The Spinalonga Fortress is located on the small island of Spinalonga, at the entrance of the Elounda bay, and is one of the most important historical monuments of Crete.

Built by the Venetians in the late 16th century (1579-1586), the fortress was designed as a powerful defensive structure to protect the natural harbor of Elounda and its trade routes.

Spinalonga was considered one of the strongest sea fortresses in the Mediterranean and remained under Venetian control even after most of Crete fell to the Ottomans, until 1715. During the Ottoman period, a settlement developed on the island, while in the early 20th century (1903-1957), Spinalonga functioned as a leper colony - one of the last in Europe - leaving a powerful social and historical legacy.

Today, the island is one of Crete’s most visited archaeological sites, where visitors can explore the Venetian walls, the remains of the settlement, and traces of its more recent history.