DAY 12 - CRETE

We had an early breakfast so we could do our Spinalonga island trip in slightly cooler temperatures. As it turns out it was still a scorcher at 32degrees at 11:00!! However we did beat the crowds as 2 massive boats of at least 100 on each arrived.
Spinalonga was home to over 700 leapers from 1903 to 1957. The last inhabitant, a priest, did not leave the island till 1962, in order to maintain the Greek Orthodox tradition of commemorating a buried person 40 days, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years after their death.
We took 2 people (John and Sue!!) down to Elounda as they were going to get a taxi…they treated us to coffee as a thank you. We got the first boat at 10 o’clock. If you’ve read The Island it has a great impact.
#the one way tunnel for the leapers at Dante’s Gate
#the gate for supplies
#the Main Street
#the market place
The restoration has been done well to give a sense of the place without spoiling the history.

As a group of 4 we went for a cool drink and a wander around Plaka afterwards. It’s been nice to have their company and they were very grateful too.

Afterwards we got a gulf buggy ride to the hotel’s beach area…actually it was disappointing and we did stay long!!! Instead headed back to enjoy our pool.

In evening they changed the meal plan and we had a fabulous BBQ…for an all inclusive the meals gave not been at all monotonous as people claim!!! The standard has been excellent *