Spinalonga Island
An uninhabited island off Crete, featuring a Venetian fortress and the haunting ruins of a former leper colony.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the midday heat and crowds.
Spinalonga Island
Best Time
Beat the midday heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An uninhabited island off Crete, featuring a Venetian fortress and the haunting ruins of a former leper colony.
"A fascinating journey through history and beauty, offering a unique connection to the past."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The island has uneven paths and steep steps. Good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Sun Protection
There are no shops on the island. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Venetian Fortress
Spinalonga Island
Explore the imposing 16th-century Venetian fortifications, a testament to the island's strategic past.
Leper Colony Ruins
Spinalonga Island
Wander through the hauntingly preserved streets, houses, and shops of the former leper colony.
Panoramic Island Views
Spinalonga Island
Ascend to the top for breathtaking vistas of the Aegean Sea and the Cretan coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Ferry in Advance
Prepare for a Historical Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The island has uneven paths and steep steps. Good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Sun Protection
There are no shops on the island. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Book Ferry in Advance
Especially in peak season, secure your boat trip from Plaka or Elounda. :ticket:
Embrace the History
Read up on the island's past to fully appreciate its poignant story. :books:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The island has uneven paths and steep steps. Good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Sun Protection
There are no shops on the island. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Book Ferry in Advance
Especially in peak season, secure your boat trip from Plaka or Elounda. :ticket:
Embrace the History
Read up on the island's past to fully appreciate its poignant story. :books:
Capture Stunning Views
The island offers incredible photo opportunities of the sea and coast. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Spinalonga Island for its profound historical significance and breathtaking beauty. The island offers a unique journey through time, from its Venetian fortress past to its poignant history as a leper colony. While the entrance fee and lack of amenities are noted, the immersive experience and stunning views are widely considered worth the visit.
"Arrived by boat and what a beautiful setting with magnificent views from the top. There is a fee of €20 to go in the fortress but it’s really worth it to explore the history of the old buildings and ruins, and the wonderful views from the top. Not for the infirm as there’s some steep steps and scrambling to reach the top."
S S
"Loved it. If you are prepared to read some of the history and go there with an inquisitive mind, you’ll take a lot away. The leper colony was closed within living memory. How the unfortunate inmates would marvel at the tourists visiting their island. It’s not cheap but this is a connection with the living past and another example of how superstition, medical ignorance, intolerance and discrimination have shaped our modern history."
Matt Fossey
"Spinalonga is a tiny island just off Plaka, with a history that runs deep. The Venetians bought it in the 13th century, fortified it against the Ottomans, then it passed hands — Venetians, Turks, Greeks — until it ended up as a leper colony through the first half of the 20th century.
Today, the whole island is essentially one big ruin. Some sections are stabilized to stop them from crumbling further, but most of it is raw: half-standing houses, old shops, fortifications. Walking through feels like stepping into a ghost town that’s layered with centuries of survival.
Is it worth the €20 admission? That depends on what you count as a “must-see” in Crete. For us, yes. It was an absorbing few hours of wandering, and the views from the fortress walls — open sea and coastlines stretching endlessly — were breathtaking. We genuinely enjoyed tracing history’s footsteps across those narrow paths"
Ira Hoyer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Spinalonga Island from Agios Nikolaos is by taking a boat tour. Many tours depart from the harbor in Agios Nikolaos, or you can take a short bus or taxi ride to nearby Plaka or Elounda for more frequent ferry services. The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes. 
Ferries to Spinalonga Island depart regularly from Plaka, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. Plaka offers the shortest and often most frequent boat trips.
Yes, numerous organized tours are available that include transportation to Spinalonga Island, often departing from major tourist hubs like Hersonissos, Malia, and Rethymno. These tours can provide historical context. +2
No, Spinalonga is an uninhabited island and can only be reached by boat. You can drive to the coastal towns of Plaka, Elounda, or Agios Nikolaos and then take a ferry.
Ferry schedules can vary depending on the season and the departure point. It's best to check locally or with tour operators upon arrival. Ferries typically run frequently throughout the day during tourist season. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee to explore the historical sites on Spinalonga Island, which is approximately €20 per person. This fee grants access to the Venetian fortress and the ruins of the leper colony.
While you can often purchase tickets upon arrival at the departure points or on the island itself, buying ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak season, is recommended to secure your spot. Entrance tickets for the island can usually be bought on-site.
Spinalonga Island is generally open to visitors during daylight hours. Specific opening and closing times can vary by season, so it's advisable to check locally or with your tour provider.
Many visitors find the €20 entrance fee to be well worth it for the historical insights and the opportunity to explore the well-preserved ruins and fortress. The views from the top are also a significant draw.
Information on specific discounts for Spinalonga tickets is not widely publicized. It's always a good idea to inquire locally or check with tour operators for any potential group rates or special offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Spinalonga Island offers a unique historical experience. You can explore the Venetian fortress, wander through the ruins of the former leper colony, including houses, shops, and the hospital, and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the sea and coastline.
Spinalonga Island has uneven terrain, steep paths, and many steps, making it challenging for visitors with mobility issues. It is not considered easily accessible for wheelchairs or those with significant walking difficulties.
Most visitors spend between 1 to 3 hours on Spinalonga Island, which is generally enough time to explore the main historical sites and enjoy the views. Some tours may allocate around an hour for exploration.
While there isn't a designated 'Spinalonga beach' for swimming on the island itself, the surrounding waters are beautiful. Some boat trips might offer swimming stops in nearby coves. +1
It's essential to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. There are no facilities like shops or restaurants on the island.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo spots include the Venetian fortress walls for panoramic sea views, the narrow, atmospheric streets of the old leper colony, and the entrance to the island with the fortress in the background. The views from the higher points are particularly stunning.
Yes, Spinalonga Island is highly photographic due to its unique historical ruins, dramatic fortress architecture, and beautiful coastal scenery. The contrast between the weathered stone and the blue sea is striking.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful soft light for photography. Mornings can also be good before the midday sun becomes too harsh, and crowds are smaller.
Drone usage regulations can be strict in historical and protected areas. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone over Spinalonga Island.
A versatile camera with a good lens for both wide-angle shots (fortress, landscapes) and detail shots (ruins, textures) is recommended. A smartphone with a good camera will also capture excellent images.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families: Ensure children wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven and can be slippery. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities on the island. The historical ruins and fortress can be fascinating to explore, but supervise children closely due to the uneven ground and potential drop-offs. Consider a guided tour that can make the history more engaging for all ages.
🚶 History Enthusiasts
+1Key aspects for history buffs: Take your time to explore the various sections of the island, including the fortifications, the old town with its houses and shops, and the hospital. Reading up on the history beforehand, perhaps about Victoria Hislop's novel 'The Island', can greatly enhance the experience. The €20 entrance fee is considered well worth it for the depth of historical immersion.
📸 Photographers
+1Photography tips: Aim for the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Capture the contrast between the rugged island landscape and the vibrant blue of the Aegean Sea. Don't forget to photograph the details within the ruins – textures, doorways, and the remnants of daily life. The boat journey to the island also presents excellent photographic opportunities of the coastline and the approaching fortress.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Poignant History of Spinalonga
+1For over 50 years, until 1957, Spinalonga served as one of Europe's last leper colonies. Inmates were forced to live in isolation, creating their own community within the confines of the island. The ruins you see today – the houses, shops, and even a small church – are remnants of this difficult period, offering a stark reminder of the stigma and suffering associated with the disease.
Today, Spinalonga is an open-air museum, a place of remembrance and reflection. Walking through its abandoned streets, you can almost feel the echoes of the past. The island's transformation from a strategic fortress to a place of exile and then to a historical monument is a powerful narrative that draws visitors seeking to connect with a significant, albeit somber, part of Cretan history.
+1Getting to Spinalonga: Ferry Options and Tips
Agios Nikolaos also serves as a departure point, with various boat tours and cruises available. These might offer a more comprehensive experience, sometimes including stops for swimming or a meal. For those staying further afield, such as in Hersonissos or Malia, organized day tours are readily available, often combining Spinalonga with other local attractions.
When planning your trip, consider booking your ferry or tour in advance, especially during the busy summer months, to avoid disappointment. The boat ride itself offers beautiful views of the coastline and the island approaching, setting the stage for the historical journey ahead.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit