A rather dark and heart-wrenching shadow of the past hangs over the beautiful island of Spinalonga. This barren and arid islet is located just off the coast of Crete, in the Gulf of Elounda. There was renewed interest in the gorgeous Spinalonga island since the 1980s. So much so that it even features in a well-known historical fiction book written by the popular British author Victoria Hislop.
The view of the Gulf from the island is unparalleled. One can easily lose themselves in the serenity and solitude of the waves crashing against the shore. There are numerous ferry rides available from the adjoining towns of Plaka, Agios Nikolaos, and Elounda. Although in ruins, the island is a standing testimony of a long-gone independent colony of outcasts. Throughout its history, the island has been used as a place for holdouts. After being used as a fortress by the Venetians for almost four decades, it was conquered by the Ottomans. Their hold over this island was so strong that it lasted for centuries. It was only in the early 1900s, that the last of the Turks vacated the island.
What happened next was completely unimaginable. The island began to be used as a colony for lepers and those with incurable, terrible diseases. So much so that, all the people suffering from the disease across Greek were sequestered here, to keep them away from the remaining healthy population. This colony officially came to an end in 1957, long after a cure for leprosy was found in 1948. It is also stated that the Greek government destroyed all records of the island’s use as a leper colony.
Spinalonga Island can be reached by a boat. Take the boat from Ayios Nikolaos, Elounda or Plaka to reach the island.
A boat ride from Elounda costs €12 each person.
From Plaka: It is only 800 meters away, 10 minutes by boat and costs 10 euros for return trip.
Summer:
From April 1st to October 31st
Working hours
Sunday: 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monday: 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Closed in the winter months
November 1st to March 31st.
The site is accessible upon request for groups of visitors.
Days of Vacation
January 1st: closed
Epiphany: open upon request
Clean Monday: open upon request
March 25th: closed
May 1st: closed
Easter Sunday: closed
Easter Monday: 08:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Holy Spirit: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
August 15th: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
October 28th: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Christmas, December 25th: closed
December 26th: closed
Waiting Time
Entrance Fee
Entrance fee for full ticket is €8 and the reduced fee is €4
Holidays
6th March, that is in memory of Melina Mercouri
18th April, that is International Monuments Day
18th May, that is International Museums Day
The last weekend of September every year is European Heritage Days
28th October
Every first Sunday during 1st November to 31st March
Time you can spend
Weather
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