Spinalonga Island
Explore Spinalonga, a historic Venetian fortress and former leper colony off Crete's coast, offering a poignant journey through time.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Spinalonga Island
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Spinalonga, a historic Venetian fortress and former leper colony off Crete's coast, offering a poignant journey through time.
"Spinalonga is an absolutely fascinating place with a unique and touching history."
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Water is expensive on the island; bring your own!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
The terrain is uneven and can be steep.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Venetian Fortress
Coastal ramparts
Explore the imposing Venetian walls that once guarded against pirates, offering a glimpse into the island's strategic past.
Abandoned Village
Central island area
Wander through the hauntingly preserved ruins of houses, shops, and public buildings from its time as a leper colony.
Panoramic Island Views
Highest points of the island
Climb to the top for breathtaking vistas of the turquoise waters and the Cretan coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Water is expensive on the island; bring your own!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
The terrain is uneven and can be steep.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential.
🚶♀️ Explore Independently
Allow ample time; guided tours can be rushed.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Water is expensive on the island; bring your own!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
The terrain is uneven and can be steep.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential.
🚶♀️ Explore Independently
Allow ample time; guided tours can be rushed.
💰 Entrance Fee
Expect to pay around 20 euros per person for entry.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Spinalonga Island is widely praised for its unique and poignant history, offering a fascinating glimpse into its past as a Venetian fortress and a leper colony. Visitors are captivated by the atmospheric ruins and stunning sea views. However, some find the time allocated on tours to be insufficient for thorough exploration, and the island's exposed nature means visitors should be well-prepared for the sun and bring their own refreshments due to high prices on-site.
"Id liken it to a school trip except there's no quiz at the end. The guide had lots of information and we were asked to wear ear pieces but mine kept falling off. It's a baking hot place so take plenty to drink, wear a hat and sunscreen."
Georgina Burns
"So much history. Well worth of visit. We get it as part of the tour which was great. Highly recommend.
You spend about an hour or two walking around the island. Totally walk up to the top that's got a great view."
Tim Bull
"We had a super English speaking guide to talk us through the history of the island. She did this in a way which kept our interest and she was very informative. The island itself was very small but definitely worth a visit. Points to note are there is an entrance fee of 20 euros each to visit the island. Also, make sure you take water and snacks with you as the cafe is very expensive. 1.5 litre of water cost 5 euros."
Jasvinder Bharj
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Spinalonga Island by boat from several coastal towns in Crete, including Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, and Plaka. Boats depart frequently, with journeys typically taking between 5 to 30 minutes depending on your departure point. +3
Ferries from Elounda to Spinalonga are frequent and take about 20 minutes. Many tours depart from Elounda, offering a convenient way to visit the island. +1
Yes, boats from Plaka to Spinalonga are a popular and quick option, with journeys often taking less than 15 minutes. Boats usually depart every 30 minutes. +1
Yes, you can take a boat trip to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos. Some tours from Agios Nikolaos include a stop for swimming along the way. 
The boat trip to Spinalonga is generally short, ranging from 5 to 30 minutes depending on your departure point. Elounda and Plaka offer the quickest crossings. +2
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee to visit Spinalonga Island, which is approximately 20 euros per person. This fee is separate from the boat transportation cost.
While it's possible to purchase tickets upon arrival, booking in advance, especially during peak season, is advisable to secure your spot and avoid potential queues.
Yes, guided tours are available and can provide in-depth historical context. However, some visitors find they offer limited time on the island, so consider if an independent exploration might suit you better.
Spinalonga Island is typically open daily during daylight hours. It's best to check the official opening times closer to your visit, as they can vary seasonally.
Many visitors find the entrance fee worthwhile for the unique historical experience and the poignant stories the island holds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
On Spinalonga, you can explore the Venetian fortress, wander through the abandoned village with its houses and shops, and learn about its history as a leper colony. The island also offers stunning views.
Most visitors spend about one to two hours exploring Spinalonga. Some feel this is not enough time to fully appreciate the island, so plan accordingly.
Spinalonga Island has uneven terrain and some steep paths, especially if you climb to the top for views. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Spinalonga was originally a Venetian fortress, later transformed into a leper colony from 1903 to 1957. It's known for its poignant history and the community that lived there.
While there isn't a designated beach on Spinalonga itself, some boat trips from Agios Nikolaos include a stop for swimming in the clear waters nearby.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a cafe on Spinalonga Island, but it is known to be very expensive. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and water.
The nearby towns of Elounda and Plaka offer numerous tavernas and restaurants with beautiful sea views, some even overlooking Spinalonga itself.
Yes, food and drinks on Spinalonga are considerably expensive. For example, a 1.5-liter bottle of water can cost around 5 euros.
📸 📸 Photography
Spinalonga offers fantastic photography opportunities, from the ancient fortress walls and abandoned village ruins to the stunning turquoise waters and coastal views.
While drone photography can capture unique perspectives, be sure to check local regulations regarding drone usage in protected historical areas before flying.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic and atmospheric photos of the ruins and landscapes, while also avoiding harsh midday shadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 History Buffs & Ruin Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
+1 The interplay of light and shadow on the ancient stones, especially during sunrise or sunset, creates truly captivating shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Poignant History of Spinalonga
In the early 20th century, Spinalonga was transformed into a leper colony, becoming one of Europe's last active leper settlements until 1957.
Today, Spinalonga stands as an open-air museum, a stark reminder of this unique and touching chapter in history.
Walking through the abandoned buildings and along the ancient pathways allows visitors to connect with the stories of resilience, hope, and survival of those who lived and died there. +1 The island's transformation from a Venetian fortress to a leper colony offers a powerful and unforgettable historical experience. Getting to Spinalonga: Your Travel Options
Boats from Elounda and Plaka offer the quickest journeys, often taking less than 15-20 minutes, and tend to run every 30 minutes, providing flexibility for your visit.
Many visitors opt for organized tours that depart from these towns, which can simplify logistics, though some travelers prefer to arrange their own boat tickets for more control over their time on the island. When planning your trip, consider the Spinalonga ferry times and costs. While the boat ride itself is relatively inexpensive, remember to factor in the separate Spinalonga Island entrance fee of approximately 20 euros per person.
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