◈ Island & history

Spinalonga, without the crowds

Venetian fortress, Europe's last leper colony, the setting of Victoria Hislop's novel 'The Island': Spinalonga is one of Crete's most moving visits. Here's how to do it right — the right jetty, the right price, the right hour.

From Plaka

≈ 5-10 min

Site entry

€20 (reduced €10)

Best time

Before 10am

A tiny island, three lives, and one rule: come early.

Off Elounda, in the Gulf of Mirabello, a fortified rock guards the mouth of the bay. The Venetians built a fortress here in 1579; the Ottomans settled in; then, from 1903 to 1957, Greece confined its leprosy patients here — the last active leper colony in Europe. A gate, a tunnel, and on the other side a whole small town, with its shopping street, its church and its cemetery. Today it is the second most-visited archaeological site in Crete, after Knossos.

Victoria Hislop's novel (2005) and the Greek series 'To Nisi' sent its fame soaring. The result: at midday in summer, the Agios Nikolaos boats pour in hundreds of visitors. The secret comes down to one word — timing.

Here's everything to know before you board.

Spinalonga in pictures

A complete walking tour of Spinalonga, Crete's 2nd most-visited archaeological site: the cheapest way over — the €12 boat from Plaka — the 16th-century Venetian fortress, the Ottoman settlement, the 20th-century medical colony, and the views over Mirabello Bay. A must if you're staying in East Crete.

Approche de Spinalonga en bateau depuis Plaka : la forteresse au-dessus des eaux turquoise du golfe de Mirabello — The approach from Plaka: the fortified islet grows before your eyes as you cross.

How to get there: the three jetties

The port you choose changes everything — time, price, crowds.

The best choice

From Plaka

The village right opposite. A 5-10 minute crossing, the cheapest, and the first to fill each morning. Small car park in the village. Our pick: aim for the first boat. The return trip costs about €12 (our visit, summer 2026 — indicative).

Convenient

From Elounda

A 15-20 minute crossing, frequent departures, a pleasant harbour with cafés. About €20 per adult (summer 2026, indicative) — a bit pricier than Plaka, a bit busier. Perfect if you're staying in Elounda.

Avoid at peak hours

From Agios Nikolaos

40-60 minutes, often sold as a mini-cruise (with a swim stop). A lovely trip, but you arrive mid-morning, with everyone else. Book it if you're not driving.

Two separate tickets: the boat (return) AND site entry (€20, free/reduced for some). Bring cash. Allow about 1 hour on the island.

What you see on the island

Dante's Gate

The vaulted entrance tunnel patients passed through with no hope of return. It opens straight into the town.

The main street

Shops, a café, restored houses: a real little town had organised itself here, with its social life, its currency, its dignity.

Agios Panteleimon church

The spiritual heart of the community, still standing.

The Venetian ramparts

The walk around the fortifications gives the best views over the gulf and Plaka.

La porte de Dante à Spinalonga : le tunnel d'entrée voûté avec sa grille de fer, ouvert sur le golfe de Mirabello — Dante's Gate — the vaulted entrance tunnel, opening onto the blue of the gulf.

La rue principale pavée de Spinalonga, entre maisons de pierre restaurées et treille de vigne — The cobbled main street, between restored stone houses and a vine trellis.

Les remparts vénitiens de Spinalonga surplombant les eaux turquoise du golfe de Mirabello, Crète — The circuit of the Venetian ramparts, poised above the waters of Mirabello.

Our on-the-ground tips

First boat

Before 10am: cool air, good light, and the island almost to yourself before the Agios Nikolaos cruises.

No services on site

No shop once you land: water, hat, sunscreen, closed shoes (uneven ground).

Cash

Boat + entry are often cash only. Bring small notes.

Season

Open roughly April to October. Off-season, sailings thin out — check locally the day before.

Frequently asked questions

How much does visiting Spinalonga cost?

Two separate costs: the return boat (cheapest from Plaka) and entry to the archaeological site, around €20. Boat fares vary by departure port — Plaka is the most economical.

Where do the boats leave from?

From Plaka (closest and fastest, 5-10 min), Elounda (15-20 min) and Agios Nikolaos (40-60 min, often as a mini-cruise). To avoid the crowds, leave from Plaka on the first boat.

What's the best time?

The morning, before 10am. The Agios Nikolaos boats arrive mid-morning with the bulk of visitors; by leaving early from Plaka you get the island in cool air and beautiful light.