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cruise ship and boats docked beside isle with buildings

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.<figure id="figure-0de4s6epi8lshnt3qd"><img id="0de4s6epi8lshnt3qd" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/49PJbuzlQv4LylropZXN8oKT2eg49EjJocYbAbQKRURHfX5mEcJHlrbIHHXF6mGZ.jpg" alt="spinalonga " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Spinalonga fortress" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/49PJbuzlQv4LylropZXN8oKT2eg49EjJocYbAbQKRURHfX5mEcJHlrbIHHXF6mGZ.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Spinalonga fortress</figcaption></figure><h3> Main points of interest on Spinalonga</h3> When visiting Spinalonga, there are several fascinating sights to explore: 1) Venetian FortressThe 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 RemnantsWalk 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 GeorgiosVisit 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 NicolasThe 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) MuseumExplore 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 ViewsTake 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.<figure id="figure-kupdbblq9lsho89ef"><img id="kupdbblq9lsho89ef" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/21lRfXSJC4ek5HzJ9KeMHyyuk9yIoBvGEcsQIZnpLTttvv2OjJE95RdkIMmxdJDv.jpg" alt="Spinalonga color houses" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Houses on Spinalonga" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/21lRfXSJC4ek5HzJ9KeMHyyuk9yIoBvGEcsQIZnpLTttvv2OjJE95RdkIMmxdJDv.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Houses on Spinalonga</figcaption></figure><h3>Things to know before visiting Spinalonga</h3>Entrance fee:From the 1st of November - 31st of March: Full price: 4€ &nbsp;/ 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 &nbsp;- 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 31stOpening 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 SundayHow to get there:To reach Spinalonga, visitors typically take a boat from &nbsp;Agios Nikolaos, Elounda or Plaka.<figure id="figure-5zpinkhmqlshocpjk"><img id="5zpinkhmqlshocpjk" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1686242339303-2d71ed5a9881?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxNHx8c3BpbmFsb25nYSUyMGNyZXRlfGVufDB8fHx8MTcwNzY2NTE1NXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="boat to spinalonga" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Boat trip to Spinalonga" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1686242339303-2d71ed5a9881?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxNHx8c3BpbmFsb25nYSUyMGNyZXRlfGVufDB8fHx8MTcwNzY2NTE1NXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Boat trip to Spinalonga</figcaption></figure>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. &nbsp;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.

Island of Hope: Understanding the Story of Spinalonga in Crete

<h2>A New Era of Travel: Crete's Upcoming Airport</h2>
The Greek island of Crete, renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, is on the brink of a significant development. The construction of a new international airport is going on, promising to boost tourism and transform the island's connectivity with the world. This blog post delves into the details of the new airport and what it means for Crete.
<h3>The Vision for Crete's New Airport</h3>
The new airport, to be named the Kastelli Airport, located next to the Hellenic Air Force base at Kasteli, 39 km away Heraklion is set to replace the aging Heraklion Airport, currently the primary international gateway to the island. The vision for Kastelli Airport is not just about capacity but also about creating a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly facility that aligns with the island's charm and beauty. The new airport will eliminate the congestion problems of the capital's airport, especially in summer, and will be the most modern airport in the country and also the busiest after Athens. It will have capacity for 10 million passengers at the start of operations, expected in 2027, and up to 18 million by 2052, when the first concession period ends.<figure id="figure-6udvojm3nelrqlg6gz"><img id="6udvojm3nelrqlg6gz" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31aCcKgmOCG1YkcGqWBV7T6l70UTLwfyepHRG9FzPWEu5YcjFnd39qYeVXjiW4iY.png" alt="Works new terminal airport Crete" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Works on the terminal building (south side) in August 2023, Photos: TERNA" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31aCcKgmOCG1YkcGqWBV7T6l70UTLwfyepHRG9FzPWEu5YcjFnd39qYeVXjiW4iY.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Works on the terminal building (south side) in August 2023, Photos: TERNA</figcaption></figure> <h3>Strategic Location and Design</h3>
Situated near the village of Kastelli, the airport's strategic location is selected to serve both the local population and international visitors effectively. The design of the airport is said to incorporate elements of Cretan architecture, ensuring that it blends harmoniously with the surrounding environment. The use of solar energy and sustainable materials is also a priority, reflecting Greece's commitment to eco-friendly development. The new airport will cover a total area of 600 hectares, will have a runway of 3,200 metres long, and a terminal building of almost 100,000 m2, which will have LEED SILVER energy certification. It is a green airport with an emphasis on sustainability and CO2 footprint reduction.<figure id="figure-bh8m6gaw8clrqll42g"><img id="bh8m6gaw8clrqll42g" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/366ZV8Qg3P2nJuthanooq6JWXmEw5MzaYOEXiHzRQiOUx0KhiwihVcaBW7lvUGFW.png" alt="Layout Kastelli airport" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="General layout of Kastelli airport as set out in the Master Plan. Photo: Ineco" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/366ZV8Qg3P2nJuthanooq6JWXmEw5MzaYOEXiHzRQiOUx0KhiwihVcaBW7lvUGFW.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">General layout of Kastelli airport as set out in the Master Plan. Photo: Ineco</figcaption></figure> <h3>Boosting the Economy and Tourism</h3>
The construction of Kastelli Airport is a game-changer for Crete's economy. It is expected to create numerous jobs (around 2.000), both during the construction phase and after its completion. The increased capacity will accommodate more flights and tourists, which in turn will stimulate growth in the hospitality and services sectors, further bolstering the local economy.
<h3>Improved Infrastructure and Connectivity</h3>
One of the main goals of the new airport is to improve the overall infrastructure of Crete. This includes better road connections to the airport, streamlined security processes, and enhanced services for travelers. The improved connectivity will also make it easier for Cretans to travel abroad, fostering greater cultural and business exchanges. It will also include a commercial area, for the future development of which a space of some 70 hectares has been set aside. Furthermore, a museum space dedicated to Cretan history and mythology will be installed inside the terminal building, and archaeological remains found during construction will be exhibited. As for the socio-economic impact of the airport, it will boost a key industry for both the economy of Crete and the country: tourism.<figure id="figure-9rwabi2acqlrqkr9gs"><img id="9rwabi2acqlrqkr9gs" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2bz6iY80M27OZyrUkYjxRoCzRGwkb3isRrtCBAHkuApXFU2VSj6bKUu4beiNdAvh.png" alt="Crete infrastructure new airport" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Recreation of the future terminal. Photo: Ineco" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2bz6iY80M27OZyrUkYjxRoCzRGwkb3isRrtCBAHkuApXFU2VSj6bKUu4beiNdAvh.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Recreation of the future terminal. Photo: Ineco</figcaption></figure><h3>Timeline and Progress</h3>
The project is a large-scale endeavor, with construction having commenced recently. The timeline for completion is currently set for a few years from now, with the exact date depending on various factors, including the pace of construction and any unforeseen challenges. However, progress is steady, and the anticipation is building among locals and international stakeholders alike. This is the latest video from December 2023.<figure id="figure-3atr1k02iblrqlroq9"><iframe id="3atr1k02iblrqlroq9" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5-3sgwY_UCk" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/5-3sgwY_UCk" data-corners="default" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5-3sgwY_UCk" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure> <h3>Expectations for Travelers</h3>
Travelers can expect a lot of improvements with the new Kastelli Airport. From more direct flights to and from major cities across Europe and beyond, to shorter waiting times and a more pleasant transit experience—every aspect of air travel to and from Crete is set to be enhanced.
<h3>Preserving Cretan Heritage</h3>
While development is essential, preserving the unique heritage and natural beauty of Crete is paramount. Authorities assure that the new airport will not only respect but also showcase the island's culture. From local cuisine to art displays, the airport will serve as a gateway to the Cretan experience.
<h3>Final Thoughts</h3>
The new Kastelli Airport represents a bright future for Crete, one that honors its past while embracing the modern world. For travelers and residents alike, the airport is a symbol of growth and opportunity. As the project moves forward, the excitement is palpable, and the promise of a new chapter in Cretan travel is just on the horizon. Yet we hope it retains its charm without becoming overly touristy, allowing visitors to experience the island's beauty without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. Here's to a balance between progress and preserving the unique allure of Crete.

Rising Horizons: A sneak peak into Crete's upcoming aiport development

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Island of Hope: Understanding the Story of Spinalonga in ...

Rising Horizons: A sneak peak into Crete's upcoming aipor...