Greece beyond the clichés

Ready to see a different side of Greece? With no whitewashed houses with colorful shutters, iconic ancient temples, or loud parties, but quiet, and filled with touching and dramatic stories instead. Then let’s set off on a boat trip from Crete to Spinalonga!

The name Spinalonga most likely comes from the Italian spina lunga — “long spine”, describing the shape of the island. However, there’s also a theory that the name derived from a mispronounced Greek phrase stin Elounda (“in Elounda”). Interestingly, the Greek Spinalonga once had a namesake — the island of Giudecca in Venice was formerly known by the same name.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPINALONGA

Once, it was part of the mainland

Until the 16th century, Spinalonga was connected to the mainland of Crete. But the Venetians separated it by digging an artificial channel. Why? To protect the harbor of ancient Olous — a sunken city in whose place Elounda has now grown. By the way, here’s another idea to add to your Crete checklist: snorkeling among the remains of the thousand-year-old Olous walls.

It was home to one of the most powerful fortresses in the Mediterranean

To better guard the entrance to Elounda Bay from pirate raids and Ottoman invasions, the Venetians built a mighty fortress on the island in 1579. And they weren’t wrong to do so. During the Cretan War (1645–1669), it withstood nearly two decades of siege. While most of Crete had already been conquered by the Ottomans, Spinalonga remained one of the last European strongholds on the island. Nearly 500 years have passed — and the fortress walls and bastions are still standing.

…and the last leper colony in Europe

In the 20th century, the island was turned into an isolation settlement for people with leprosy. The disease was believed to be highly contagious, so patients were forcibly relocated here, with no way to return. At first, conditions were horrific. But over time, things changed — largely thanks to Epaminondas Remoundakis, a student who arrived on the island at age 21.

Just imagine how it must have felt — a young man, at the start of his life, realizing that his future meant lifelong isolation on a tiny island. Many might have given up, accepted their fate, and lived out their days in silence. However, Epaminondas chose a different path: he dedicated his life to improving the lives of the colonists. His energy inspired others, and gradually the leper settlement began to feel like a real town: residents organized social activities, opened barbershops and cafés, established a school and a cinema, and even published their own newspaper. For the first time in the island’s history, the streets lit up at night and filled with classical music — broadcast from a loudspeaker donated by one of the residents.

Over time, people began to live as normal a life as possible: they got married, had children. And the most remarkable part? Those children grew up healthy.

Sounds like the plot of a deeply moving film? Exactly! That’s why...

Spinalonga’s story has been told in books and on screen

The tragedy and strength of spirit of those who once lived on the island have inspired many works. The most famous is The Island by Victoria Hislop — an international bestseller translated into over 30 languages and adapted for Greek television in 2010. Stories told by the last governor of the leper colony also inspired Victor Zorbas to write The Island of the Damned, a book filled with exclusive photos and accounts from the time of German occupation.

Now you know what to read or watch before your trip. And here are a few more photos to help you feel the atmosphere of the colony:

WHAT TO DO ON THE ISLAND

Battles with pirates and years of painful isolation are now history. The last resident left in 1962, and since then Spinalonga has opened its gates to tourists. Here’s what you can do:

• Walk the streets of a long-abandoned town

In the 20th century, a unique community formed on the island. As you walk its narrow paths frozen in time, try to imagine daily life here. Many stone houses still stand — along with a church, hospital, school, bathhouse, and pharmacy.

• Stage a photo shoot with the Venetian fortress as your backdrop

Arched doorways, cannon-lined bastions, stone paths — it’s the perfect setting for cinematic shots. Especially beautiful in the soft morning or evening light.

• Enjoy the views

Take your time to soak in the turquoise waters of Mirabello Bay, the silhouettes of nearby islands, the village of Elounda, and the rugged Cretan coastline. Some of the best views are from the fortress bastions or the old pier.

• Visit the local museum

Here you can explore the island’s different historical periods in more depth. Let’s be honest — it’s much more interesting to explore Spinalonga when you understand its history. There’s even a separate hall featuring dozens of board games carved into stone — once used by residents of the leper colony to pass the time.

• Track down filming locations from The Island series 

Many scenes were shot on Spinalonga — and you can still find the real-life places that inspired them.

One big question remains …

HOW TO GET TO SPINALONGA

Ferries to Spinalonga regularly depart from Crete. You can board them from three ports: Plaka, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos.

Or you can book our guided tour right away — learn all the fascinating facts about the island without worrying about organizing anything yourself. Plus, beyond visiting Spinalonga, there’s a whole list of exciting places and pleasant surprises waiting for you. 

What do you think of this itinerary? No need to say a word — know that we’re ready to take your booking. And we’ve already picked out some great hotels for your stay on Crete.

We fly to Crete from:

• Poland (Rzeszów, Katowice, Warsaw) 
• Romania (Iași, Cluj-Napoca, Suceava, Bucharest)

What do you think of this itinerary? No need to say a word — know that we’re ready to take your booking. And we’ve already picked out some great hotels for your stay on Crete.

We fly to Crete from:

• Poland (Rzeszów, Katowice, Warsaw) 
• Romania (Iași, Cluj-Napoca, Suceava, Bucharest)