Spinalonga. Even the name sounds like a whisper from the past, carried on the warm Cretan breeze. This small island, a formidable Venetian fortress turned poignant leper colony, sits like a stone sentinel in the shimmering turquoise waters of Mirabello Bay, captivating visitors with its layers of dense history, its tales of resilience, and its haunting, undeniable beauty. A visit to Spinalonga is a must-do for any trip to Crete, but the key to a truly memorable experience is getting there with ease and comfort.
Many wonder what the easiest way to visit this historic landmark is. This comprehensive guide will walk you through its incredible story, explore all your travel options in detail, and show you how to craft a perfect, stress-free day trip that puts you in control.
The Rich and Layered History of Spinalonga
To truly appreciate the island, one must first understand its past. The stones of Spinalonga have witnessed centuries of conflict, commerce, and profound human drama.
The Venetian Stronghold: A Fortress Against the World
In the 16th century, the mighty Republic of Venice controlled Crete, a vital hub for their maritime trade routes. To protect the valuable salt pans of nearby Elounda and to secure the bay, the Venetians transformed Spinalonga into one of the most impressive sea fortresses in the Mediterranean. They carved into the island’s existing ancient acropolis, creating a bastion with towering walls and multiple defensive levels. So effective was its design that Spinalonga, along with two other island forts, remained in Venetian hands for nearly 40 years after the rest of Crete had fallen to the Ottoman Empire in 1669. It was a symbol of defiance and strategic power.
The Last Chapter: A Colony of Hope and Sorrow
The chapter for which Spinalonga is most famous began in 1903. The Cretan State decided to use the isolated island as a leper colony, gathering those afflicted with Hansen’s disease from across Crete and later, all of Greece. Initially, life was unimaginably harsh. Lepers were exiled from their homes and families, arriving through a tunnel gate so foreboding it became known as “Dante’s Gate.” They lived in the dilapidated houses left by the Ottoman residents.
Yet, from this sorrow, an extraordinary community blossomed. The residents of Spinalonga refused to be defined solely by their illness. They organized their society, whitewashed their homes, planted gardens, and opened shops, a barber shop, and coffee houses (kafenia). They fell in love, married, and had children (who were often born healthy and taken to be raised on the mainland). They had a priest who voluntarily stayed to serve their spiritual needs. They established a functioning, vibrant, and fiercely proud community against all odds. When a cure for leprosy was discovered in the 1940s, the colony was slowly dismantled, and the last resident left the island in 1957. For decades after, it lay silent, a ghost island holding the memories of its final, remarkable inhabitants. Its rediscovery was famously propelled by Victoria Hislop’s bestselling novel, “The Island,” which brought its poignant human story to a global audience.
Understanding Your Departure Ports: Plaka, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos
To reach Spinalonga, you must first travel to one of the three nearby coastal towns offering boat services. Each presents a different starting point for your journey:
- Plaka: This small, charming fishing village is the closest point to Spinalonga. The boat ride from here is very short, only about 10 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day. This is the quickest and most direct sea route.
- Elounda: A bustling, upscale resort town, Elounda offers a more scenic and slightly longer boat trip, taking around 25-30 minutes as it cruises across the bay.
- Agios Nikolaos: The largest town in the area, Agios Nikolaos offers full-day cruise experiences. The boat journey is much longer (around an hour each way) and often part of a package that includes a BBQ lunch on the boat and stops for swimming at other coves. This is less a direct visit and more of a full-day sea excursion.
A Detailed Look at Your Travel Options to Spinalonga
How you get to these departure ports is the most critical decision for your day trip. Let’s break down the realities of each option.
- Public Transport: This is the most budget-friendly but also the most complex and time-consuming route. For example, if you are staying in Heraklion, you would first need to get to Bus Terminal A. From there, you would take a KTEL bus to Agios Nikolaos, a journey of roughly 1.5 hours. In Agios Nikolaos, you would likely need to switch to a different, less frequent local bus to get to Elounda or Plaka. This multi-step process eats into your valuable holiday time and can be confusing and tiring, especially in the summer heat.
- Car Rental: Renting a car offers freedom but comes with its own set of stressors. While the main national road is excellent, the final approach to these coastal villages can involve narrower roads. The biggest challenge by far is parking. In Plaka and Elounda, finding a parking spot between 11 AM and 3 PM in July or August can be an incredibly frustrating experience, potentially adding significant delays and stress to your day.
- Organized Bus Tour: Many operators offer all-inclusive bus tours. While seemingly convenient, these tours operate on a rigid, one-size-fits-all schedule. You’ll be picked up very early and travel with a large group. Your time on Spinalonga will be fixed and often rushed, leaving little room for personal exploration. The experience can feel impersonal and hurried.
- The Ultimate Easy Way: A Private Transfer. This is, without a doubt, the most comfortable, flexible, and truly “easy” way to visit Spinalonga. It combines the freedom of independent travel with the luxury and peace of mind of a personal driver, crafting a day that revolves entirely around you.
The Versatours Advantage: Crafting Your Perfect Spinalonga Trip
Choosing a private transfer completely transforms your Spinalonga visit. Here’s how it works to create a superior experience.
Step 1: A Seamless Private Transfer to the Port of Your Choice
Imagine being picked up from your hotel—whether in Heraklion, Hersonissos, Malia, or beyond—at the exact time you choose. You’ll travel in a spacious, private, air-conditioned vehicle, enjoying the stunning Cretan landscape as you drive towards Mirabello Bay. Your professional, English-speaking local driver handles all the navigation. There is zero stress about parking or finding your way.
Our expert recommendation is a private transfer to the village of Plaka. The quick boat ride from there maximizes your time on Spinalonga. In fact, our popular East Crete tour of Kritsa, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and Spinalonga is designed around this very principle, offering a perfectly planned day of discovery.
Step 2: Choosing Your Boat & Exploring the Island at Your Own Pace
With the flexibility of a private transfer, you are in complete control. You can choose any of the local boats departing from Plaka. More importantly, you decide exactly how long you want to stay on the island. Feel a connection and want to spend an extra hour wandering the quiet alleyways? No problem. Your personal driver will be waiting for you in Plaka whenever you decide to return. This level of freedom is the ultimate luxury and something no group tour can provide.
Sample Itinerary: A Perfect Day Trip to Spinalonga & Plaka
Here’s what a perfect, stress-free day could look like with Versatours:
- 9:00 AM: Your personal driver greets you at your hotel in the Heraklion area.
- 10:15 AM: You arrive comfortably in the beautiful seaside village of Plaka. Your driver walks you towards the small pier, showing you exactly where to buy your boat ticket.
- 10:30 AM: Enjoy the quick, scenic 10-minute boat ride across the bay, watching Spinalonga grow larger.
- 10:40 AM – 1:00 PM: Explore every corner of Spinalonga island at your own leisurely pace. Feel the history under your feet.
- 1:15 PM: Take a boat back to Plaka, with stunning views of the coast.
- 1:30 PM: Your driver, based on your preferences, recommends one of Plaka’s famous seaside tavernas for a delicious, fresh seafood lunch right by the water.
- 3:00 PM: Feeling relaxed and enriched by history, you begin your comfortable, air-conditioned journey back to your hotel, with no rush and no stress.
What to See Near Spinalonga?
A private tour also allows you to easily explore the charming area around the island. Consider adding a stop at:
- Elounda: The epitome of Cretan luxury. Stroll along its picturesque harbour, browse the boutiques, and see where the sunken ancient city of Olous lies beneath the waves. We offer direct transfers to Elounda for guests staying in the area.
- Agios Nikolaos: A vibrant town famous for the legendary Voulismeni Lake, a deep body of water connected to the sea and surrounded by cliffs and cafes. It’s a great spot for a coffee or some shopping. A transfer to Agios Nikolaos can be the start of a wonderful exploration.
- A Traditional Olive Oil Farm: On the way back towards Heraklion, we can arrange a stop at a local, family-run olive oil press to learn about Crete’s “liquid gold” and taste some of the world’s finest olive oil, a highlight of our Custom-Made Tours.
Planning your trip is easy. Simply contact us or visit our reservations page to arrange your perfect day.
FAQ: Visiting Spinalonga
To walk the main loop, read the informational signs, and truly soak in the atmosphere, we recommend budgeting between 1.5 to 2 hours on the island itself.
The island has uneven, cobbled paths. While the main lower loop is mostly flat and accessible to many, reaching the upper fortifications involves steep inclines. It can be challenging, but many visitors with limited mobility can still enjoy the main areas.
Definitely bring a bottle of water, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, as there is very little shade. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. And of course, don’t forget your camera!
While you purchase boat tickets directly at the port for maximum flexibility, our drivers will guide you to the exact spot, provide all the information on timings and prices, and ensure the process is simple and quick for you.
Absolutely! This is one of the biggest advantages of a private tour. You can easily add a stop in Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, or a local olive oil farm. Just let us know your interests, and we can create a custom itinerary for you.
