Spinalonga, Fortified islet in Gulf of Elounda, Greece.
The rocky landmass rises 53 meters above the Aegean Sea, featuring limestone cliffs and remnants of military structures along its perimeter.
Venetian forces constructed the fortress in 1574, establishing a stronghold against Ottoman expansion until its eventual capture by Turkish forces in 1715.
The island operated as Greece's primary leper colony from 1903 to 1957, housing up to 400 individuals affected by Hansen's disease.
Regular boat services depart from the village of Plaka, located 750 meters away, providing access to the archaeological site throughout summer months.
Former inhabitants created paths around the island by dynamiting sections of the fortress walls in 1938, seeking greater mobility within their confined space.
Location: Commune of Elounta
Elevation above the sea: 54 m
Part of: Kalydon
Address: Spinalonga, Greece 721 00
GPS coordinates: 35.29700,25.73800
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:09
These locations feature abandoned cities, industrial sites and historic places. Empty buildings, decaying streets and left-behind objects tell stories of former residents and their lives. The sites were abandoned for various reasons: industrial decline, natural disasters, military conflicts or economic changes led to their desertion. Today the buildings stand quiet while nature reclaims the grounds.
Crete features pink sand beaches, ancient palaces, blue lagoons, mountain gorges, Venetian harbors, monasteries and remote villages. The island presents natural and historical photo subjects with Mediterranean character.
This selection highlights Crete locations away from common routes. It includes historic sites such as the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga, occupied by a leper colony until 1957, and the ruins of the Minoan palace of Kato Zakros on the eastern coast. Notable geological formations include the Kourtaliotiko gorges with 600-meter limestone walls, the Aradena bridge suspended 138 meters above the void, and the Dikteon cave, extending over two kilometers into Mount Dikte. Nature enthusiasts can explore the small bay of Seitan Limania between its white cliffs, the Argiroupoli springs bursting amidst Roman ruins, or take trails through the Theriso gorges. These destinations offer a different view of Crete, away from the tourist crowds along the northern coastline.
Gournia
21.5 km
Dreros
11 km
Olous
4.5 km
Amazonas Park Crete
10.3 km
Church of Panagia Kera
17.3 km
Azoria
23.1 km
Agios Georgios Selinari
18.1 km
Lato pros Kamara
12.1 km
Milatos cave
14.6 km
Kavousi Vronda
23.5 km
Mochlos site
19.6 km
Priniatikos Pyrgos
18.8 km
Archaeological Museum
11.7 km
Kavousi Kastro
23.8 km
Vrokastro
19.7 km
Kritsa Gorge
20.2 km
Church of Saint Nicholaos, Agios Nikolaos
10.5 km
Moni Aretiou, Lasithi
5.3 km
Lake Voulismeni
12 km
Mesona Gorge
24.3 km
Spinalonga Fort
67 m
Church Megali Panagia of Neapoli
12.7 km
Αυλάκι
5.9 km
Azorias olive tree
23.1 km
Kremaston Monastery
13.2 km
Kitroplatia
12.1 km
Plaka
969 m
Elounda windmills
4.4 kmReviews
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