Hotels near Spinalonga Island Fortress

Spinalonga is a small fortified island in the Bay of Mirabello with a layered history that spans Venetian engineering (1579), Ottoman occupation and a 20th century leper colony that operated until 1957. Victoria Hislop's 2005 novel The Island made the site internationally famous, and visitor numbers have stayed high. The 30-minute walking circuit takes you past the Venetian sea gate, Ottoman houses, the small church of Agios Panteleimonas and the leper hospital. Boats run from Plaka village (12 EUR return, 10 min crossing), Elounda (15 EUR, 20 min) and Agios Nikolaos (25 EUR, 1 hr scenic route). Entry is 10 EUR.

Pro Tip: Take the early boat from Plaka at 09:30 - by 11:00 the small island is full and the unshaded ramparts get fierce.