The sturdy motorboat chugs through turquoise waters to the small island just off Crete’s eastern shore.

Shivering, you button up your denim jacket. Maybe it’s the sea breeze causing chills. Or maybe it’s the stout bastions drawing near.

The little island is a short ride from chic coastal resorts and white sand beaches. But it seems so distant from that holiday scene.

For this is Spinalonga, a world within walls on an island apart.

From the late 1500s to early 1900s, a medieval fortress protected this strategic location for the Venetians and later the Ottomans.

Then, from 1904 to 1957, Spinalonga served as one of Europe’s last leper colonies.

Passing through Dante’s Gate, you enter an archaeological site of history, melancholy, and beauty.

Visiting the Interpretative Museum, you learn a tale of hardship, isolation, and sorrow of life on Spingalonga.

And yet. And yet, you also discover a story of resilience, fortitude, and hope of the human spirit.

Within these walls, the residents made Spinalonga into a world of their own.

They built homes, schools, shops, and a hospital. Played games, planted gardens, and created art.

Mourned those who passed, yes. But also celebrated weddings, births, and baptisms.

As you explore the island, abandoned ruins and attentive restorations reveal centuries of tragedy and triumph.

Finding faint old paths with bright new blooms, you climb higher and higher up the steep hillside.

Finally, you reach the acropolis and survey the spectacular panorama.

Spinalonga, a world within walls on an island apart, is a moving and meaningful experience.

Reader, here’s to poignant moments of travel that echo in memory.

Until next time,

Travel on, sparkle on, meaningfully✨

Marilee + Paul Kostadimas
Spotlight Sojourns | Slow Travel
​with the Hidden Gemologists

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PS: Charming Agios Nikolaos, right on the Cretan Sea but also with a pretty lake in the heart of town, makes a perfect home base for your Spinalonga sojourn.

Opened in 2024, the sophisticated InterContinental Crete is the leading luxury resort and 5-star hotel on the island.

The InterCon’s cuisine is as memorable as the coastal views, thanks to Greek chef Nikos Roussos whose Athens restaurant, Funky Gourmet, holds two Michelin stars.

We also recommend Emerald Lake Studios in the best area, right on Lake Voulismeni.

With both lake and sea views, Emerald Lake Studios also has authentic local ambience – the owner converted her childhood home into three bright and airy apartments.

Drinking coffee on the balcony is a wonderful way to start each day. And the perfect spot to watch spectacular sunsets before strolling downstairs to the lively waterfront.

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