During Venetian rule, salt was harvested from salt pans around the island. Lunch at a local taverna is included in the Spinalonga excursion. However, the fortifications of Spinalonga are earlier in date (late 16th c.), and the planning of its fortified enceinte is striking for its successful adaptation to a natural terrain with great variations in altitude, which clearly poses a greater architectural challenge. WebFrom Elounda harbour, there is a boat to Spinalonga every 30 minutes throughout the summer. Delight your senses with juices, drinks, and signature cocktails of your choice. The strategic location of the place made it a very important port and base during its hay day. It is estimated that in 1834, 80 families lived in the castle of Spinalonga, while in 1881 this number rose to 227. Reaching the isle, explore the grounds and area unguided, and ride back to Plaka with time for lunch wherever you choose. (1986) by Beryl Darby. WebWhat are the opening times? Phone: 30-2841041773. Apart from the trip to Spinalonga, they also offer lunch and the opportunity for a swim off the beaches behind the Kolokytha Peninsula, before returning to Agios Nikolaos in the afternoon. This email address is being protected from spambots. Trips from Heraklion to Spinalonga include stopping in other nearby towns, and if youre not keen on walking in the heat, visit in late April or October. After booking my 4-day trip to Crete, it took me about a minute to also book a Spinalonga tour from Heraklion.. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Dont forget a fully charged camera or mobile phone. It takes one hour from Heraklion to Elounda, but almost two hours to reach Plaka. WebTimings: 09:30 am - 04:00 pm Details. Opening hours: From April 1st until October 31st, 08:30-20:00 daily Click here to book a boat cruise and guided tour to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos. WebOpening Hours The island is accessible from April 1st to October 31st, from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm during fair weather conditions. WebSPINALONGA, Elounda, Kolokitha, Ag. The Venetian well: There is a well on the island that was built by the Venetians to provide fresh water for the islands inhabitants. Grab a cocktail at a bar, go souvenir shopping and learn about some of Cretes famed attractions. Wander through the abandoned village where people used to live from 1903 to 1957. Phone: +30 2841041773 Fax: +30 2841022462 WebSPINALONGA, Elounda, Kolokitha, Ag. numbness, loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and atrophy, which can make it difficult for sufferers to feel pain, temperature changes, and other sensations, often increasing the risk of injury. Property names are listed in the language in which they have been submitted by the State Party. From April 1st until October 31st, 8.30 am 8.30 pm each day, From Nov. 1st to Mar. WebOperating hours 10: 00- 19.00 hrs Snack: 10:00 19:00 Lunch: 12:00 19:00 VIEW MENU The Resorts cozy bars offer a majestic view of the surrounding area and the island of Spinalonga. Ask a Question. In the mid-19th century the island gathered a large number of residents, mostly merchants and sailors, who took advantage of the license. It is sure to be an enjoyable experience especially for history and architecture enthusiasts. [1] The Venetians were inspired for this expression by the name of an island near Venice called by the same name and which is known today as the island of Giudecca. Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos. Well, it is one of the most visited places in Crete so there are groups of tourists everywhere. Some of the companies that offer boat tours to Spinalonga from Plaka include: Apart from the Museum and a general look around the town try and make sure your see the following: The Venetian harbor, a small harbor that was also used by the Venetians to defend the island against Ottoman invasions. Enter a church from the 12th century, built in the style of the Byzantine Empire. The boat will bring you to the beautiful beach of Kolokitha for swimming and a barbeque lunch (included in the price). Over 300,000 visitors each year visit this charming island by boat, starting from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and Plaka, which is just 800 meters away. Olounda had an important harbor and sanctuary. "The Spinalonga Blues; notes from the field". We recommend you book your tour in advance, either online or through your hotel, to ensure availability. There are also boats from the little village of Plaka just north of Elounda. [citation needed], Spinalonga is under consideration to become a World Heritage Site. In 1897, French military forces were installed on the island for about one year. There are other nice fortifications to visit in Crete that are not so crowded, The official name of the islet is actually Kalydon (as it used to be attached to it, but the Venetians transformed it into an islet), It is located on the North shore, along the Spinalonga peninsula, Planning info to make the most of your time, Once you are on the island, the doors of the archaeological sites are opened at least 9am to 5:45pm (what the signed on the door said) but it can be from 8am in Summer (according to the. Due to the distance from Agios Nikolaos, boats depart in the morning and make a day trip to Spinalonga stopping at beaches on the way and providing a barbeque lunch onboard, returning back to the town in the afternoon. WebFind all the transport options for your trip from Plka to Spinalonga Island right here. From Elounda harbour, there is a boat to Spinalonga every 30 minutes throughout the summer. In summer, on the other hand, apart from the floods of tourists, there are also tour guides offering their reasonably-priced services to individual tourists. They organised their home, fell in love, married, had children. WebSpinalonga 3.4 4.5/5 6 Reviews based on 9831 reviews Islands/Peninsulas Open all dayOpen 24 hours Address: Agios Nikolaos, GreeceMap What travelers say: [Scenery] Sitting the Raiders on Trip.com is difficult to choose between Nisseros and Spinnalunga Island. Spinalonga is a tiny islet not far -. [citation needed], In 1578 the Venetians charged the engineer Genese Bressani to plan the island's fortifications. Criterion(vi): The use of Spinalonga as a leper colony, the most tragic part of its history, emphasizes the unique character of the island. Unguided trips from Heraklion to Spinalonga are 44 per person and include transfers only.