2 Best Sights in Elounda, Crete

The Venetians built an imposing fortress on this small island in the center of the Gulf of Mirabello in the 16th century. It withstood Turkish invasion for more than 45 years after the mainland had fallen. Nevertheless, it is more recent history that gives this isle its eerie infamy; from the beginning of the last century it became a leper colony, imprisoning the unfortunate in primitive conditions until 1957. It is a poignant and evocative place with a sense of melancholy that remains to this day. The story is brought to life in the international best-selling novel The Island by Victoria Hislop. Boat excursions run from Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. Most include a swim on a deserted beach. There is also a shorter trip from Plaka, directly opposite Spinalonga. Expect to pay €14 from Elounda, €25 from Agios Nikolaos, and €12 from Plaka.

A sunken, ancient city is visible just beneath the turquoise waters off a causeway that leads to the Spinalonga Peninsula (not to be confused with the island of the same name), an undeveloped headland. Don't imagine you are going to discover Atlantis, but the outlines of a Roman settlement on the seabed and the warm, shallow waters make for an enjoyable diversion from the hotel pool. A mosaic floor from an early Christian basilica with a striking fish motif can also be seen about 90 meters (300 feet) on shore.