Spinalonga is an island fortress on the north western entrance to the Gulf of Elounda.
It is 5.6 km from the village of Elounda. In 1579 a fortress was built by the Venetians to protect the port of
Elounda from hostile invaders like the Saracens and Turks.
This powerfull fortress has survived and can be admired today.
Following independence and for many years Spinalonga was used as a leper colony. With the progress of medicial science a cure was found and the colony was dissolved in 1957.
Spinalonga is a recognized archaelogical site, a rare sample of the art of Venetian fortress building and island fortification.
Every year thousands of Greek and foreign tourists visit the island fortress.
You can go to Spinalonga from Elounda by
caique ( a traditional greek fishing boat) in 20 minutes.
