Spinalonga
The island was subsequently used as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957. The last inhabitant, a priest, did not leave the island till 1962, in order to maintain the Greek Orthodox tradition of commemorating a buried person 40 days, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years after their death. Spinalonga was one of the last active leper colonies in Europe; others that have survived Spinalonga include Tichileşti in eastern Romania, Fontilles in Spain and Talsi in Latvia. As of 2002, few lazarettos remain in Europe.
There were two entrances to Spinalonga, one being the lepers entrance, a tunnel known as “Dante’s Gate”. This was so named because the patients did not know what was going to happen to them once they arrived. However, once on the island they received food, water, medical attention and social security payments. Previously, such amenities had been unavailable to Crete’s leprosy patients, as they mostly lived in the area’s caves, away from civilization.
Elounda’s history
The earliest recorded settlement at Elounda was the ancient Greek city of Olous, whose people were in intermittent conflict with the citizens of Dorian Lato, until a peace treaty was eventually reached. Elounda has a later history as part of the Venetian era. Elounda has changed considerably during its lifespan. The bulk of the ancient city of Olous was reclaimed by the sea towards the end of the Ancient Greek period and is still visible, in part, when diving in the bay of Elounda.
During the early 1900s, Elounda acted as a stopping off point for lepers being transported to the leper colony at Spinalonga.
In the 1930s the enclosed waters between Elounda and the Spinalonga peninsula (known as “Mirabella Harbour”) was used by Imperial Airways flying boats as a landing, for long-range flights to the Nmiddle east and beyond. In 1936 it was the scene of a fatal crash by IA’s Scipio.
In 1984, the President of France, François Mitterrand, and Colonel Muammar Gaddafi of Libya met in a luxurious Elounda resort to discuss conflict resolution in Chad.
Elounda Yachting: Destinations
This fun sailing trip will be one of the most memorable activities of your holiday in Crete.
The exciting sensation of cruising onboard is irresistible.
With our fleet you can discover all the beauties of Mirabello Bay.
An adventure tour in the beautiful Mirabello Bay in East Crete with our Fleet.
Enjoy the enchanting Plaka, Elounda, Agios Nikolaos from the water on this relaxing cruise.
Stretch on the deck, enjoy the sea breezes scenery as you sail around the bay.
You will have the chance to sail by the historic sight of Spinalonga a small island near Plaka, Venetians built in 1579 which served as a quarantine area for the lepers up until 1957.
The crystal waters of Kolokytha Island.
Krios Bay (blue lagoon) is protected naturally from the elements, unique to explore and snorkel.
The ruins of Aphrodite΄s Temple
Agios Fokas one of the oldest chapels in the area.
Pass through the Canal see where the ancient city of OLOUS used to be and the Venetian salt pans of ALIKES where they used to extract natural sea salt up until 1972
Or a longer route towards Mochlos fishing village.
During this sailing trip, your experienced skipper will guide you in the safest and most relaxing way on the route of your choice. You will drop anchor to swim and snorkel in the crystal waters of the area, overhearing stories and basic information about the area, while sunbathing on the deck and -in between- nibbling complimentary light snacks, fresh fruit and beverages to wash off the salt and heat!