Spinalonga Island Full-Day Tour, Crete

The history and the culture of the island of Spinaloga became one with human tragedy in the course of time. It carries the history of Ancient Greece as it served as a natural guard for the ancient city of Olou, the history of the Saracens pirates, the history of the Venetians as their fortress, the history of the Turks as their settlement, and the history of the Greeks as the place where their leper would be sent into exile until 1957.

In 1578 the Venetians constructed on the island of Spinalonga an impressive fortress. They built bastions on the northern and southern sides of the island, as well as a fortification wall. The island is also well-known as a “leper colony”. The disease Leprosy was one of the most feared diseases of ancient times also known as “Hansen disease”. It was the last active leper colony in Europe from 1903 to 1957, and the last inhabitant, a priest, left the island in 1962. The tour also includes a visit to a traditional Cretan winery estate where a few of the best Cretan wines are produced.

Program

• You will meet the tour guide at Eleftheria Square in front of Astoria Capsis Hotel at 08:30.
• The tour starts by road along the North coast of the island, where we will choose the Byzantine church of Panagia Kera of the 12th century, located 1 km from the village of Kritsa. The church contains the best-preserved frescoes of the Byzantine era in Crete and for this reason, it has become one of the most important cultural and historical churches on the island.
• Then the city of Agios Nikolaos, the capital of Lasithi, will be completed. Here, Lake Voulismeni dominates the area. A narrow water channel connects the lake to the sea, while an imposing backdrop of red rock and trees adds to the natural beauty of the landscape. A small park of pine trees is located above the lake and a stone path leads along its southern part to a cute little harbor for fishing boats.
• The city has interesting archaeological, folklore, and natural history Museums, Byzantine churches, a well-organized marina, busy pedestrian streets (perfect for leisurely strolls), and traditional squares with bustling cafes and photo spots.
• Optional meal at "Vasilikos Restaurant".
• We continue our tour driving to the beautiful coastal road and the village of Elounda, located 11 km north of the town of Agios Nikolaos.
• Elounda maintains its authentic character and offers a unique landscape with many coves and pristine beaches. One of them is the coastal village of Plaka where you will board the boat to take us to the deserted island of Spinalonga.
• The tour guide who guided us through the ruins was an old leper colony from 1903 to 1957, where lepers lived to have a better life, medical help, and financial support.
• Late afternoon at 18:00, we return to Heraklion at the Astoria Capsis Hotel.

Important information:

• Every Sunday – Duration 8 hours (08.30-18.00).
• The reservation can be made no later than 2 days before the day of the activity.