills alike. Since she loves a discussion (two-way), she welcomes and encourages sensible participation from her groups. Give her a whirl!!

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