The rocky islet of Spinalonga , officially known as Kalydon, is located in the Gulf of Elounda in north-eastern Crete, in Lasithi, next to the town of Plaka. Originally, Spinalonga was not an island – it was part of the island of Crete. Due to its strategic location during Venetian occupation, the island was carved out of the coast and was fortified for defence purposes and served a variety of roles and purposes over the centuries.

Spinalonga has a rather interesting story to tell, It is small and known as the island of the outcasts, since it has also been used as a leper colony. Today thousands of travelers visit Spinalonga by boat from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and Plaka every summer as it is the most popular archaeological site in Crete after Knossos.

Strolling around the island takes about an hour, but the serenity of the place and its recent history will certainly tempt you into spending much longer.