The tiny isle of Spinalonga is one of the top things to do in Crete. Take a tour of this former leper colony and discover the centuries of history packed within the walls that encircle it. What's more, you'll also visit the seaside resorts of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos for a spot of swimming and the chance to find lunch.
Spinalonga has been a Venetian outpost, an Ottoman town and a leper colony, which led to it being dubbed the ‘Isle of Tears'. A guided walk will show you around the fortress and the colony – which closed in the 1950s. Spinalonga is one of Crete's best-known features and a location in Victoria Hislop's bestselling novel, The Island.
Later, you'll sail back to Elounda. Swim, stretch out in the sunshine, or watch the world go by at a café. You'll also have lunch in a local taverna. And rounding off the day is a visit to Agios Nikolaos, a chic seaside town sheltered by two offshore islets.
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