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Spinalonga, with its Venetian fortifications and ghostly remains of a leper colony, which existed until 1957, is certainly worth a visit.
The small island at the entrance of Elounda bay is best known as Spinalonga although it has been renamed Kalydon by decree.
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The etymology of the name is interesting. It is Italian and means long thorn (Spina-longa). The reason the Venetians called it so, however, is not because it resembles a long thorn but because they adapted to their own language a Greek composite word "Stinelounda" meaning "to Elounda" (sten-Elounda). Thus, the name of the island is of linguistic interest.
The fortress of Spinalonga is one of the strongest on the whole island of Crete. It was built by the Venetians while they occupied the island and was considered impregnable |
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The island's massive fortress (admission approx. €1.50; open 8am to 7pm daily) was built by the Venetians in 1579 to protect Elounda Bay and the Gulf of Mirabello. It withstood Turkish sieges for longer than any other Cretan stronghold, finally surrendering in 1715, some 30 years after the rest of Crete. The Turks used the island as a base for smuggling. Following the reunion of Crete with Greece, Spinalonga Island became a leper colony. The last leper died there in 1953 and the island has been uninhabited ever since.
The island is a fascinating place to explore. It has an aura that is both macabre and poignant. The cemetery, with its open graves, is an especially strange place. There are regular excursion boats to Spinalonga Island from Agios Nikolaos and a boat every half hour from the port of Elounda (approx. €5.90). Alternatively, you can negotiate with the local fishermen in Elounda and Plaka ( a fishing village 5km further North) to take you across.
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Spinalonga
