Spinalonga

Island Small Greek island fortress, former leper colony

Off Crete’s northeast coast, Spinalonga preserves Venetian fortifications and a 20th‑century leper colony. Boat trips from Elounda or Agios Nikolaos bring visitors to walk ruined streets and see preserved buildings.

Spinalonga is a small island off the northeastern coast of Crete in Greece, notable for its well-preserved fortifications and its use in the 20th century as a leper colony. The island’s visible remains include a fortified settlement and 20th-century institutional buildings.

Major visitor sights are the Venetian fortifications and the ruined buildings associated with the island’s period as a leprosarium, which operated until the mid 20th century. Visitors explore the ramparts, streets and interior structures and view the island from nearby coastal towns.

The island was fortified by Venetian authorities and later passed through Ottoman control before its 20th-century use as a health facility; the layered history is evident in the architecture and ruins. Spinalonga’s later status as a leper colony has attracted historical and literary interest.

Spinalonga sits at the entrance to the bay of Elounda, off the northeastern coast of Crete near the village of Plaka and the town of Agios Nikolaos; it is reached by short boat services from those coastal points.

Leper colony dates: Served as a leper colony in the 20th century and is notable for its preserved ruins from that period alongside earlier fortifications.

What to See #

Venetian fortress: Fortified Venetian-era ramparts and bastions surrounding the island that are among the most visible surviving structures.
Leper colony remains: Remains of buildings and streets from the leper colony period, including accommodation blocks and communal facilities used between the early 20th century and the mid 1950s.

How to Get to Spinalonga #

Spinalonga island (off northeastern Crete) is reached by boat from nearby harbours: regular tourist boats and private water-taxis depart from Plaka (Elounda) and from the port of Agios Nikolaos/Elounda - the boat trip is short (typically 10-20 minutes from Plaka/Elounda). By car Elounda/Plaka is about 60-80 km east of Heraklion along the north coast (follow National Road/E75), and about a 10-15 minute drive from Agios Nikolaos; you then walk a few minutes from the Plaka/Elounda quay to the boat landing.

Tips for Visiting Spinalonga #

Take one of the first morning boats from Elounda or Plaka to Spinalonga to beat the mid‑day flotillas and cruise-boat crowds that arrive later in the day.
Allow time to walk the interior of the island rather than just circling the outer ramparts-the abandoned village, leper colony buildings and cemetery tell the site's full story and are quieter once the first tour groups disperse.
Combine the island visit with a short stop in nearby Plaka or Agios Nikolaos and time your return for late afternoon light on the fortifications, when photography of the ruins and sea is most favorable.