Today you will have the opportunity to admire the beauty of an island that still inspires awe with its history.
|
MON-WED-FRI |
|
32.00 EURO |
|
Hotel (Heraklion Estate) |
|
10:30 |
|
ENG-DE-NL-FR-RU-CZ-PL-IT |
|
50% |
|
Free |
|
EXTRA PAID : Entry to Spinalon |
Spinalonga is a small island located in Lasithi , in the province of Mirabello near Elounda . It has also been known as the island of lepers . The ancient name of the island is Caledon but after it was conquered by the Venetians named Spinalonga .
When the Turks invaded Cyprus , the Venetians began fortifying Crete
considering it to be the next target of the Ottomans . Thus they begun fortifying Spinalonga in 1574. Finally, the island was occupied in 1715 by the Turks.
Since 1903, Spinalonga became operational as leper contaiment facility. Initially only concering the Cretans lepers but gradually transferred patients from all over Greece until it finally came to house International Lepers .
The virus of leprosy was contagious and at the time,had absence of treatment. Living conditions were difficult as patients could not cover their basic needs so that they escape from the island in search of food . In 1948 it was discovered in America medicine that cured the deadly disease resulting in a drastic reduction in the number of patients in Spinalonga .
Today Spinalonga has been declared an archaeological site. The British author Victoria Hislop has given special mention to it as he wrote an entire novel about the island of lepers . The novel is called ” The Island ” , that has become a best -seller and has been translated into 14 languages.
Mount Ida, also known as Psiloritis is actually a chain of mountains the highest of which is Timios Stavros (Greek for Holy Cross). With an altitude of 2,456 m, Ida is the highest mountain on Crete. It has the highest topographic prominence in Greece. The wider area of Psiloritis is a Natural park f
Tags: The only Via Ferrata on Crete, is located at the Asterousia mountain range at Kapetaniana. It is moderately difficult, well protected and with a great view to the Libyan Sea all the way! It is accessible for children aged 8 and up, making it an exciting option for a family active holiday.
Are you an experienced fisher or you just like fishing, but you`ve never tried? Then we invite you to take our Fishing tour. We will provide you with all the equipment along with an experienced fisherman and show you the most beautiful places in Crete.
1039 Ε 6061 01515 00