The walls follow the shape of the island and guard the entrance to the ancient harbour of Olous. The Venetians built a powerful fortress here in the sixteenth century, retaining control even after the Ottoman conquest of Crete.
In the early twentieth century, the buildings were reused by a community separated from the rest of the country because of leprosy. In 1903 Spinalonga became a place of compulsory residence for people with leprosy from Crete and later from the rest of Greece; the colony remained active until 1957. Today it is an archaeological site and a place of remembrance.
The visit calls for respect: behind the romantic images of the island are lives shaped by stigma and separation, but also by the creation of a community with homes, services and relationships.
The layers of history are visible throughout the walk. Venetian bastions and passages stand alongside houses, shops and twentieth-century healthcare buildings. Looking at how these structures were adapted makes the visit easier to understand than a simple sequence of dates.
From the landing point, you enter the village’s main street, passing houses, churches and service buildings before continuing towards the walls. The sea is always close, creating a strong contrast with the island’s history. Take your time, moving between the community’s spaces and the views over the Gulf of Elounda and towards Plaka, leaving room for silence too.
The route includes stone paths and uneven ground. Around the middle of the day the sun is strong and shade is scarce, so keep an unhurried pace and allow time for a few breaks.
The shortest crossings leave from Plaka; boats and excursions also depart from Elounda and Agios Nikolaos. Frequency, journey times and tickets depend on the season and wind. Consider the boat fare and any site admission separately, checking the current arrangements.
Before choosing an excursion, check how much time you will actually spend on the island and confirm your return boat. For access and archaeological site tickets, consult the official website of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Lasithi.
Photographs of Spinalonga
Photographs: Cayambe, fortress / path along the walls (CC BY-SA 4.0); Robin & Bazylek (CC BY 2.0). Images resized.
Where is Spinalonga?
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Frequently asked questions about Spinalonga
How long does it take to visit Spinalonga?
Allow roughly one and a half to two hours on the island to walk around the walls and village with a few stops. Add the crossings and any wait for a boat: two to three hours is a starting point for a short visit from the nearby coast, while an excursion from Agios Nikolaos may take longer.
Where do boats to Spinalonga leave from?
Boats leave from Plaka, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos. Plaka faces the island and offers the shortest crossing. Before setting off, check departure and return times with the operator, along with how much time you will actually have on the island.
What shoes should I wear and what should I bring to Spinalonga?
Wear comfortable shoes with good grip for the stone paths and uneven ground. Bring water, a hat and sun protection: shade is limited along the route, especially around the middle of the day.