Right across from our hotel was an interesting looking island.
Dining at our hotel our first night with “The Island” in the background
It’s original name was Greek and derived from language meaning to protect the ancient port of Olous (present day Elounda). However, the island had quite a history after this origin.
Sun sets on the tiny island
First, it was occupied by the Venetians (of Venice). They renamed it Spinalonga for “long thorn”. It is said that until the Venetian rule, this island was actually part of Crete, but they carved it to be a free-standing island. They used it in farming and selling salt. However, they soon had to build fortifications as of the threat of pirate invasions as well as take-over by the nearby Turks, based on their profits in salt-mining. The Fall of Constantinople (Istanbul today) hurried their development.
View from the top of Spinalonga at the middle fortifications
Lower fortifications
They built dual fortifications – both on the basin, and up above. Having these enabled the island to become one of the most powerful defenses of this side of Crete.
The island of Spinalonga with its Venetian walls
They could view the entire Mirabello bay, ensuring Elounda’s protection
Even during the Cretean war, when the Turks tookover the whole of Crete, the island remained a Venetian stronghold. Our driver from the airport commented, “imagine some people lived their whole lives out there in isolation, during that period”.
Walking the streets in Spinalonga
Spinalonga fell to the Turks in 1715. Ironically, because it was so hard to take over, it was the Turks last footing when the Christian Cretans overtook them.
Old buildings on Spinalonga
In 1903, Spinalonga became a leper colony for Crete. When Crete joined Greece, it grew into a leper colony for the entire Greek population. They worked, married and had children, while isolated on this little island. In 1957 it was dispanded and has been abandoned ever since.
I can’t imagine the isolation felt out here by the lepers
The author Victoria Hislop wrote a story about Spinalonga, entitled “The Island”. I plan to read it to get a greater context for the history.
A few tips if you plan to visit:
-It was only a 5 minute boat ride from our hotel, The Blue Palace, via private boat where you can indicate when you wanted to come back. You can also get tours from Plaka, Elounda or Ag Nik with the closer being the least expensive.
-We went the latest possible time in the day to avoid the heat and the crowds, as Spinalonga is the #2 tourist visited spot in Crete.
-Bring water and lots of it. We had severe dehydration from climbing and not a place to purchase water on the island.
-You can swim if you want. So bring your suit.
-Also, Spinalonga is incredibly windy. Dress accordingly. We thought Le Mistral was bad, but look at the effects on this tree:
a little wind-blown
I was a little wind-blown as well. Headband and ponytail. A must to visit Spinalonga.
A few other note-worthy islands we adore:
Burano: Bella Burano, Mediocre Murano
Capri: Oh, Amalfi.
Phuket & James Bond Island: Christmas in Phuket
The Swiss Watch Blog 