Spinalonga

#962 among destinations in Greece

Island

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Facts and practical information

Located in the Crete region of Greece, the island of Spinalonga is a fascinating and historically rich destination for travelers. Accessible by boat from the town of Elounda, this small island is steeped in history and offers visitors a glimpse into the past.

One of the main attractions of Spinalonga is the Venetian fortress that dominates the island's landscape. Built in the 16th century, the fortress was originally constructed to protect the entrance to the port of ancient Olous. Later, it was used as a leper colony during the early 20th century, adding another layer of historical significance to the island.

Visitors to Spinalonga can explore the well-preserved fortress and its surrounding structures, including homes, churches, and other buildings that once housed the leper community. The island's hauntingly beautiful atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding sea make it a compelling place to visit.

In addition to its historical attractions, Spinalonga also offers opportunities for swimming and sunbathing on its pristine beaches. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island are perfect for snorkeling and diving, allowing visitors to explore the underwater world of the Mediterranean.

Local name: Σπιναλόγκα Area: 21 acres (0.0328 mi²)Archipelago: Cretan IslandsCoordinates: 35°16'27"N, 25°44'17"E

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CreteGreece

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Day trips

Spinalonga – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos, Olous, Spinalonga, Naxos.

5.7 miS
Museum, Archaeological museum
Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos, Agios Nikolaos
146 min walk • Nestled in the heart of the charming coastal city of Agios Nikolaos on the island of Crete, the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos is a treasure trove of history and culture. This museum may not have the towering presence of the Eiffel Tower, but it stands as a...
1.2 miS
City, Ruins, Ancient Greek architecture
Olous, Elounda
32 min walk • Olous or Olus was a city of ancient Crete; now sunken, it was situated at the present day town of Elounda, Crete, Greece. According to the Stadiasmus Maris Magni, it had a harbour and was located 260 stadia from Chersonasus and 15 stadia from Camara.
1.6 miN
Boat tours, Tours, Outdoor activities
Spinalonga, Elounda
42 min walk • Spinalonga is an island located in the Gulf of Elounda in north-eastern Crete, in Lasithi, next to the town of Plaka. The island is further assigned to the area of Kalydon.
2.7 miSW
Town, Ruins
Naxos
70 min walk • Naxos or Naxus was a town of ancient Crete, according to the Scholiast celebrated for its whetstones. Some classicists have doubted the existence of this city. The islands Crete and Naxos were famed for their whetstones, hence the confusion. Modern scholarship and archaeology seem to confirm its existence.
1.4 miSE
Island
Kolokytha
37 min walk • Kolokytha is a Greek islet with a hotel. It is part of municipality Agios Nikolaos of the regional unit Lasithi, eastern Crete. It is located approximately 850 meters east of the Spinalonga peninsula and forms a bay with it.
4.6 miS
35°12'39"N • 25°42'43"E
Cretan Olive Oil Farm
118 min walk • Farm
4.9 miS
Island
Mikronisi
126 min walk • Mikronisi is an uninhabited Greek islet, in the Aegean Sea, close to the northern coast of eastern Crete. Administratively it lies within the Agios Nikolaos municipality of Lasithi.
5.3 miS
Island
Agioi Pantes Island
136 min walk • Agioi Pantes, is a Greek islet, north of the coast of Lasithi, eastern Crete, close to Agios Nikolaos. In antiquity, it was named Pyrrha or Pyrra.
4.9 miS
Island
Nikolos, Agios Nikolaos
125 min walk • Nikolos, also known as Nikolonisi, Nikolo Nisi, and Agios Antonios, is an island close to the northeastern coast of Crete. Administratively it comes within the Agios Nikolaos municipality in Lasithi.