Spinalonga, opposite Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, is a small island that carries centuries of history. From a 16th-century Venetian fortress, to an Ottoman settlement, and later a place of isolation for lepers, Spinalonga became a symbol of human endurance and strength.
Today, it is one of the most popular archaeological sites in Crete, where visitors can wander through the narrow alleys, stone houses, and fortified walls while enjoying the breathtaking views of Elounda Bay.
To reach Spinalonga, you can take a boat from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, or Plaka.
From Agios Nikolaos, boats depart in the morning and, apart from the transfer to Spinalonga, they usually include lunch and swimming at the beaches behind the Kolokytha Peninsula, before returning in the afternoon.
From Elounda’s port, during the summer months, boats depart every half hour and reach the island in 15–20 minutes, often including a tour around the Kolokytha Peninsula as part of the trip.
