My wife and I visited Spinalonga two years ago when we were staying in a lovely resort on the South Coast of Crete Makriyialos highly recommended resort but that is another story.
We arrived at Elounda by Coach to board a small boat for the Trip to Spinalonga which we had been told about ... Read review
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Advantages: Lessons in History are always rewarding Disadvantages: none
My wife and I visited Spinalonga two years ago when we were staying in a lovely resort on the South Coast of Crete Makriyialos highly recommended resort but that is another story.
We arrived at Elounda by Coach to board a small boat for the Trip to Spinalonga which we had been told about by my Brother who had visited a few years previous.
The island looms into sight, It was immediately obvious that some restoration work ... ...landing.
Spinalonga was used as a Leaper Colony for many many years but not anymore.
At first the suffers were sent to the Island under the impression that they would be able to return, this was quickly dispelled on their arrival when they found out from the other inhabitants that it was a one way trip.
In the early years life to death was Hell, they had no income , the conditions attrocious.
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My wife and I visited Spinalonga two years ago when we were staying in a lovely resort on the South Coast of Crete Makriyialos highly recommended resort but that is another story.
We arrived at Elounda by Coach to board a small boat for the Trip to Spinalonga which we had been told about by my Brother who had visited a few years previous.
The island looms into sight, It was immediately obvious that some restoration work had been made since my brothers visit as there is now a new (but very well restored) cafe near the boat landing.
Spinalonga was used as a Leaper Colony for many many years but not anymore.
At first the suffers were sent to the Island under the impression that they would be able to return, this was quickly dispelled on their arrival when they found out from the other inhabitants that it was a one way trip.
In the early years life to death was Hell, they had no income , the conditions attrocious.
Then the Greek Government agreed to pay them a pension, oh how the Greeks often led the world (Democracy etc). Life still was not great but better. The residents could now buy produce from the main land. Better houses were built life became that of a small community rather than one of just survival.
You can tour the island see the little street where they had their shops, see the hospital where they were cared for .
With any place like this where the emotions and feelings of those who were there is ground into the buildings it is best to sit somewhere and feel their presence.
During the War when the Germans occupied Crete, they did not venture onto the Island fearing the Leoprocy. Because the Germans thought that Allied Soldiers were being hidden on the Island they blockaded it intending to Starve the Residents. Anyone seen trying to leave the Island by boat or swinmming was shot.
Their policy would have worked except for ONE GERMAN OFFICER supported by his Seargent, They took a boat out at night and would throw food to the Islanders. A wonderful man.
Untill very recentley a Man returned once a Year to pray in the small church, that man was the Seargent, the Officer being Killed during the War.
So if in the area please Visit this Little Island and drink in the atmosphere. and remeber even during times of Conflict GOOD MEN will be found on all sides.
Advantages: an interesting, spiritual experience Disadvantages: a little bit depressing
...visiting the island fortress of Spinalonga in Northern Crete you will probably be holidaying in the stylish peninsular resort of Agios Nikolaos or Ag. Nik. as the British tourists call it. Or you could be staying in the much smaller, quieter and more laid back resort of Elounda. It is from here that the majority of boat trips to the island depart. You can also take a boat direct from Ag. Nik. or from Plaka.
The island was fortified by the Venetians ... ...The last in Europe , Spinalonga was the prison-like home to leper outcastes even after medicinal advances had rendered this unnecessary.
As you approach the island there is a feeling of hoplessness and doom, as though it is still inhabited by those poor helpless souls cast away to isolation by social stigma and ignorance.
There is not much left of the settlement but what remains is a poignant reminder of collective suffering and isolation. There ...
doctorloz 07.06.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Spinalonga (Kalydon), Elounda, Crete
