Museum
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Heraklion, Greece
The world's best collection of Minoan art, from frescoes to the Phaistos Disc.
Island · Greece · Crete
Spinalonga
A small fortress island once used as a leper colony, reached by boat.
Paid entry about 2 h
For storytellers
Why Spinalonga matters
Spinalonga is a small island in a bay, with Venetian walls and ruined houses. In the twentieth century it was used as a colony for people with leprosy, which gives it a thoughtful atmosphere. Boats leave from Plaka and Elounda. The island was the setting for a well-known novel.
Talking points
- Venetian fortifications surround the island.
- In the 20th century it housed a leprosy colony.
- Boats leave from nearby villages.
Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.
Good to know: Boats run from Elounda and Agios Nikolaos; check seasonal schedules.
More in Heraklion
Ruins
Knossos Palace
Heraklion, Greece
The great Minoan palace, linked in legend to the Minotaur and the labyrinth.
Castle
Koules Venetian Fortress
Heraklion, Greece
A Venetian sea fortress at the harbour entrance, with a walk along the breakwater.
Beach
Matala Beach
Heraklion, Greece
A sheltered beach with cave dwellings carved into the cliff beside it.
Beach
Vai Palm Beach
Heraklion, Greece
A beach backed by a rare natural palm grove on the eastern tip of Crete.