Spinalonga

The island of Spinalonga, officially known as Kalydon is located in the Gulf of Elounda in north-eastern Crete, in Lasithi prefecture, next to the town of Elounda. It is near the Spinalonga peninsula ("large Spinalonga") - which often causes confusion as the same name is used for both. The official Greek name of the island today is Kalydon.

Originally, Spinalonga was not an island, it was part of the island of Crete. During Venetian occupation the island was carved out of the coast for defense purposes and a fort was built there.

During Venetian rule, salt was harvested from salt pans around the island.

The island has also been used as a leper colony.

(leper - polish translation: trąd)

On the left: Kalydon Isnand. On the right: Spinalonga peninsula.

Small Town Plaka.

Stony Beach near Plaka.

The view at Spinalonga Isnand and Peninsula (on the left) and on the right Elounda Town and Plaka Town (on tle right).