Spinalonga Island: From Venetian Fortress to Leper Colony

Rising from the turquoise waters of Elounda Bay, Spinalonga Island tells one of Crete's most poignant stories. For centuries a Venetian fortress, it later became a leper colony that housed sufferers until 1957 – one of the last in Europe. Today, its atmospheric ruins and emotional history draw hundreds of visitors daily.

Venetian Fortress

The Venetians fortified Spinalonga in 1579 to protect Elounda Bay. When Crete fell to the Ottomans in 1669, Spinalonga held out until 1715 – nearly 50 years of isolation. The massive walls and bastions that enabled this resistance still dominate the island.

The Leper Colony (1903-1957)

When Greece established a leper colony on Spinalonga, it was considered humane for its time. Patients lived in the former Ottoman village, created their own community with shops, cafes, even a cinema. The last patient left in 1957 when effective treatments finally became available.

What to See

• The Main Gate: Where patients passed into their new life
• The Village: Ruined but evocative Ottoman-era houses
• The Hospital: Where patients received treatment
• The Cemetery: Final resting place of colony residents
• The Fortifications: Massive Venetian walls and views

Getting There

Boats depart regularly from Elounda (10 minutes), Plaka (5 minutes), and Lasithi (25 minutes). Tours usually allow 1-2 hours on the island.

Practical Information

• Hours: 8am-7pm (summer), reduced in winter
• Duration: 1.5-2 hours to explore thoroughly
• What to bring: Water, sun protection, comfortable shoes
• No shade: The island has minimal shelter

The Island by Victoria Hislop

The bestselling novel brought Spinalonga to international attention, telling the story of the colony through fiction based on careful research. The book is widely available in island shops.

Spinalonga is more than ruins – it's a memorial to human resilience and the determination to live with dignity even in isolation. Approach with respect for those who spent their lives here.