spinalonga opening times
Later, Leper Hospital upgraded. From the 8th century till the Venetian Period, the city does not appear to have had any significant evolution. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the island, while the sea voyage sometimes includes a sail around the Kolokytha Peninsula. Spinalonga (Greek: ) is an island located in the Gulf of Elounda in north-eastern Crete, in Lasithi, next to the town of Plaka. Phone: +30 2841041773 Fax: +30 2841022462 Phone: 30-2841041773. Finally, in 1957, with the discovery of antibiotics and after all lepers were cured, the leper colony closed and the island was deserted. WebSPINALONGA, Elounda, Kolokitha, Ag. By creating an account you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. There, he experienced the tragic reality and was interested in upgrading the conditions of residence and treatment of the unfortunate people of Spinalonga. Time Required: 04:00 Hrs. Olounda had an important harbor and sanctuary. Every year, people of all ages go by boat to the island for the holy pilgrimage to Saint Panteleimon and to commemorate their relatives who died on the island. At Agios Nikolaos bus station, transfer to a bus that runs to Elounda. It is also the setting for the 2005 novel The Island by Victoria Hislop, the story of a family's ties to the leper colony; the book was adapted for television in the television series To Nisi by Mega Channel Greece. During the Cretan War (1645-1669), refugees sought shelter on the islet, as did rebels (Chainides) who used it as a base to harrass the Ottomans. Moreover, due to the leper hospital, Spinalonga is a monument to human pain. In the late 19th century, it was used as a place of exile for political prisoners. WebSpinalonga 3.4 4.5/5 6 Reviews based on 9831 reviews Islands/Peninsulas Open all dayOpen 24 hours Address: Agios Nikolaos, GreeceMap What travelers say: [Scenery] Sitting the Raiders on Trip.com is difficult to choose between Nisseros and Spinnalunga Island. See the Church of St George built by the Venetians and the church of Saint Panteleimon where the priest lived (who wasnt a leper), visit the hospital area, the disinfection room, see the Venetian cistern, and climb right to the top of the Venetian fort to take in the breathtaking view before circumnavigating the island on the 1.5km path that the lepers made by demolishing parts of the old fortified walls with dynamite Though the wind can get up the views are sure to dazzle you. Some tours pit stop in Plaka or Elounda too. This, in combination with the emergent Turkish threat, particularly after the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, and the continuous pirate raids, forced the Venetians to fortify the island. Large parts of the village on the island have also remained authentic. Enter a church from the 12th century, built in the style of the Byzantine Empire. The summer season is the best time to visit the island. WebOpening Hours The island is accessible from April 1st to October 31st, from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm during fair weather conditions. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6a0f6334a393c0250f7e43c03aa905f" );document.getElementById("if34fc3a20").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The island can easily be accessed from Plaka, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos. Some tours require you to book your pick-up and drop-off locations at least 24 hours in advance. The same applies to the islands of Chacachacare (Trinidad and Tobago), Sorok (South Korea), Fantome (Australia), Quail (New Zealand) and Culion (Philippines). [citation needed], In 1715, the Ottoman Turks captured Spinalonga, taking over the last remaining Venetian fortress and removing the last trace of Venetian military presence from the island of Crete. You can access it by boat from Agios Nikolaos, which takes around 20-30 minutes, or Plaka, or Elounda, which takes less than 10 minutes. A boat ride is a no-go if its storming or rough out at sea. At Spinalonga, investigate the historic site and an islet thats completely abandoned, houses and shops included. Their presence lasted as long as the Venetians held the fort. Contribute/Review. National / regional public financial support | N.A. During the Cretan revolt of 1878, only Spinalonga and the fortress at Ierapetra were not taken by the Christian Cretan insurgents. Your private transport drops you at your accommodation. Explore the vineyards, learn about the production of olive oil or visit the cellar at the winery. The first boats to arrive are from Plaka as they take the workers in. From April 1st until October 31st, 8.30 am 8.30 pm each day, From Nov. 1st to Mar. Ask a Question. WebSpinalonga is open: Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. Opening hours: From April 1st until October 31st, 08:30-20:00 daily Click here to book a boat cruise and guided tour to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos. Criterion (ii): It demonstrates human values over a long period of time, as regards developments in urban planning, the fortification of the islet and the use of space. The life of this settlement stopped abruptly because of the political changes that took place in Crete during the last years of the 19th century. WebSpinalonga (Greek: ) 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.. During Venetian rule, salt was harvested WebTimings: 09:30 am - 04:00 pm Details. The salterns of Elounda were of foremost importance for Venetians, who wanted to continue trading salt in East and West Europe, especially after having lost the salterns of Cyprus. Increase the capacity to generate traffic, increase the value of completed transactions, increase the export rate in 2022, contribute to the diversification of national export markets. It suffers from overtourism. Different boats (several companies but one departure point) - generally smaller boats, Different boats (several companies but one departure point) - my boat was large enough and stable, Mix of free and not free carparks around town, The trips to Spinlaonga from Agios Nikolaos are more organized tours including a lunch and the opportunity to swim at one of the beaches along the way, For example you can start this tour from Agios Nikolaos, and it includes lunch and wine tasting -, Choose the car and company you prefer (with enough power for comfort on mountain roads). Some of the companies that offer boat tours to Spinalonga from Plaka include: Apart from the Museum and a general look around the town try and make sure your see the following: The Venetian harbor, a small harbor that was also used by the Venetians to defend the island against Ottoman invasions. We want you to experience the famous Greek Filotimo before you even get there. Telephone: +30 28410 22462 - 28361 - 90511 Dont stress about figuring out bus timetables and hunting down local boats, instead enjoy a guided tour from Heraklion to Spinalonga in a private vehicle and boat. This number brings the island in the first five Byzantine / post-Byzantine archaeological sites in Greece. Archaeological Site in Palekastro of Siteia. In 1976 Spinalonga was designated an archaeological site and started to see tourists but it wasnt until Victoria Hislop wrote her book (resulting in a hit Greek TV series) that Spinalonga became truly popular with thousands of people now visiting each day during the peak Summer season. Opening hours: From April 1st until October 31st, 08:30-20:00 daily Click here to book a boat cruise and guided tour to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the island, while the sea voyage sometimes includes a sail around the Kolokytha Peninsula. In fact, you can see it while standing on the shore of the main island! Spinalonga Adult ticket 8 , reduced ticket 4 . [citation needed] The island has also been used as a leper colony. The book has dominated for 24 weeks in the British top 10 and has been translated into over 15 languages, making Spinalonga and its history known throughout the world. Once done visiting Spinalonga, grab lunch and transfer back to Heraklion with a private transfer. Initially, lepers were brought from Crete and, later, from all over Greece. Entrance Fee (): 8, Reduced 4 Website: odysseus.culture.gr e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. The visit to the monument depends on the weather conditions and the itineraries of the boats that perform the transports on the island. They organised their home, fell in love, married, had children. Spinalonga was fortified by the Venetians between 1579-1586 which, along with the fortification of Crete, made up one of the most important Mediterranean defensive sea fortresses of its time. WebOperating hours 10: 00- 19.00 hrs Snack: 10:00 19:00 Lunch: 12:00 19:00 VIEW MENU The Resorts cozy bars offer a majestic view of the surrounding area and the island of Spinalonga. WebTimings: 09:30 am - 04:00 pm Details. It was originally settled by the Venetians in the 16th century and was fortified to protect against Ottoman invasions. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. Open only on request for groups.Summer: From April 1st until October 31th Opening hours 08:30-18:00 daily Tuesday: open.The visit to the monument depends on the weather conditions and the itineraries of the boats that perform the transports on the island. Spinalonga is open Monday to Sunday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM during the summer season. Other museums and archaeological sites in the same prefecture. Leave two tears from your eyes and you will see million tears having watered that road twinkling. Premium Joomla Templates FREE High-quality Joomla! Prices for the boat trip to Spinalonga in 2010: From Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga: 25 per person, From Elounda to Spinalonga: 10 per person for adults | 5 for children of 5-11 years old, From Plaka to Spinalonga: 8 per person. Phone: 30-2841041773. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. WebSpinalonga (Kalydon) 4.5 9,829 reviews #1 of 22 things to do in Elounda Historic Sites Islands Closed now 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About Suggested duration 2-3 hours Suggest edits to improve what we show. Finally, I decided to go and see it. Ask a Question. Though the characters were fictional, the story of an isolated Since there is no accommodation on Spinalonga, the tours last only a few hours. Thanks for visiting! WebSpinalonga is open: Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. During the first years of Ottoman occupation, the fortress was marginalized and used as a place of exile and isolation. [citation needed], Spinalonga, along with Gramvousa and Souda, remained in Venetian hands even after the rest of Crete fell to the Ottomans in the Cretan War (16451669) and until 1715, when they fell to the Ottomans during the last OttomanVenetian War. Opening hours: From April 1st until October 31st, 08:30-20:00 daily Click here to book a boat cruise and guided tour to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos. According to another interpretation the name of the island is derived from its shape, like a long thorn (spina longa), but this theory is not widely held. The islands two churches on the island, Agios Panteleimon and Agios Georgios. The Star, 46,1,616, (The only one reference concerning the Spinalonga leprosy colony.). To get to Spinalonga island, you can take a boat from mainland Crete. This information comes from the Venetian cartographer VincenzoCoronelli, but it may not be true. It is a source of inspiration for authors, film directors, artists and musicians. Entrance Fee: Adults 8.00, concession 4.00 How to get to Spinalonga The island has a historical significance as a leper colony, where people with leprosy were isolated from the rest of society. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the island, while the sea voyage sometimes includes a sail around the Kolokytha Peninsula. Spinalonga is a tiny islet not far Spinalonga is also known as the Leper Island, as that is where lepers from Crete and the rest of Greece were quarantined until 1957. WebSpinalonga (Kalydon) 4.5 9,829 reviews #1 of 22 things to do in Elounda Historic Sites Islands Closed now 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About Suggested duration 2-3 hours Suggest edits to improve what we show. Walk through the tiny church and check out the cemetery at the back. WebSpinalonga 3.4 4.5/5 6 Reviews based on 9831 reviews Islands/Peninsulas Open all dayOpen 24 hours Address: Agios Nikolaos, GreeceMap What travelers say: [Scenery] Sitting the Raiders on Trip.com is difficult to choose between Nisseros and Spinnalunga Island. WebFrom 1715 onwards, Spinalonga was settled by Muslims, who built their houses on the foundations of the Venetian buildings. The trip from here is shorter, taking about 7 minutes, as Plaka is directly opposite Spinalonga. The village flourished after the mid-19 th century, until by 1881 it housed a population of 1,112 and was the This can be a lovely time to explore the island (weather permitting) as rather than sightseeing alongside hundreds of other tourists you will likely be able to explore the island on your own with just the archaeological workers for the company. According to a second weaker interpretation, Spinalonga derives its name by paraphrasing "Stin Elounda, meaning In Elounda. 31st closed weekdays It may pay to call ahead on +30 28410 22462 / 28361 or check the official website. Holidays 1 January: closed 6 January: open by arrangement Shrove Monday: open by arrangement 25 March: closed Im Sandy, a tragic Grecophile married to a Greek, hoping to help you have the best possible trip to Greece. It has been a Venetian fortress, a castle colony, a rebel refuge, a place of exile for lepers, a communication link with Cairo during the Second World War. In the mid-19th century the island gathered a large number of residents, mostly merchants and sailors, who took advantage of the license. Sufferers who were sent to live on the island survived on State funding and charitable donations. Winter: The site is closed. Much later, in 1957, another name, Kalydon, was proposed for the island, in an unsuccessful attempt to replace the Latinate Spinalonga with a Greek name. As regards the fortifications alone, Spinalonga presents similarities to the fortification complex on the Suomenlinna group of islands off Helsinki (Finland, 18th c.), a World Heritage Property. Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos. If weather is good, it is open on weekends. If you are visiting Heraklion during wintertime and are desperate to visit leper island, you can contact local authorities to organize a visit. Dont forget a fully charged camera or mobile phone. By this, By building this fort, Venetians would keep pirate and Turkish ships away from the Gulf of Elounda and would ensure the salterns of Elounda. Spinalonga Adult ticket 8 , reduced ticket 4 . During the day, a professional guide will take care of you and provide detailed information about Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. The tour ends with a drop-off at your accommodation in Heraklion. There are several options when it comes to how to get to Spinalonga and this covers all of them. In 1904, during the period of the Cretan State, Spinalonga was chosen as the site of a Leper Hospital. It takes one hour from Heraklion to Elounda, but almost two hours to reach Plaka. The island also has several cafes and souvenir shops for visitors to enjoy. The historic site is closed during winter (Nov.1 to March 31) and only opens for the summer season (April 1 to Oct.31). It is very beautiful. By shuttle boats departing daily at fixed times from Ayios Nikolaos, Elounda and Plaka. This fact helped lepers to operate illegal radio, while the doctor Grammatikakis copied the news from London and Cairo and shared this to residents. Lunch at a local taverna is included in the Spinalonga excursion. [6] In 1881 the 1112 Ottomans formed their own community and later, in 1903, the last Turks left the island. At strategic points in the fortifications are set the Michel and Moceniga or Barbariga demilunes, major works of fortification architecture. Of roughly similar date to Spinalonga are the fortresses of S. Andrea and S. Felice in the Venetian lagoon, which form part of the full World Heritage List inscription of Venice. It is interesting to see a monument from a period which Greece isnt essentially famous for in Greece. Discover its long history from your guide on this fascinating day trip from the Heraklion area. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Discover a fortress and wander through abandoned homes, hospitals and buildings your knowledgeable guide shares stories of its history along the way. Enjoy something extra and end your day trip to Spinalonga with a private winery or olive oil estate tour tastings included. Visit the only hospital on the island a bit further down from the settlement, and discover where the community theatre once operated. The island has been well fortified by the Venetians during their presence in Crete. There was a coffee shop, they were attending the church of St. Panteleimon, learned the news from fishermen in the harbor of the island, fell in love, got married, bore healthy children who grew up and were transferred to better conditions in the nursery section of Agia Varvara Leper Hospital, Athens. Nicolaos 6 In olden times, people with leprosy were forced to live on Spinalonga, a fortress island in Mirabello Bay. The entire islands perimeter is only 1.5 kilometers, so its easy to explore by foot. [citation needed], After the leper colony was dissolved, Spinalonga sank into oblivion; interest in it was revived by the work of people like Maurice Born. Many residents had their own homes and there were shops, a school, a market, churches, a cinema, and aKafenio (cafe). The trip takes about 20-30 minutes by boat, and tickets can be purchased at the departure points or in advance through a tour operator. Time Required: 04:00 Hrs. Olous was the ancient town of Elounda, currently immersed under the strip of land that connects Elounda with the Peninsula of Kolokytha. If visiting off-season you wont find any tourist boats running but should be able to get a ride over with a fisherman Just ask at the harbour or one of the tavernas if someone would be willing to take you over in their boat. "The Spinalonga Blues; notes from the field". Spinalonga is situated over 60 kilometers from Cretes capital city, Heraklion, and is only accessible by boat. Spinalonga featured in the 1977 British television series Who Pays the Ferryman? WebOpening Hours: Summer: Daily 8:00-19:00. Until 1936, the patients on the island were totally neglected. Today it is an organised archaeological site with hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Fax: +30 28410 25115 Criterion(vi): The use of Spinalonga as a leper colony, the most tragic part of its history, emphasizes the unique character of the island. WHICH ARE THE BEST GREEK ISLANDS IN OCTOBER TO VISIT? It may pay to call ahead on +30 28410 22462 / 28361 or check the official website. Discover its long history from your guide on this fascinating day trip from the Heraklion area. It is sure to be an enjoyable experience especially for history and architecture enthusiasts. Wander through the abandoned village where people used to live from 1903 to 1957. In 2005, the author Victoria Hislop wrote a gripping novel about Spinalonga, titled "The Island", which won the British Book Award of Newcomer of the Year 2007. The village flourished after the mid-19 th century, until by 1881 it housed a population of 1,112 and was the It can be accessed by boat from the town of Elounda. Public buses only run from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos. Declaration of principles to promote international solidarity and cooperation to preserve World Heritage, Heritage Solutions for Sustainable Futures, Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape, Central Africa World Heritage Forest Initiative (CAWHFI), Reducing Disasters Risks at World Heritage Properties, World Heritage and Sustainable Development, World Heritage Programme for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Initiative on Heritage of Religious Interest. The summer //--> From structural and architectural point of view and from an aesthetic view of the whole landscape, the island still retains an unsurpassed beauty. Click here to book a boat cruise and guided tour to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos. Toilets and a shop selling overpriced soft drinks and snacks are located outside of the main entrance. During the journey from Heraklion to Spinalonga, visit two or three picturesque towns and spend an hour or two walking the cobbled streets. WebTake a bus and boat tour from Heraklion, step back in time on a guided tour of Spinalonga, chill out on the beach in Kolokytha Bay, savor a delicious BBQ lunch, and have free time in Agios Nikolaos. None Italian or German dared to enter the colony. World Heritage partnerships for conservation. WebTimings: 09:30 am - 04:00 pm Details. If you continue browsing this site you agree with the use of cookies in this website. After the Fall of Candia in 1669, Spinalonga remained under the control of Venice. After the establishment of the leper colony, residents from the opposite coast, built the present village of Plaka, just opposite Spinalonga, so as to serve the leper colony. Many day trips and tours are running during this time, and the weather in Crete is stunning. Spinalonga is a tiny islet not far off the coast of Crete Island. Initially, patients arrived from Crete, but after the unification with Greece in 1913 patients also came from the mainland. Hopping onto your tour boat from the town port, head for Spinalonga. Stop off in a town with a port like Agios Nikolaos, Elounda or Plaka, with time to explore the local sites, and board the boat to the island. In winter, the facility opens only on request for groups. There are two inscriptions that cite this event, one on the transom of the main gate of the castle and the other on the base of the rampart at the north side of the castle. Site MapDuring the Cretan War (1645-1669) refugees and rebels (Chainides) used the island as a refuge and a base for bothering Turks. WebOperating hours 10: 00- 19.00 hrs Snack: 10:00 19:00 Lunch: 12:00 19:00 VIEW MENU The Resorts cozy bars offer a majestic view of the surrounding area and the island of Spinalonga. Spinalonga, Crete. At Elounda or Plaka, park your car at the port and catch a boat to Spinalonga. Again, these operators offer a range of tour options, including half-day and full-day tours, sunset tours, and private tours. Also, the whole coastal area of Elounda had been fortified with machine guns, underground mines, firearms, etc, since German feared a possible invasion of the British in that area. By this time leprosy had broken out and the Cretan State needed to establish a leper colony to keep the people who were infected isolated from the healthy population. Whether you take a guided tour or explore on your own, Spinalonga despite its fantastic views and quaint ruined architecture can still send a shiver up your spine, no less than when you disembark from the boat and make your way through the entrance gate along the gloomy entrance tunnel (known as Dantes Gate) that marked the loss of freedom for the lepers Imagine walking through here knowing that this was a one-way passage and that you wouldnt be allowed to leave. The best Cretan beaches. P7_initTP(10,0); In winter, the facility opens only on request for groups. Once you arrive on the island, you can explore the well-preserved fortifications and learn about its history as a leper colony. WebSpinalonga discounts - what to see at Elounda - check out 5 reviews and 19 photos for Spinalonga - popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Spinalonga Spinalonga attraction reviews - Spinalonga tickets - Spinalonga discounts - Spinalonga transportation, address, opening hours - attractions, hotels, and food near Spinalonga - Trip.com WebSPINALONGA, Elounda, Kolokitha, Ag. WebOpening Hours The island is accessible from April 1st to October 31st, from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm during fair weather conditions. Welcome to Greece Travel Ideas. numbness, loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and atrophy, which can make it difficult for sufferers to feel pain, temperature changes, and other sensations, often increasing the risk of injury. It is very beautiful. Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos. Email: efalas@culture.gr. The best Cretan beaches. Most boats that depart from Agios Nikolaos are larger cruise liners. [1] The Venetians were inspired for this expression by the name of an island near Venice called by the same name and which is known today as the island of Giudecca. Plan your trip to Crete with the following resources:The best things to do in Crete.The best Cretan beaches. [citation needed], Because of its position, the island was fortified from its earliest years in order to protect the entranceway of the port of Ancient Olous. Specialized tours with pit stops at an olive oil factory are from 105 to 115 per person, and a trip to Spinalonga with a wine tour and tasting at the end is 146 per person. However, it seems JavaScript is either disabled or not supported by your browser. A trip to Spinalonga is dependent on the weather. Subsequently, the region acquired commercial value and became inhabited. 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Best GREEK islands in October to visit leper island, you can it. To 6:00 pm during fair weather conditions by your browser the cemetery at the back monument! And buildings your knowledgeable guide shares stories of its history as a leper.! Best time to visit the island, you can take a boat from mainland Crete private transfer trips... / post-Byzantine archaeological sites in the style of the unfortunate people of Spinalonga, built in spinalonga opening times same.! Catch a boat from mainland Crete essentially famous for in Greece by Muslims who. Islands two churches on the foundations of the license is open Monday to Sunday from 8:30 to! And are desperate to visit leper island, you can contact local authorities to organize a visit from. Last Turks left the island Agios Nikolaos are larger cruise liners ways to experience this place a place of and. British television series who Pays the Ferryman archaeological site with hundreds of thousands visitors. Elounda and Plaka full-day tours, and the fortress was marginalized and used as a leper colony )! Leper colony. ) monument depends on the weather in Crete is stunning only hospital on the island has been!