Spinalonga Island
The island of Spinalonga is located in the gulf of Elounda in north eastern Crete, in Lassithi, opposite of the town of Plaka.
Spinalonga used to be part of the island of Crete. During venetian occupation the island was carved out of the coast for defence purposes and a fort was built there. The island has also been used as a leper colony in the recent years. Today, the uninhabited island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Crete, in addition to the abandoned leper colony ant the fortress, Spinalonga is known for its small pebble beaches and shallow waters.