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Spinalonga


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Spinalonga is a small island with a big history, located off the coast of Elounda in Eastern Crete. According to the Venetian Cartographer Vincenzo Coronelli, Spinalonga was not always an island. It was suggested that it was once part of the adjacent peninsular of Kolokitha, until the Venetian occupants calved away a portion of the peninsular to create an island from the tip of Kolokitha. It is documented by enscriptions on the island that in 1578 the Venetians began transforming Spinalonga into a fortress to protect the Venetian trade routes and entrance into the port of Ancient Olous.

Spinalonga went on to play a notable role in the history of Crete. Throughout the Cretan War and the last Ottoman war, Spinalonga along with two other forts, Gramvousa and Souda played a crucial role in protecting Crete, and remained in control of the Venetians even after the Ottomans took control of the mainland.

Spinalonga is best known for being one of the last active Leper colonies from 1903 until 1957, although the last inhabitant officially left in 1962. This was because according to Orthodox Greek traditions a buried person must be commemorated at intervals of 40 days, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years and 5 years following their deaths. Leper colonies were widespread throughout the Middle Ages, with many suffers of Leprosy being banished to the islands due to widespread fear of the disease. Not much is known about the conditions within Leper colonies, as such victims did not know what awaited them upon arrival to the island. However, as Spinalonga was close to the civilisation of Crete, once on the island they received food, water, medical attention and social security payments.

Life on Spinalonga is thought to be much like everyday life on the mainland. Inhabitants worked where they could on the island, tending to their land and caring for pets, many inhabitants fell in love, and were married in the chapel situated on the island. During its use as a Leper colony it is thought that 20 babies were born on the island of Spinalonga.

Today Spinalonga is a very popular tourist destination, with thousands of tourists visiting every week during the summer months.  Visitors flock to the island every year to tour the archaeological ruins and structures left by its inhabitants. Boat trips run regularly from the surrounding areas such as Elounda, Aghios Nikolaos and Plaka.

Guests of the Domes of Elounda Resort can access Spinalonga in a variety of ways.

Clients can travel to the island in a private water taxi which will pick up and drop off at the hotels private beach, alternatively there are bus boats which travel from the nearby towns of Plaka and Elounda

Return trip from Plaka €8 - €15
Return trip from Elounda €12 - €15
Private water taxi from Domes of Elounda private beach €35 - €40

Please note that prices are subject to the company used and the season.


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