Visitors to Crete’s historic Spinalonga Island will face significantly higher costs in 2025, with entrance fees more than doubling from previous rates. The former leper colony and Venetian fortress, which gained international recognition through Victoria Hislop’s novel “The Island,” has implemented a substantial price increase as part of apparent efforts to manage growing tourism and preserve the site.
New Entrance Fee Structure
Starting in 2025, visitors to Spinalonga Island will pay €20 per person to access the historic site, a significant increase from the previous €8 entrance fee that had been in place for years. This 150% price hike represents one of the most substantial fee increases for any historical site in Greece in recent memory.
The increased entrance fee comes in addition to the necessary boat transportation costs to reach the island:
- From Plaka: Approximately €10 for a round trip (10-minute journey)
- From Elounda: Around €12 for a round trip (20-minute journey)
- From Agios Nikolaos: Typically €16 for a round trip (longer journey)
This means visitors should budget between €30-€36 per person for the complete Spinalonga experience, not including additional costs for guided tours or transportation to the departure points.
Possible Reasons Behind the Price Increase
While authorities have not provided explicit details about the rationale behind the substantial fee increase, it likely aligns with broader efforts across Greece to:
- Fund preservation efforts for the island’s historic structures and archaeological significance
- Improve visitor infrastructure including pathways, facilities, and informational resources
- Manage tourist numbers at the increasingly popular UNESCO World Heritage candidate site
- Support sustainability initiatives to protect the island’s natural and cultural heritage
Tourism experts suggest the higher fees may also help control visitor flow to the small island, which has seen surging popularity following literary and media attention in recent years.
What Visitors Can Expect
Despite the higher entry cost, Spinalonga Island remains one of Crete’s most significant historical attractions. Visitors can explore:
- The impressive 16th-century Venetian fortifications
- The former leper colony that operated from 1903 to 1957
- The museum documenting the island’s unique history
- Stunning views of Mirabello Bay and the surrounding coastline
The site continues to operate daily from April through October (8:30 AM to 6:00 PM), with spring and autumn visits recommended to avoid peak summer crowds and heat.
Organized Tours: A Hassle-Free Alternative
For travelers seeking a more comprehensive and convenient experience, organized tours offer a stress-free way to visit Spinalonga while potentially providing better overall value despite the entrance fee increase.
Recommended Tour Options
1. Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island
This full-day (8–9 hour) excursion combines a visit to Spinalonga with time in the charming coastal town of Agios Nikolaos, known for its picturesque lake Voulismeni and vibrant waterfront scene.
What’s included:
- Round-trip hotel transfers from many locations across Crete
- Air-conditioned transportation
- Professional guide service
- Free time in Agios Nikolaos and Elounda
- Boat transportation to Spinalonga (entrance fee not included)
Read more and book your trip here – Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island
2. Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch
For those seeking a more leisurely 8–9 hour experience combining history with swimming and relaxation, this cruise option offers excellent value.
What’s included:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from select areas
- Boat cruise across Mirabello Bay
- BBQ lunch at beautiful Kolokytha Beach
- Swimming opportunities in crystal-clear waters
- Professional guide service
- Free time in Agios Nikolaos
Read more and book your trip here – Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch
These organized tours not only simplify logistics but often provide enriched historical context through professional guides, potentially offsetting the higher entrance costs with a more meaningful experience.
Private Fishing Boat Excursions in Mirabello Bay
For travelers seeking a more intimate and personalized experience, private boat excursions offer a unique perspective on Spinalonga and the stunning Mirabello Bay. Vanessa from Yo-namaha Travel, a French expatriate based in Agios Nikolaos since 2021, offers customized private boat trips that allow visitors to view Spinalonga from the sea—a perspective that many find just as captivating as touring the island itself.
These private excursions include:
- 100% private experience for 2-10 people (couples, groups, families)
- 4-hour trips with additional time available upon request
- 2-3 stops while cruising along the coastline, exploring caves, and visiting prime spots for swimming, diving, and snorkeling
- Complete meal with local specialties and beverages included
- Optional fishing experience with your catch cooked fresh onboard
- Special sunset cruises available upon request
- Multilingual service with English, French, and Greek spoken onboard
Departing from Elounda from April through October, these personalized boat trips provide a relaxing alternative to explore the area. Perfect for everyone from adventure seekers to those preferring to avoid the physical demands of walking Spinalonga’s uneven terrain, with special appeal for families with children.
For information and reservations, contact Vanessa directly via email at vanessa.yonamaha@gmail.com.
Visitor Tips for 2025
With the new fee structure in place, visitors planning to explore Spinalonga should:
- Budget accordingly for both entrance fees and boat transportation
- Book boat tickets in advance during peak season (July-August)
- Consider visiting in shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October) for fewer crowds
- Bring essentials including water, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera
- Plan for approximately 2-3 hours to fully explore the island
- Remember accessibility limitations as the island features uneven stone paths that may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues
Despite the substantial price increase, Spinalonga’s unique combination of dramatic history, architectural significance, and natural beauty continues to make it one of Crete’s must-visit destinations for 2025 and beyond.
Published on March 25th, 2025
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
This article was made possible with the support of Vanessa from Yo-namaha Travel. While this collaboration included financial support, my thoughts and recommendations are always 100% my own.
Further Reading:
Complete Guide to Spinalonga Island: Crete’s Historic Gem
From Lancashire to Spinalonga: Meet Juliet Carolan, Author of ‘Footsteps of Fate’
The Venetian Legacy of Crete: How 400 Years of Rule Shaped the Island
