PenelopePitstop30
I went here on a boat trip and really enjoyed the trip. The boat took us out and stopped to allow people to swim in the sea if they wished then straight to the Island.As soon as you step off the boat and statt to walk through the tunnel to get to the Island, it is really moving to think that in years gone by, the amount of people who have walked through there knowing they would never see families again. The history is excellent and to see the remains of what is left was amazing.Would definitely re-visit again if I was in this area of Greece
P3tran
i have been there about ... 6 years ago !! worth it,try to go there, i will go for sure again one day...i suggest you before you go to read the book of spinalonga or to watch the movie of the peoples living there many years ago, search it on google... " spinalonga movie" its made by greek actors maybe you can find it with subtitles !you can go there with boats ... from Plaka fo sure and Agios Nikolaos, i think from Elounta also... i dont know about others towns.P.s take sun protection cream and a hat ;)
jadeb946
I love going to spinalonga, i have been a couple of times and it's amazing to think that people used to live there and how much of the island still remains.
Svetlanafromrussia
If you want just an easy trip, easy sea walk and pics, this place isnt for you. But if you are interested to learn the hard history of the island (Kalidon), or if you have already heard of this, watched movies, read a book..., you will have a great time. Its not enough just to come without learning of this or without excursion guide's talk. Because you cant feel all the history, and story, and meaning of the place. Yes there are infoboards with pics but its much less than we should know. Anddd you can buy the right book of the place right there on island, in front of ship stop.
barbaramG8570NU
A must for anyone who in interested in history or has read The Island. It really does bring the book to life. My sister was very moved by the experience. I recommend either a boat trip from Elounda or Aghios Nikolaos if you want to make a day of it. If you like a more relaxed experience then take the bus or drive to Plaka which is opposite Spinalonga and ask the skipper of a medium sized boat to take you across. It's quick 15 mins and the boat comes back in 1 or 2 hour to collect you. Ask him what time. The deserted island has been updated to give good historical information as you pass along it's streets and enter the buildings. I recommend taking bottled water as it can get a bit hot. When you return to Plaka there are several restaurants and Cafes for you to enjoy. Just having lunch at Plaka can gives you an excellent view of the island.
James-sufc
Went with my girlfriend on an excursion from Agios Nikolaos and really enjoyed the history. Take something to drink and/or eat as there's nowhere to buy anything, it's purely about the history which is nice as it doesn't feel commercialised.
PANOS211
The fortress of Spinalonga is definitely a must. The entrance fee is 2 euro and you can visit the fortress either from Elounda by boat (cost 7 to 9 euro both ways) or from Agios Nikolaos ( cost 22 euro aproxx ). From Elounda is closer ( 15 min ). It's also possible to go from Plaka village . There are many restaurants for sea food in the area of Elounda and Plaka but a bit expensive. We used a small jeep and drove towards the windmills on the other side of Elounda and we reached a small beach called Kolokytha. It's busy till 14.30 when the boats dock there , but very nice later when it's empty of people.
sooj212
This Island is a must for anybody going to Crete. Used as a Lepepr colony till early 50's .the history hits you as soon as you enter the tunnel that takes you to the village.Imagining what the people who entered must have felt like to feel the world suddenly blocked out.
gambolass
We took a short boat journey to this island. One thing to be aware of is that we had to pay to enter the building on top of the cost for the boat. This was not explained to us beforehand. The site was interesting and informative and I would recommend i.
139ericd
Uunusual place when the history is explained , Leper colony for many years until 1950's, some of the houses still remain plus a small church which is still used today for special occasions.When you arrive on the island you walk through a dark tunnel to enter the area which was the town occupied by the lepers, guide claims a notice was above the tunnel entrance which read "Abandon hope all that enter here " chilling.
Beth273729
Highly recommended to read the Novel about Spinalonga, 'The Island' either before or after visiting. Took almost a whole day to explore properly and the views were simply incredible. Even the boat ride to the island felt like part of the day. However, take plenty of water as there is no shade, a lot of walking and the cafe on the island does not exist!!
662marijac
Interesting for someone who like one-day trips with historical touch. Long drive but totally worth it.
S0phss
Great day trip hoisted by nice locals. Good but of information however Crete as a whole is a boring place. Used a tour company at our hotel for this and included bbq on the beach.
ingoshke
Once you enter the island you get the feeling of escaping from there as soon as possible. This small piece of land conceives a lot of sadness. Strongly recommended to read a novel The Island by V.Hislop before visiting Spinalonga in order to fully experience the touch of recent history.
62malcolmb
Anyone who has read the Island by Victoria Hislop cannot fail to be moved by a visit to Sinalonga. We took the fishing boat from Plaka as in the book and the first thing that strikes you is how close it is to the mainland it is. It must have been heartbreaking for the families torn apart by leprosy. The ruins are such that you can see enough to get a feel for how it must have been. If you go make sure that you cover your shoulders and head because it is very hot and very little shade and also out of respect if you visit the church. Seeing the graves also brought it home that even in death the inhabitants were confined to the island. Worth also taking a trip to Elounda which has a good beach and shops although one word of caution if you have children there are little fish in the water which give you a real nip if you stand still for any length of time it all adds to the experience!!