i have been there about ... 6 years ago !! worth it,try to go there, i will go for sure again one day...i suggest you before you go to read the book of spinalonga or to watch the movie of the peoples living there many years ago, search it on google... " spinalonga movie" its made by greek actors maybe you can find it with subtitles !you can go there with boats ... from Plaka fo sure and Agios Nikolaos, i think from Elounta also... i dont know about others towns.P.s take sun protection cream and a hat ;)
Highly recommended to read the Novel about Spinalonga, 'The Island' either before or after visiting. Took almost a whole day to explore properly and the views were simply incredible. Even the boat ride to the island felt like part of the day. However, take plenty of water as there is no shade, a lot of walking and the cafe on the island does not exist!!
I went here on a boat trip and really enjoyed the trip. The boat took us out and stopped to allow people to swim in the sea if they wished then straight to the Island.As soon as you step off the boat and statt to walk through the tunnel to get to the Island, it is really moving to think that in years gone by, the amount of people who have walked through there knowing they would never see families again. The history is excellent and to see the remains of what is left was amazing.Would definitely re-visit again if I was in this area of Greece
The fortress of Spinalonga is definitely a must. The entrance fee is 2 euro and you can visit the fortress either from Elounda by boat (cost 7 to 9 euro both ways) or from Agios Nikolaos ( cost 22 euro aproxx ). From Elounda is closer ( 15 min ). It's also possible to go from Plaka village . There are many restaurants for sea food in the area of Elounda and Plaka but a bit expensive. We used a small jeep and drove towards the windmills on the other side of Elounda and we reached a small beach called Kolokytha. It's busy till 14.30 when the boats dock there , but very nice later when it's empty of people.
A must for anyone who in interested in history or has read The Island. It really does bring the book to life. My sister was very moved by the experience. I recommend either a boat trip from Elounda or Aghios Nikolaos if you want to make a day of it. If you like a more relaxed experience then take the bus or drive to Plaka which is opposite Spinalonga and ask the skipper of a medium sized boat to take you across. It's quick 15 mins and the boat comes back in 1 or 2 hour to collect you. Ask him what time. The deserted island has been updated to give good historical information as you pass along it's streets and enter the buildings. I recommend taking bottled water as it can get a bit hot. When you return to Plaka there are several restaurants and Cafes for you to enjoy. Just having lunch at Plaka can gives you an excellent view of the island.
Went with my girlfriend on an excursion from Agios Nikolaos and really enjoyed the history. Take something to drink and/or eat as there's nowhere to buy anything, it's purely about the history which is nice as it doesn't feel commercialised.
I love going to spinalonga, i have been a couple of times and it's amazing to think that people used to live there and how much of the island still remains.
Anyone who has read the Island by Victoria Hislop cannot fail to be moved by a visit to Sinalonga. We took the fishing boat from Plaka as in the book and the first thing that strikes you is how close it is to the mainland it is. It must have been heartbreaking for the families torn apart by leprosy. The ruins are such that you can see enough to get a feel for how it must have been. If you go make sure that you cover your shoulders and head because it is very hot and very little shade and also out of respect if you visit the church. Seeing the graves also brought it home that even in death the inhabitants were confined to the island. Worth also taking a trip to Elounda which has a good beach and shops although one word of caution if you have children there are little fish in the water which give you a real nip if you stand still for any length of time it all adds to the experience!!
Great day trip hoisted by nice locals. Good but of information however Crete as a whole is a boring place. Used a tour company at our hotel for this and included bbq on the beach.
Interesting for someone who like one-day trips with historical touch. Long drive but totally worth it.