Does anyone live on Spinalonga now?
Spinalonga today Tourist boats depart from all three towns on a daily basis (every 30 minutes from Elounda). Since there is no accommodation on Spinalonga, the tours last only a few hours.
When did the last people leave Spinalonga?
1957
In 1933, there were 954 inhabitants living on Spinalonga. Numbers gradually declined as patients were cured and left the island. The last twenty patients were relocated to a leprosy hospital in Athens in 1957.
Why is Spinalonga abandoned?
When was Spinalonga abandoned? After many years of research, in 1948 the first drug to treat leprosy was discovered in America. Thus, the patients began to be treated and Spinalonga was gradually emptied of patients until 1957 when the last one left and the leprosarium was permanently closed.
Can you stay on Spinalonga?
Nobody could be cured – so the lepers of Spinalonga expected a lifelong stay. There were up to a 1,000 patients on the island, which is separated from Crete by only a few hundred meters.
When did Spinalonga stop being a leper colony?
The story of Spinalonga is the story of a massive lie For decades after the 1957 closure of the leper colony, little was known about the island.
How long does it take to visit Spinalonga?
From Elounda harbour, there is a boat to Spinalonga every 30 minutes throughout the summer. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the island, while the sea voyage sometimes includes a sail around the Kolokytha Peninsula.
Is Elounda pretty?
Hidden away on the eastern coast of Crete, Elounda is a pretty fishing village which is the perfect destination for a relaxing seaside getaway. You’ll love Elounda if you’re looking for a traditional Greek resort which isn’t too crowded or commercialized.
Who found the cure for leprosy?
Alice Augusta Ball developed an injectable form of chaulmoogra oil, which was used for 20 years to treat Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy.
Is there a cafe on Spinalonga?
There’s is a cafe, toilet and souvenir shop on Spinalonga but don’t forget to pack everything you need for a day out in the sun (hat, sun cream, sun glasses, water bottle).