The small island of Spinalonga (or “Small Spinalonga”) together with the bigger peninsula of Spinalonga (or “Big Spinalonga”) can be found in the Mirabello Bay, close to the Elounda Harbour. The island where the massive Spinalonga Fortress is standing belongs to popular touristic trips, as the visitors can see many examples of the Venetian fortification and artillery towers as well as buildings from the Ottoman Period or facilities for the lepers. The island can be reached just by boat, the best way is from the harbours of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda or from the small fishing village of Plaka.

There are not many places for swimming on the island, as the coast around the fortress is very rocky and because the rests of the defensive walls are copying the coastline where at some points, the even go into the sea. The only place, from where the access into the water is easy is the small natural and not organized pebble beach of Spinalonga, which lies next to the wharf. Despite the beach is small it is quite gradual and the visitors can safely get into the sea here.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close beaches: Elounda Beach

Most favourite beaches of Crete: Amoudara Beach (Heraklion), Balos Beach, Elafonisi Beach, Falassarna Beach, Glyka Nera Beach (Sweet Water), Matala Beach, Platanias Beach, Preveli Beach, Stalis Beach, Stavros Beach, Vai Beach, Voulisma Beach, Xerokampos Beach

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.