Perched on a small islet at the entrance of the Gulf of Elounda in eastern Crete, the fortress of Spinalonga stands as one of the last Venetian strongholds in the Mediterranean, resisting Ottoman conquest well into the 18th century. The imposing walls and bastions that once defended this strategic outpost later served a far more somber purpose, as the islet became one of Europe's last active leper colonies in the modern era. Today, Spinalonga draws visitors from around the world, its layered history of conquest, isolation, and resilience immortalized in Victoria Hislop's acclaimed novel 'The Island'.
Hours: Apr-Oct 08:30-18:00; May 01 off; Aug 15,Oct 28 08:00-18:00; Jan 01,Mar 25,Dec 25,Dec 26 off; Nov-Mar "by appointment"
© Mapillary, CC-BY-SA
Spinalonga fort is located in Σπιναλόγκα, Π.Ε. Λασιθίου, Greece. Coordinates: 35.29782, 25.73819.
Perched on a small islet at the entrance of the Gulf of Elounda in eastern Crete, the fortress of Spinalonga stands as one of the last Venetian strongholds in the Mediterranean, resisting Ottoman conquest well into the 18th century. The imp
You can navigate to Spinalonga fort via Google Maps or Apple Maps using the coordinates 35.29782, 25.73819.
Apr-Oct 08:30-18:00; May 01 off; Aug 15,Oct 28 08:00-18:00; Jan 01,Mar 25,Dec 25,Dec 26 off; Nov-Mar "by appointment"