Spinalonga

Spinalonga is a small fortified island at the entrance to the Gulf of Elounda in northeastern Crete, accessible by short boat crossings from Plaka, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. The island served as a Venetian fortress from the early seventeenth century and later became one of Europe's last active leprosaria, housing patients until 1957. The substantial Venetian walls, gate, and ruined settlement make it one of the most visited archaeological sites on Crete.