Spinalonga is a small, rocky island in the bay of Elounda on the north-east coast, and its fortress walls and abandoned streets make it one of the most affecting places in Crete. The Venetians fortified it in the late sixteenth century, and it held out against the Ottomans until 1715, long after the rest of Crete had fallen. From 1904 until 1957 it was a leper colony, one of the last in Europe, and the empty houses, the church and the walls of the village are still there to walk through. Victoria Hislop’s novel The Island brought it to a much wider audience. The cruise we link to is a guided boat trip with time on the island and a swim, setting out from the harbour of Agios Nikolaos and lasting about four and a half hours. Winter status: Spinalonga is closed from November to March, and the cruise is not available to book. If the island matters to you, plan the trip for the spring-to-autumn season and check availability on your dates.
How it works
The cruise leaves from the meeting point at the Nostos Cruises office on the Agios Nikolaos harbour, with live guides speaking English, German, French and Dutch. The ticket covers the boat, the guide and swimming time, while the entrance fee to the island is paid separately on arrival, with reductions for retired visitors and free entry for students and children under eighteen. You can cancel up to the selected time slot and reschedule before your visit.
What to expect
The crossing is short, and the island is walkable in an hour or so along stone lanes, past the Venetian gate, the hospital buildings and the church. There are few shaded places, so the walk can feel hot in summer. The story of the people who lived here is told with respect by guides, and many visitors find it more moving than they expected. Some boats pause at a cove for swimming on the way back.
Making the most of it
Wear shoes with grip for the uneven paving, bring water and a hat, and go on an early departure to avoid the largest groups. If you want to read about the island first, Victoria Hislop’s novel The Island is set there. The nearby village of Plaka and the town of Elounda are pleasant for lunch after the cruise, and the east coast makes an easy base for a few days.
What to expect
The experience
A guided boat cruise from Agios Nikolaos harbour to the island, with a walk through the fortress and the abandoned village.
Best time
April to October, early in the day. The island is closed from November to March.
How long
About four and a half hours including the crossing, the guided visit and swimming time.
Tips
Pay the island entrance fee on arrival, wear shoes with grip, and bring water and a hat.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and readers of The Island who want to see where the story is set.
- Families
- Older children will find it fascinating, though the paths are uneven and there is little shade.
- Couples
- A thoughtful day on the water in the quieter spring and autumn months.
- Pair with
- Elounda village and Plaka for lunch, and Lasithi Plateau on another day.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Is Spinalonga open in November?+
No. Spinalonga is closed from November to March, and the cruise is not currently available to book. Plan a visit between April and October.
What is Spinalonga famous for?+
It is a Venetian fortress island that was a leper colony from 1904 to 1957, and the empty village is still standing. Victoria Hislop’s novel The Island is set here.
Is the island entrance fee included?+
The cruise ticket does not include the island entrance fee. It is paid on arrival, with reduced fees for retired visitors and free entry for students and children under eighteen.
Where does the cruise leave from?+
The meeting point is the Nostos Cruises office on the Agios Nikolaos harbour. Show your ticket on your phone.
How long is the cruise?+
The trip takes about four and a half hours in total, including the boat crossing, the guided tour and time to swim.
