Kalydon – Fortress Spinalonga

🏰 Spinalonga Fortress – The moving story of the Island of Tears

In the Gulf of Mirabello, just off the coast of the Kalydon peninsula, lies the small island Spinalonga, whose history is as captivating as it is moving. The main attraction is the imposing Venetian fortress that overlooks the entire island. Today, the site is one of Crete's most visited landmarks and offers a profound insight into the island's historical heritage.

📖 History

The fortress was built by the Venetians in the 16th century to protect the coast from Ottoman attacks. Later, in the early 20th century, the island became notorious as a leper colony. Until 1957, it served as a refuge for the sick. The remains of the village, the alleyways, and the church tell a story of suffering and resilience. A walk across the island is a moving journey through time.

🚗 Distances (From Plaka/Mainland)

• Agios Nikolaos (Center): 15,6 km | 26 Min
• Heraklion (Center): 65,8 km | 1 hrs 18 mins
• Kastelli Airport: 61,5 km | 1 hrs 16 mins
• Elounda: 4,8 km | 9 Min

🌿 Visitor Information

• Boat trip: Plan a short but scenic boat ride to reach the island. ⛴️
• Sun protection: There's hardly any shade on the island. Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen. 🧴
• Travel Guide: To fully grasp the island's moving history, a guidebook or guided tour is highly recommended. 📖
• Respect: Please respect the dignity of the place, especially in the areas of the former leper colony. 🙏

🧱 Real estate market

The surroundings of Spinalonga, especially the towns of Elounda and Plaka, are considered Blue-chip locationThe exclusive location overlooking the fortress and the bay of Mirabello attracts investors from all over the world. Some of the island's most luxurious villas and properties can be found here. Schmidbauer Real Estate Crete supports you in realizing your personal dream of living in this historically significant and prestigious area.