Their presence lasted as long as the Venetians held the fort. The visit to the monument depends on the weather conditions and the itineraries of the boats that perform the transports on the island. Stroll the towns neighborhood and gander at buildings that show off architecture from hundreds of years ago. The price differs based on group size, and the number of destinations visited along the way. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. Contribute/Review. Olous was the ancient town of Elounda, currently immersed under the strip of land that connects Elounda with the Peninsula of Kolokytha. A GUIDE TO SCHINOUSSA ISLAND IN THE SMALL CYCLADES. The tour ends with a drop-off at your accommodation in Heraklion. However, once on the island they received food, water, medical attention and social security payments. WebSpinalonga (Kalydon) 4.5 9,829 reviews #1 of 22 things to do in Elounda Historic Sites Islands Closed now 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About Suggested duration 2-3 hours Suggest edits to improve what we show. The island is open from 8 AM to 6 PM for some public holidays. Explore the vineyards, learn about the production of olive oil or visit the cellar at the winery. Phone: +30 2841041773 Fax: +30 2841022462 It had a director, a doctor, nurses, caretakers, cleaners, financial service and priest. Their hard, wretched life did not weaken their will to live. It may pay to call ahead on +30 28410 22462 / 28361 or check the official website. There were two entrances to Spinalonga, one being the lepers entrance, a tunnel known as "Dante's Gate". All rights reserved, Useful Tips, Hints and Advice for Driving in Greece, When Is The Best Time To Visit Greece (A Locals Guide), The Perfect 3-Day Paros Itinerary for First Timers, The Perfect 3-Day Naxos Itinerary for First Timers. The entire islands perimeter is only 1.5 kilometers, so its easy to explore by foot. There are other nice fortifications to visit in Crete that are not so crowded, The official name of the islet is actually Kalydon (as it used to be attached to it, but the Venetians transformed it into an islet), It is located on the North shore, along the Spinalonga peninsula, Planning info to make the most of your time, Once you are on the island, the doors of the archaeological sites are opened at least 9am to 5:45pm (what the signed on the door said) but it can be from 8am in Summer (according to the. 
I agree to sign up to the newsletter and receive occasional emails from TourScanner. Create an account to save tours, things to do and travel guides to your wishlist. You will need to pay entrance to visit the historical site. Pass by gorgeous lakes and stop at an old fishing village that is filled with fancy stays and cool cafes in its modern-day. Over 300,000 visitors each year visit this charming island by boat, starting from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and Plaka, which is just 800 meters away. The island has a small beach where visitors can swim and sunbathe. Initially, patients arrived from Crete, but after the unification with Greece in 1913 patients also came from the mainland. 31st closed weekdays It may pay to call ahead on +30 28410 22462 / 28361 or check the official website. WebTake a bus and boat tour from Heraklion, step back in time on a guided tour of Spinalonga, chill out on the beach in Kolokytha Bay, savor a delicious BBQ lunch, and have free time in Agios Nikolaos. Remoundakis, after the closure of Spinalonga in 1957, was admitted to the Leper Hospital of Agia Varvara. WebTake a bus and boat tour from Heraklion, step back in time on a guided tour of Spinalonga, chill out on the beach in Kolokytha Bay, savor a delicious BBQ lunch, and have free time in Agios Nikolaos. Finally, I decided to go and see it. Trainers are recommended if you want to make the climb up to the tower to enjoy the view, otherwise, flip-flops will suffice. Until 1903, all Turks abandoned the island. From there, you can either catch a boat to Spinalonga or transfer to a bus to Plaka or Elounda. Delight your senses with juices, drinks, and signature cocktails of your choice. The island is open from 8 AM to 6 PM for some public holidays. Lunch at a local taverna is included in the Spinalonga excursion. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in selected locations on Crete in the morning. The integrity of the site is protected given that the islet is a designated archaeological site. If weather is good, it is open on weekends. Later, a purely Ottoman settlement gradually formed in Spinalonga, since the island provided absolute security for families. WebOpening Hours The island is accessible from April 1st to October 31st, from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm during fair weather conditions. The islands two churches on the island, Agios Panteleimon and Agios Georgios. WebFrom 1715 onwards, Spinalonga was settled by Muslims, who built their houses on the foundations of the Venetian buildings. The historic site is closed during winter (Nov.1 to March 31) and only opens for the summer season (April 1 to Oct.31).
A boat ride is a no-go if its storming or rough out at sea. After 1957 and for several decades, the island remained abandoned. Email: efalas@culture.gr. It suffers from overtourism. There are annual days of the year when the entrance to the island is free. Ensuring that World Heritage sites sustain their outstanding universal value is an increasingly challenging mission in todays complex world, where sites are vulnerable to the effects of uncontrolled urban development, unsustainable tourism practices, neglect, natural calamities, pollution, political instability, and conflict. Im Sandy, a tragic Grecophile married to a Greek, hoping to help you have the best possible trip to Greece. There are also several cafes and souvenir shops on the island and actually the water there is perfect for swimming too. WebFrom April 1st until October 31th Opening hours 08:30-18:00 daily Tuesday: open. During the Cretan revolt of 1878, only Spinalonga and the fortress at Ierapetra were not taken by the Christian Cretan insurgents. WebSPINALONGA, Elounda, Kolokitha, Ag. During the first years of Ottoman occupation, the fortress was marginalized and used as a place of exile and isolation. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. I will never forget, as long as I live, the words he dictated and I wrote: "When walking the path of Spinalonga, stop and hold your breath. Archaeology & Arts (online edition, This page was last edited on 11 December 2022, at 21:23. Thus, the Venetians built a new powerful fortress above the ruins of the ancient fortress of Olounites, which was designed in accordance with the bastion fortification system, by Genese Bressani and Latino Orsini. Ticket price given is for the boat ride from Agios Nikolaos. Site MapDuring the Cretan War (1645-1669) refugees and rebels (Chainides) used the island as a refuge and a base for bothering Turks. Ticket Price: 20 EUR. Previously, such amenities had been unavailable to Crete's leprosy patients, as they mostly lived in the area's caves, away from civilization. There are also tours that pick you up from different places in Crete such as: Prices and departure times may vary depending on the tour operator and the type of tour you choose. From April 1st until October 31st, 8.30 am 8.30 pm each day, From Nov. 1st to Mar. Dont stress about figuring out bus timetables and hunting down local boats, instead enjoy a guided tour from Heraklion to Spinalonga in a private vehicle and boat. Today many well-built two-storey houses and shops remain; their morphology and symmetrical proportions are indicative of the principles of local and Balkan architectural tradition. Discover its long history from your guide on this fascinating day trip from the Heraklion area. Total eligible cost | EUR 383,452.75 These are small group tours and include private transfers to and from your Heraklion accommodation offering flexible pickup times. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. Tourist boats depart from all three towns on a daily basis (every 30 minutes from Elounda). Unguided trips from Heraklion to Spinalonga are 44 per person and include transfers only. Spinalonga, Crete. There are several boat tour operators in Agios Nikolaos that offer daily trips to Spinalonga. WebFrom Elounda harbour, there is a boat to Spinalonga every 30 minutes throughout the summer. This price does not include the cost of the entrance ticket to the Spinalonga archaeological site, which was 8 in 2017. During the day, a professional guide will take care of you and provide detailed information about Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. Enjoy beaches and bays along the way for a dip in the ocean or snorkel (bring gear). At Spinalonga, investigate the historic site and an islet thats completely abandoned, houses and shops included. European Union financial support | FEDER - EUR 153,381.10 It is also possible to rent a private boat to visit the island. Fax: +30 28410 25115
Do read the book or watch the TV show (available in Greek with subtitles) before you go so that you understand the recent history of the island better and understand what youre seeing! In the late 19th century, the role of the port of Spinalonga was upgraded, since it obtained a license for export trade. Spinalonga is an island with a rich history. Leprosy, also known as Hansens disease, is a chronic infectious disease that causes disfigurement and disability. This, in combination with the emergent Turkish threat, particularly after the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, and the continuous pirate raids, forced the Venetians to fortify the island. It can be accessed by boat from the town of Elounda.
Sufferers who were sent to live on the island survived on State funding and charitable donations. The building of the Spinalonga fort started in 1574, when the Turks invaded Cyprus. The lepers resided in the Turkish community houses and in modern buildings constructed in the 30s. It is very beautiful. In addition to the abandoned leper colony and the fortress, Spinalonga is known for its small pebble beaches and shallow waters. It is sure to be an enjoyable experience especially for history and architecture enthusiasts. According to the data for 2009, Spinalonga has 1200-1500 visitors daily during the summer months and is the most popular archaeological site in Crete after Knossos. The colony operated until 1957, when the last patients were moved to a hospital on the mainland. Leave two tears from your eyes and you will see million tears having watered that road twinkling. Opening hours: From April 1st until October 31st, 08:30-20:00 daily Click here to book a boat cruise and guided tour to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos. [2] These three forts defended Venetian trade routes and were also useful bases in the event of a new Venetian-Turkish war for Crete. By shuttle boats departing daily at fixed times from Ayios Nikolaos, Elounda and Plaka. National / regional public financial support | N.A. The best Cretan beaches. The sole responsibility for the content of each Tentative List lies with the State Party concerned. Some tours pit stop in Plaka or Elounda too. Spinalonga was fortified by the Venetians between 1579-1586 which, along with the fortification of Crete, made up one of the most important Mediterranean defensive sea fortresses of its time. Back on the mainland, enjoy a traditional lunch by the seaside before departing back to Heraklion. Time Required: 04:00 Hrs. Entrance Fee (): 8, Reduced 4 Website: odysseus.culture.gr e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. WebFrom 1715 onwards, Spinalonga was settled by Muslims, who built their houses on the foundations of the Venetian buildings. In 1903, it was converted into a leper colony, where people with leprosy were sent to live in isolation from society. [citation needed], Spinalonga, along with Gramvousa and Souda, remained in Venetian hands even after the rest of Crete fell to the Ottomans in the Cretan War (16451669) and until 1715, when they fell to the Ottomans during the last OttomanVenetian War. In 1584, the Venetians, realising that the coastal fortifications were easy to conquer by the enemies attacking from the nearby hills, decided to strengthen their defense by constructing new fortifications at the top of the hill. It is the (unnamed) setting of Ali Smith's short story The Touching of Wood (in Free Love and Other Stories, 1995). At Elounda or Plaka, park your car at the port and catch a boat to Spinalonga. Spinalonga Adult ticket 8 , reduced ticket 4 . Although there was life on Spinalonga until 1957, it remains uninhabited. When is the best time to visit Spinalonga? By this time leprosy had broken out and the Cretan State needed to establish a leper colony to keep the people who were infected isolated from the healthy population. WebFrom April 1st until October 31th Opening hours 08:30-18:00 daily Tuesday: open. Nicolaos 6 In olden times, people with leprosy were forced to live on Spinalonga, a fortress island in Mirabello Bay. Time Required: 04:00 Hrs. Therefore, if short on time or if you dont require the extras (you need only spend 1-2 hours on the island to see the history and admire the views) its better to make your way to the seaside town of Elounda or the picturesque village of Plaka where boats depart more regularly. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the island, while the sea voyage sometimes includes a sail around the Kolokytha Peninsula. Other museums and archaeological sites in the same prefecture. WebOpening Hours The island is accessible from April 1st to October 31st, from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm during fair weather conditions. Even today there are buildings from the period of the castle town, as two-storey houses with tall yard walls and shops with wide doors and large windows. WebOperating hours 10: 00- 19.00 hrs Snack: 10:00 19:00 Lunch: 12:00 19:00 VIEW MENU The Resorts cozy bars offer a majestic view of the surrounding area and the island of Spinalonga. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the island, while the sea voyage sometimes includes a sail around the Kolokytha Peninsula. The life of this settlement stopped abruptly because of the political changes that took place in Crete during the last years of the 19th century. Main objective | Strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises WebOpening Hours The island is accessible from April 1st to October 31st, from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm during fair weather conditions. The first phase of construction lasted from 1579 until 1586. Spinalonga featured in the 1977 British television series Who Pays the Ferryman? This situation began altering after 1936, the year when the patient Epaminondas Remoundakis, a third year law student, arrived in Spinalonga and who founded the "Fraternity of Spinalonga Patients and struggled over the following years for improving the living conditions of patients. We want you to experience the famous Greek Filotimo before you even get there. Explore the entire list of places to visit in Crete before you plan your trip. While youre there, dont miss the opportunity to explore the neighborhoods. Winter: The site is closed. Living on the island would have been challenging for many reasons. Being the general secretary of the Hansen Association, he went to Spinalonga. The small island of Spinalonga is just off the coast of Crete, which means that it makes for an easy day trip. Wear a strong sunblock, sunhat and comfortable walking shoes. In the mid-19th century the island gathered a large number of residents, mostly merchants and sailors, who took advantage of the license. The strategic location of the place made it a very important port and base during its hay day. Spinalonga is a tiny islet not far [5] After the revolution of 1866 other Ottoman families came to the island from all the region of Mirabello. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6a0f6334a393c0250f7e43c03aa905f" );document.getElementById("if34fc3a20").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Log in. The rocky islet of Spinalonga is located in the Gulf of Elounda, directly opposite the village of Plaka in North-Eastern Crete. The visit to the monument depends on the weather conditions and the itineraries of the boats that perform the transports on the island. WebSpinalonga (Kalydon) 4.5 9,829 reviews #1 of 22 things to do in Elounda Historic Sites Islands Closed now 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About Suggested duration 2-3 hours Suggest edits to improve what we show. Phone: 30-2841041773. After the establishment of the leper colony, residents from the opposite coast, built the present village of Plaka, just opposite Spinalonga, so as to serve the leper colony. 31st closed weekdays. If you visit Spinalonga outside the tourist season, the chances are you wont meet anyone except the archaeological team working there. Thus, the island became a leper colony for the Cretan patients of Hansen's disease, known as leprosy. [citation needed], In 1578 the Venetians charged the engineer Genese Bressani to plan the island's fortifications. During Venetian rule, salt was harvested from salt pans around the island. WebTake a bus and boat tour from Heraklion, step back in time on a guided tour of Spinalonga, chill out on the beach in Kolokytha Bay, savor a delicious BBQ lunch, and have free time in Agios Nikolaos. Its easy to arrange a boat tour of Spinalonga while on Crete. Delight your senses with juices, drinks, and signature cocktails of your choice. In 1976 it was designated an archaeological site. Once concluding your venture around the stone-cobbled isle, youll jump back on the boat and head for Vassilakis Estate (an olive oil factory) or Scalani Hills Boutari Winery for a three-glass wine tasting. Trips from Heraklion to Spinalonga include stopping in other nearby towns, and if youre not keen on walking in the heat, visit in late April or October. WebSpinalonga is open: Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. This email address is being protected from spambots. It has an area of 85 acres and its maximum height is 53 meters. WebOpening Hours: Summer: Daily 8:00-19:00. Spinalonga is also known as the Leper Island, as that is where lepers from Crete and the rest of Greece were quarantined until 1957. Phone: +30 2841041773 Fax: +30 2841022462 Spinalonga, Crete. Most boats that depart from Agios Nikolaos are larger cruise liners. Ask a Question. Towards the end of the 16th century, the Venetians, as part of their great fortification works to defend Crete, built on Spinalonga one of the most important bastion-type seaward fortresses of the Mediterranean, designed according to the bastion system of fortification by Genese Bressani and Latino Orsini. If weather is good, it is open on weekends. Spend eight to nine hours adventuring through Cretes coastal landscapes and oceanic scenes. According to Venetian documents, the name of the island originated in the Greek expression stin Elounda (meaning "to Elounda"). Opening hours: From April 1st until October 31st, 08:30-20:00 daily Click here to book a boat cruise and guided tour to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos. In addition to these practical difficulties, the lepers would also have had to face the physical and emotional challenges of living with Hansens disease, such as numbness, loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and atrophy, which can make it difficult for sufferers to feel pain, temperature changes, and other sensations, often increasing the risk of injury. Later, Leper Hospital upgraded. Beneficiary entity | Nomad Celebration - Software, Unipessoal Lda. There, the visitor can hear incredible stories from people who lived or had relatives on the island. WebFrom Elounda harbour, there is a boat to Spinalonga every 30 minutes throughout the summer. Ever since I read the bestseller, The Island by Victoria Hislop (aka one of the best books set in Greece), I knew I wanted to visit Crete and Spinalonga island. [1] The Venetians were inspired for this expression by the name of an island near Venice called by the same name and which is known today as the island of Giudecca. A cistern from the Venetian areas, an some more recent ones. The last inhabitant, a priest, did not leave the island till 1962, in order to maintain the Greek Orthodox tradition of commemorating a buried person 40 days, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years after their death. Discover its long history from your guide on this fascinating day trip from the Heraklion area. To get to Spinalonga island, you can take a boat from mainland Crete. WebOpening Hours: Summer: Daily 8:00-19:00. Winter: Closed in winter (November 1st - March 31st). [citation needed], In 1715, the Ottoman Turks captured Spinalonga, taking over the last remaining Venetian fortress and removing the last trace of Venetian military presence from the island of Crete. The village flourished after the mid-19 th century, until by 1881 it housed a population of 1,112 and was the Archaeological guide, mps, cards and other souvenirs. [7], Spinalonga was one of the last active leper colonies in Europe; others that have survived Spinalonga include Tichileti in eastern Romania, Fontilles in Spain and Talsi in Latvia.
