Island of Hope: Understanding the Story of Spinalonga in Crete
Spinalonga, located on the northeastern coast of Crete, is a small island with a rich and poignant history. Initially serving as a Venetian fortress in the 16th century to protect the region from Ottoman invasions, it later became a leper colony in the early 20th century.
The island’s strategic position made it an important stronghold during various periods of history, including Venetian, Ottoman, and later, during the Greek War of Independence. However, its most well-known chapter began in 1903 when it was repurposed as a quarantine station for lepers, isolating them from the mainland to prevent the spread of the disease.
Spinalonga’s leper colony operated until 1957, becoming home to hundreds of people affected by leprosy. Despite the difficult circumstances, the residents formed a community, building homes, a church, and even forming social bonds.
Today, Spinalonga is a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors intrigued by its history and eerie beauty. Guided tours offer insights into the island’s past, allowing visitors to explore the abandoned buildings and remnants of its former inhabitants. The island’s haunting atmosphere serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Main points of interest on Spinalonga
When visiting Spinalonga, there are several fascinating sights to explore:
1) Venetian Fortress
The Venetian fortress, built in the 16th century, is the island’s most prominent landmark. Explore its walls, bastions, main gate and defensive structures while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding sea and coastline.
2) Leprosy Colony Remnants
Walk through the abandoned buildings and streets of the former leper colony, including houses, a hospital, and a church. These structures offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the residents who lived on the island during its time as a leper colony.
3) Church of Agios Georgios
Visit the Church of Agios Georgios, which served as the spiritual center of the leper colony community. Despite its state of decay, the church’s architecture and interior decorations provide insight into the religious practices of the residents.
4) Church of Saint Nicolas
The church is the first church of the Spinalonga fortress and, during its construction, was used by the Venetians to serve the immediate religious needs of the garrison. It is the only building on the island that dates back to the early Venetian period, long before the Venetian fortification works. Today, only their eastern side remains.
5) Church of Saint Panteleimon
During the Leper Colony period, the church was renovated with donations from the patients living on the island. Saint Panteleimon was the patron saint of the leper patients, and many of them were particularly devout and had contributed financially to the renovation of churches in the surrounding areas.
6) Museum
Explore the small museum on the island, which showcases artifacts, photographs, and exhibits related to Spinalonga’s history as both a Venetian fortress and a leper colony. The museum offers valuable context and information about the island’s past.
7) Scenic Views
Take in the breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding landscape from various vantage points on the island. Spinalonga’s picturesque setting makes it a popular spot for photography.
Things to know before visiting Spinalonga
Entrance fee:
From the 1st of November - 31st of March: Full price: 4€ / Reduced price: 2€
From the 1st of April - 31st of October: Full price: 8€ / Reduced price: 4€
The boat trip is not included in the entrance fee of Spinalonga.
Days of free admission:
March 6th - Commemoration of Melina Merkouri
April 18th - International Day for Monuments
May 8th - International Museum Day
The last weekend of September of each year (European Heritage Days)
October 28th
Every first Sunday of the month from November 1st to March 31st
Opening hours:
Winter: Closed in winter (November 1st - March 31st). Open only on request for groups.
Summer: From April 1st until October 31th Opening hours 08:30-18:00 daily The visit to the monument depends on the weather conditions and the itineraries of the boats that perform the transports on the island.
Closed on the 1st of May and Eastern Sunday
How to get there:
To reach Spinalonga, visitors typically take a 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 less than 10 minutes, as Plaka is directly opposite Spinalonga. Both Elounda and Plaka are easily accessible by car or public transportation from major towns like Agios Nikolaos or Heraklion.
Boat tours to Spinalonga are offered regularly during the tourist season, usually from April to October, although availability may vary depending on weather conditions and demand. These tours often include guided visits to the island, providing historical insights into its past as a leper colony and Venetian fortress.
Travelers can book boat tours in advance through local tour operators or directly at the ports of Elounda or Plaka. It’s advisable to check schedules and availability ahead of time, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Spinalonga.
The duration of a visit to Spinalonga can vary depending on factors such as the mode of transportation to the island, the time spent exploring its historical sites and any additional activities or guided tours. Typically, a visit to Spinalonga can range from a few hours to half a day. Some visitors opt for guided tours that last around 2-3 hours, while others may prefer to explore independently and spend more time on the island.
The cost of visiting Spinalonga can vary depending on several factors such as transportation, guided tours, and any additional activities or amenities you choose. Typically, visitors need to pay for ferry tickets to reach the island, which can range from around €10 to €20 per person round trip. Additionally, guided tours or entrance fees to historical sites on the island may incur extra charges, ranging from €5 to €15 per person. It's advisable to check with local tour operators or the official website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
When planning your visit to Crete, be sure to include a trip to Spinalonga on your itinerary. This remarkable island offers a glimpse into the past and a chance to connect with history in a unique and unforgettable setting.