The amazing island of Spinalonga Crete had a Dark history

Spinalonga Island, initially established as a Venetian fortress1574-1715), transitioned into an Ottoman colony (1715-1898) following the Venetian-Ottoman wars.

Spinalonga was not always an island. It is believed that in 1526, the Venetians destroyed part of the peninsula of Elounda to create an island, which was reinforced to safeguard the port of ancient Olous.

Olous remained uninhabited until the mid-15th century when it gained commercial value due to its salt pans. The growing population, combined with pirate raids and the threat of the Turks, made fortification essential. As a result, Spinalonga became one of the most powerful sea fortresses in the Mediterranean.

Spinalonga remained under Venetian rule even after the Ottomans occupied the rest of Crete. In 1715, however, the Ottomans overthrew the small island, banishing the Venetian presence from Crete completely. Eventually, in 1903, the Turks left the island, and it became once again a part of Greece.

This is why Spinalonga is known worldwide as the host of the leper community from 1903 to 1957 and as one of the last active leper colonies in Europe. During the outbreak of the illness, it had almost 400 inhabitants.

It was also one of the few places in Europe that the Germans wouldn't occupy during WWII

Those who contracted leprosy were sent there to isolate and to wait for their death.

How to get there

Rent a car from us to get to Agios Nikolaos and from there take the ferry to cross if you are in Crete it's definitely worth a visit.