Spinalonga fortress

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    • 4.3

      Place description

      Spinalonga, a rugged islet off Crete’s Elounda Bay, boasts a rich history from its ancient origins protecting the city of Olous to its transformation into a formidable Venetian fortress in the late 16th century. Renowned for its bastion-type fortifications, it served as a refuge during the Cretan War and remained under Venetian control until its surrender to the Ottomans in 1715. The islet then evolved into a bustling Muslim village, with its architecture reflecting local and Balkan traditions.

      In the 20th century, Spinalonga gained a different purpose as the site of a Leper Hospital from 1904 until 1957. Despite the hardships, the residents forged a strong community, finding love and building lives under challenging circumstances. After the closure of the hospital, the islet was left deserted until it was declared an archaeological site in 1976.

      Today, Spinalonga is a testament to human resilience and historical evolution, drawing visitors worldwide to explore its well-preserved houses, shops, and fortifications. As an organized archaeological site, it offers a window into various eras, from Venetian and Ottoman rule to a poignant period as a leper colony, making it a unique destination for history enthusiasts.

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      Stays near Spinalonga fortress

      Find below the list of hotels near Spinalonga fortress:

      • 9.3 / 10
      • Παραλια Πλακας Λασιθι 12

      Featuring quiet street views, The Island sea view apartment provides accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 400 metres from Plaka Beach. It features a terrace, sea views and free WiFithroughout the property.

      The air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 separate bedroom, 1 bathroom with a hair dryer and free toiletries, and a living room. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.

      Cycling and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.

      Spinalonga Beach is 1.2 km from the apartment, while Lake Voulismeni is 16 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 60 km from The Island sea view apartment, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

        • 910 m
        • 9.7 / 10
        • Πλάκα, Λασίθι, Κρήτη

        Situated 300 metres from Plaka Beach, Petra Elounda Suites – Adults Only offers a private beach area, and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.

        The holiday home provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and bathrobes. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.

        Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Petra Elounda Suites – Adults Only.

        Spinalonga Beach is 1.2 km from the accommodation, while Lake Voulismeni is 16 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 60 km from Petra Elounda Suites – Adults Only, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

        from

        €297

        /night

          • 920 m
          • 10 / 10
          • Ethniki Odos Eloundas, Elounda

          Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, sea view and a terrace, Villa Elounda Plaka is located in Pláka. Guests benefit from a balcony and a children’s playground.

          With free WiFi, this villa provides a satellite TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with a dishwasher and oven. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.

          Plaka Beach is 300 metres from the villa, while Spinalonga Beach is 1.2 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 60 km from Villa Elounda Plaka.

            • 1.0 km
            • 9 / 10
            • Villa Plaka Vrouchas

            Boasting garden views, Villa Leoni features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 100 metres from Plaka Beach. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.

            The villa has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.

            The villa offers a picnic area. A car rental service is available at Villa Leoni.

            Spinalonga Beach is 1.3 km from the accommodation, while Lake Voulismeni is 16 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 60 km from Villa Leoni.

            from

            €165

            /night

              • 1.0 km
              • 9.5 / 10
              • Plaka- Elounda

              Situated in Pláka and only 100 metres from Plaka Beach, La Vista Azul – Sea View Apartment features accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment offers air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace.

              This apartment features 2 bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 1 bathroom fitted with a shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.

              The apartment can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area.

              Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at La Vista Azul – Sea View Apartment, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.

              Spinalonga Beach is 1.3 km from the accommodation, while Lake Voulismeni is 16 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 60 km from La Vista Azul – Sea View Apartment, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

              from

              €216

              /night

                • 1.0 km
                • 10 / 10
                • plaka elounda, Elounda

                Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, sea view and a terrace, Villa Elounda Blue is set in Pláka. Guests benefit from a balcony and a children’s playground.

                With free WiFi, this villa offers a satellite TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with a dishwasher and oven. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.

                Plaka Beach is 400 metres from the villa, while Spinalonga Beach is 1.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 60 km from Villa Elounda Blue.

                from

                €242

                /night

                  • 1.1 km

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