January 25: Spinalonga Fortress

After taking a pass on hiking the Imbro Gorge, we started our 3+ hour drive to Spinalonga Fortress.  We made a pit stop at Skotino Cave (aka Cave of St. Paraskevi) and descended into the deep cavern to view the incredible stalagmites and stalactites.  

Upon arriving at the small port, we learned that boats were only traveling to Spinalonga Fortress on the weekend.  Not to be deterred, we enjoyed a light lunch at Porta Cafe and took pictures of the impressive structure from the shoreline. The Venetians built the fortress in the late 16th century to protect the harbor of Elounda.  According to Google, “Spinalonga is known across the world as the host to the leper community from 1903 to 1957, and as one of the last active leper colonies in Europe.”