Walking Through History<\/h2>\n
Visitors enter Spinalonga through the imposing Venetian gate and immediately feel transported to another era. Wander among stone houses, old churches and fortress walls offering sweeping views of the turquoise sea. Informative signs explain the island\u2019s past, from its Venetian and Ottoman periods to the years when it served as a refuge for those suffering from leprosy until 1957.<\/p>\n
![\"spinaloga](\"https:\/\/www.foliahotel.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/spinaloga-crete-300x184.jpg\")
<\/h2>\n<\/h2>\nHow to Get There<\/h2>\n
How to Get There<\/h2>\n
Spinalonga is reached only by boat. The most common departure points are Elounda<\/strong> (a 10-minute boat ride), Plaka<\/strong> (5 minutes), and Agios Nikolaos<\/strong> (longer excursions). From Chania, it\u2019s an easy full-day trip combining a scenic drive across Crete with a boat tour to the island.<\/p>\n Fascinating mix of Venetian, Ottoman and Cretan history<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Well-preserved fortress walls and streets<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Stunning sea views and photo opportunities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Great combination with a swim in Elounda or lunch in Plaka<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Wear comfortable shoes and bring water \u2013 the island can be hot in summer.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Allow at least 1\u20132 hours to explore.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Combine your visit with Elounda\u2019s beaches or the charming town of Agios Nikolaos.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/p>\n Spinalonga has also inspired world-famous literature and television. The best-known work is \u201cThe Island\u201d by Victoria Hislop<\/strong>, an international bestseller that tells the story of a family divided between Plaka and Spinalonga during the leper colony years. It has been translated into dozens of languages and put Spinalonga on the global travel map.<\/p>\n In 2010 the Greek TV series \u201c\u03a4\u03bf \u039d\u03b7\u03c3\u03af\u201d (To Nisi)<\/strong> \u2014 based on the novel \u2014 was filmed on location in Crete and became one of Greece\u2019s most popular television dramas. Watching or reading the story before your trip adds an emotional layer to your visit, helping you imagine the daily life of the island\u2019s former residents as you walk through the old houses and alleyways.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nWhy It\u2019s Worth the Trip<\/h2>\n
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Insider Tips<\/h2>\n
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![\"spinalonga](\"https:\/\/www.foliahotel.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/spinalonga-island-300x169.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSpinalonga in Books and on Screen<\/h3>\n
Book Your Excursion<\/h3>\n