Spinalonga Island

Spinalonga is a small island located just before Elounda lagoon and north of the Gulf of Mirabello.

The history of the island still inspires. 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. The island was well fortified by the Venetians during their presence in Crete. From a structural and architectural point of view, the island still retains an unsurpassed beauty.

Its original name was Calydon, but the Venetians renamed it Spinalonga from the Venetian word Spina-Longa, which means ‘long thorn’. According to a second, less likely interpretation, Spinalonga derives its name from paraphrasing "Stin Elounda”, meaning “In Elounda”. Another version says the island got its name from a beautiful woman named Longa that was living in the fort.

When taking the ferry for Spinalonga from Elounda or Plaka port, make sure you leave your car in a designated parking area to avoid any mishaps and unnecessary inconveniences!