Where is Spinalonga in Crete?

Where is Spinalonga in Crete?

Gulf of Elounda
Spinalonga (Greek: Σπιναλόγκα) is an island located in the Gulf of Elounda in north-eastern Crete, in Lasithi, next to the town of Plaka. The island is further assigned to the area of Kalydon. It is near the Spinalonga peninsula (“large Spinalonga”) – which often causes confusion as the same name is used for both.

Is it worth visiting spinalonga?

Yes Spinalonga is definitely worth a visit, and so is the lovely village of Plaka too, which is only 5 mins drive from Elounda.

How big is spinalonga?

21 acres
Spinalonga/Area

What time does spinalonga open?

Opening times: Summer season opening: daily from 09.00 – 19.00hrs. During winter 01 Nov – 31 Mar only on weekends (Sat-Sun) from 09.30-16.00hrs, but this depends on the weather conditions and you should contact first the archaeological office in Agios Nikolaos (tel.: 28410 25115).

Can you stay on Spinalonga?

Nobody could be cured – so the lepers of Spinalonga expected a lifelong stay. There were up to a 1,000 patients on the island, which is separated from Crete by only a few hundred meters.

Does anyone live on Spinalonga?

Settlement began in 1903, and by October 1904, 251 people lived at Spinalonga (148 men and 103 women). In 1933, there were 954 inhabitants living on Spinalonga. Numbers gradually declined as patients were cured and left the island. The last twenty patients were relocated to a leprosy hospital in Athens in 1957.

Are there toilets on Spinalonga?

At the end of the island tour is a simple snack bar. Here you can get water, cola, sweets etc., quite expensive. In front of the only toilet on the island Spinalonga there is often a long queue. Also on the small ferries of Elounda and Plaka there is no toilet.

How long does it take to walk around Spinalonga?

approximately one hour
From 1903 – 1957 Spinalonga Island was used as a leper colony and was the last active colony in Europe. Strolling through the ruins was very interesting & also perfect for taking photo’s. The walk around the island takes approximately one hour.

When did the last person leave Spinalonga?

The island served as a leper colony through the 18th and 19th century, and even into the 20th century, the last leper leaving in 1957.

When did the last people leave Spinalonga?

In 1933, there were 954 inhabitants living on Spinalonga. Numbers gradually declined as patients were cured and left the island. The last twenty patients were relocated to a leprosy hospital in Athens in 1957.