Trip to Spinalonga island, former leper colony Photo Gallery by PAUL LAKIN at pbase.com

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PAUL LAKIN | profile | all galleries >> Greece - Corfu, Crete, Alonisos, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Meganisi, Meteora, Parga, Santorini, Skiathos, Skopelos, Zakynthos >> Crete >> Trip to Spinalonga island, former leper colony

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Trip to Spinalonga island, former leper colony

Trip takes in a barbeque - leaves just 40mins for Spinalonga.

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IMG_7233.JPG	IMG_7236.JPG	Spinalonga Island	Spinalonga Island
Spinalonga Island	Spinalonga Island	Spinalonga Island	Spinalonga Island
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Spinalonga Island	Spinalonga Island	Spinalonga Island	Spinalonga Island
Spinalonga Island	Spinalonga Island	Spinalonga Island	Spinalonga Island
Spinalonga Island	Spinalonga Island	Spinalonga Island	Spinalonga Island
Spinalonga Island	Spinalonga Island	Spinalonga Island

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Guest		24-Aug-2013 13:19
For The Island DVD with English subtitles, please email joanna.fournari@gmail.com

Guest		24-Aug-2013 13:18
Hello Everyone!!! If anyone wishes for a really good copy with english subtitles of the complete TV series based on Victoria Hislop's book 'The Island', please email joanna.fournari@gmail.com Regards, Joanna

oddlegs		27-Jul-2013 19:58
Hi Wedded Yes, so the locals say..

Wedded		27-Jul-2013 11:27
Is the island haunted???

Mag		14-Apr-2013 21:11
I am just about to finish reading The Island. I thought it hard going at first, but now I am really enjoying it. I have read Victoria Hislop's The Thread which I found facinating. I also have the book The Return which I am looking forward to reading, also by Victoria Hislop.Mag

guest		25-Sep-2012 18:17
The book was thrust into my hands and I was told'you must read this!' Well,I can't put it down! I don't know if the 'not well written' comments are professional jealousy or what. But I am finding it emotionally wrenching in parts. The photos help one to visualise the place.

Guest		19-Aug-2012 16:57
I visited Spinalonga several years ago and the images still haunt me. So hard to believe that people could live like this in the 20th century. Anybody visiting Crete should take the trip out to "Th Island of Tears". I would love to go back.

Guest		09-Apr-2012 19:53
I am just about to start reading the Island for the second time as it is our book club choice for this month. Whilst 'Googling' the history of the island and the manifestations of Hansens disease I found this web site.. I visited Spinalonga nearly 40 years ago and found the experience both haunting and distressing. I remember that the lid of one of the graves was partially disturbed and bones were visible inside. How sad that looting took place and vandalism occurred. I will never forget the feeling of desolation in the houses and the silence. Victoria Hislop's book brings a dimension I could not possibly have imagined. Life did go on, families were created and love and harmony prevailed despite the harrowing prognosis of the terrible disease which sent people there. Leprosy still exists, endemic in poorer parts of the world, especially India but with early diagnosis it can be cured. Today however millions of people are living with some disability as a result of the disease. The stigma still exists and reintroduction into the community can be difficult even after a cure. From the photographs Spinalonga is a different and beautiful place today and I would love to visit again to pay tribute to the brave people who lived and died there and those who helped them.

Guest		18-Mar-2012 13:15
I never knew about Spinalonga till i started reading The Island ... and i just had to find out if it really existed and read up about it. The photos confirm my what i imagined it would be like. A very moving and emotional book ... a most interesting read ... i recommend it. Roberta

Helen		12-Dec-2011 21:11
Just reading "The Island" by Victoria Hislop about Spinalonga and like so many Googled to see if there really was such a place. Amazing photos. Thank you for posting.

oddlegs		10-Nov-2011 14:40
A Greek TV series I believe, but no movie as yet

Lesley		09-Nov-2011 14:52
is this being made into a film?

lynn diamond		27-Oct-2011 21:22
Several years ago myself, son and two young grandsons visited Spinalonga, we all found it very emotional, but an experience not to be missed. I t is hard to imagine how the people must have felt living there After reading the comments on this web page I feel very humble and I now feel ready to read "The Island"

Eileen		24-Oct-2011 22:23
Beautiful photos of a most haunting island. I can't begin to feel the despair the people must have felt when they walked to that tunnel. The Island should be read in conjuction with a visit to Spinalonga. Beautiful place - so glad we visited. When we opened our apartment doors, we looked striaght over to Spinalonga - Beautiful,

Paula Janssen		04-Oct-2011 21:01
I am reading The Island at the moment and enjoying every moment of it - an emotionally charged book full of feeling and giving an insight into a place that I never knew exsisted and of the hardships of people living there. Would love to visit one day - I can dream!! Photos wonderful now when I am reading I can picture even more where they are.

Richard		11-Jul-2011 18:47
Went to the island on Tuesday 5th of July, my wife read the book and wanted to go. 5 hour round trip by tour coach but a fantastic day out. If you are going to Crete it is a must do trip.

Guest		11-Jul-2011 14:22
Why has no one read YANNIS by Beryl Darby? It is so much better than The Island. It gives n authentic insight to life as a leper living on Spinalonga.

Davey		26-Jun-2011 20:16
Just read the book my wife bought it & I "borrowed" it What a great story. I would like to know about the TV series When was it on Is it on a DVD??

Patricia		23-Jun-2011 22:07
I finished the book, which was so beautifully written. I fell in love with the people. There was so much loyalty, bravery and love between these people. I felt sorry Sophie left before she found out who she was...

Patricia		17-Mar-2011 22:40
I have nearly finished The Island and I have found the book a page turner. I had read Victoria Hislop's last novel, The Return, but, I thought The Island was a lot better, and I enjoyed reading about the characters. I would love to visit Spinalonga one day.

Patricia		17-Mar-2011 22:28
Victoria Hislop's The Island is a book I could not put down. I could carry on reading it until the early hours of the following morning. I had read her last book, The Return, but of the two, I prefer The Island.

Jean		01-Mar-2011 17:50
I have never read a book so quickly. It was captivating from beginning to end. i now can't wait to visit Spinalonga.

Guest		16-Feb-2011 10:36
I am currently reading this wonderful book - want to get to the end to find out what happens but at the same time - I don't want it to end. I have visited Elounda twice and love it there but have not travelled over to Spinalonga - will do so on my next visit for sure...... These photos are wonderful ............ Elaine Elston

Stf		02-Jan-2011 11:07
IMHO the book is ok (but told not lived which is a real pity - those people really should have come alive in the novel) but like many others I am intrigued by the island. There is a former leper's island here in Finland called Seili, which I visited this summer. Nothing like Spinalonga, but the church there is interesting. It's a protected area today -and used for research on climate change in the Baltic sea. That's interesting too

Angela		26-Oct-2010 03:12
Thank you so very much for these photos. I have Cretan roots & go there very often but have never been to Spinaloga. After seeing the first 2 episodes on TV & also in the process of reading the book, I know it's time to go & visit it finally. Thanks again for the inspiration.

Lover of the Island		17-Oct-2010 21:21
Read the book and can't wait to go and see it. Looks amazing from the photos. Thank you so much for bringing the Island to life for me.

christine		04-Oct-2010 17:49
My librarian suggested this book to me and I was so touched by it. I think it is the best book that I\| have ever read and will definitely read it again and would so much love to visit the island.

Janice Inglis		30-Sep-2010 19:19
just back from Crete and the visit to Spinalonga Island was amazing

Guest		30-Sep-2010 19:15
Iread the book and just back from my holiday in Crete where I visited Spinalonga Island the experience was amazing .One tip for any one going the tour guide goes on a bit when you get on the Island loose her or him

Guest		15-Sep-2010 20:01
Have just come back from Crete (Aug 10) We stayed in Gournes 15 mins transfer time from the airport. We visited the island through a trip organised by the travel agents. We set off at approx 8.30am. Took a scenic trip by coach to Elounda, had a lovely boat trip in and around the coast to Spinalonga. had a tour guide which gave us all the history and time to explore the island. The had a BBQ and time on a beach before setting off home. Arrived home apprx 6pm. Had the most fantastic day we all loved it. (2 Adults & a 17 & 14 Yr old) Highlight of our holiday and to top it all when we came home someone offered me this book to read....

Guest		12-Sep-2010 07:40
Brenda I have just finnished Victoria Hyslop's book...the Island ...what a wonderful read and seeing the picture's has brought this book to life

Guest		20-Aug-2010 16:40
I have just finish reading The Island, Have'nt book my holiday to Crete before hand. Reading the book, I now have to visit spinalonga, beatiful written

Brenda		20-Aug-2010 08:41
I visited Spinalonga years before The Island was written and read the book without realising what it was about so I was fascinated. I have just bought The Return and having read a few of these comments am devastated to find out it's not about a return to Spinalonga. Boo hoo. I won't read it now.

julie		15-Aug-2010 13:51
i read the book 'The Island' last year and it was truly amazing and have just booked to go to Crete and will have to go the Island and see for myself.

Guest		01-Aug-2010 18:35
I have read the book and would like to hear of any ones experience if they go to the Island and any advice on where to stay . Victoriasbook the return was also brilliant but I have to be honest when I bought it I thought it was the return to the Island

Heather		21-Jul-2010 11:55
I have just read the book. An amazing read. I just had to look up the Island to see if I could find any photos of it. The photos just confirm the picture I gained of the island from the book. What faith and strength these people must have shown living in such an environment. I would love to visit the island and meditate on those who have gone before.

Guest		07-Jul-2010 09:20
Absolutely Fantastic book.. I'm almost finished and cant bear the thought of it ending ! I too was amazed that the Island is real and was more touched when looking at the photos... It all seems more real... and more sad now....but truly an amazing read.

Guest		28-Jun-2010 08:53
Have just finished reading The Island, Victoria brings to life what they must have endured. Fascinatin read of history/fictionguest

Linda		03-Jun-2010 19:15
Can anyone let me know if it were possible to stay in Plaka and visit Spinalonga or where is it better to stay to make the crossing as short as possible.Plaka sounded so attractive in the book but perhaps Ag Nik or Elounda offer the only sailings.Any help appreciated.

Susan		01-Jun-2010 21:09
I have just one chapter to go with this book, thoroughly enjoyed it,will be reading the Return next. Thank you Victoriia for all I have learnt from it.

michelle		27-May-2010 16:53
I've just finished the book, i thought it was amazing, and just googled the island of Spinalonga and its made it all so real now. fantastic read.

Gill		21-May-2010 21:16
Just googled Spinalonga to see if it is/was a 'real place' having just read The Island. Such a moving book and so pleased to find these photos. I now want to go and see it for myself.

Guest		03-May-2010 09:58
Read this lovely book sometime ago,which, as lots of people have said, captured my heart. I am visiting Crete for the first time, with my family, this year and I fully intend to visit Spinalonga, to wander or sit and simply contemplate the life the inhabitants led during their time on the island. What struck me about this beatifully written sensitive book, was that despite the sadness, there was a whole lot of love on this island.

Veronika		20-Apr-2010 12:26
Som niekde v polovici Victoriinej knihy 'The Island' a musim sa priznat, ze ju citam jednym duskom... Nevynechajuc ziadnu prilezotost vnorit sa opat do deja ju prakticky nosim stale pri sebe. I'm enjoying every single page and can't wait to read my last page. Veronika Slovakia/London

Barry		02-Apr-2010 14:50
We went to Spinalonga about 3 years ago whilst staying at Ag Nik, just along the coastline and before we read Victoria's book. Then we read The Island as soon as we arrived home. What a captivating read too! As a result, we have booked to go back to Crete again in September this year, staying closer to the Island at Elounda this time, so that we can visit the Island a couple of times at least, to reflect on what those leprocy suffers endured. (We will most probably read the book again whilst there).

Rosemary Jones		25-Mar-2010 17:30
ROSIE My husband and I and our two children aged 6 and 9 spent two weeks in a Villa at the foot of the mountain in Plaka over 30 years ago. Having just read "The Island" through our Book Club, it was incredible to actually think we were there so many years ago and it brought back so many memories of this most fascinating island.

Lenka		01-Mar-2010 09:42
Kniha je úžasná a urèitì chci Spinalonga na vlastní oèi vidìt. Díky Victoria Lenka z Èeské republiky

Sue		26-Feb-2010 17:37
I am three quarters of the way through Victoria's brilliant and very moving book and wanted to see for myself just what the island is like. The photos are wonderful and truly bring the book to life for me. Many thanks.

jonathan		21-Feb-2010 08:55
We were on holiday in Elounda a few years ago with 2 other couples. I read The Island first and then passed it around the other people in our party, It was quite incredible to actually sit and read the book while been able to look across the water to the Island itself. Going onto the Island made the book come alive. A very moving experience, a wonderful book and Elounda is beautiful.

Josie		08-Feb-2010 14:01
Was given Victoria Hislop's book for Christmas by an old school friend. I have to say I enjoyed reading it immensely, even though it is very sad in places. I too found this site on googling Spinalonga and Crete just to get an idea of the size and relationship to each other of these islands. Was pleasantly surpised by this website and have enjoyed reading others comments and looking at the photographs. If I ever get the chance to visit Crete I will certainly make sure I go to Spinalonga.

Guest		02-Feb-2010 11:42
I am half way through Victoria Hylop's book and thought I would research Spinalonga through Google . Your pictures have bought the story to life.

mandy		13-Jan-2010 20:56
have just read the island, what a moving story, could not put it down. have been to crete many times but have not visited spinalonga , we will definately be visiting the island next time we go

Guest		09-Jan-2010 14:10
I am planning a trip to Crete this May and was looking for any info about Creteand Greek Island. But more importantly, my book group is readin "The Island" and your pictures will add so much to our discussions. THank you for posting them. Tookie

Guest		29-Dec-2009 00:15
I loved 'The Island' by Victoria Hislop, one of the best books I have ever read. I had a job to put it down once I started reading it. I had no idea the island did not close until 1953. Such a sad place bought to life in the book. The photo's are lovely, and give you an insight of the island:)

Guest		22-Nov-2009 16:19
My daughter has just returned from working the summer in Crete, she went to Spinalonga and bought me back a copy of the Island signed by the author. I'm half way through and although I have never been I think I am a little bit in love with the island already. I think it's a very special place.

Karen Bell		16-Nov-2009 16:25
I have just finished reading The Island and really enjoyed it, could hardly put the book down. The characters really capture your heart and after having been to Crete myself and seeing Spinalonga I could easily imagine the setting.

Kath		15-Nov-2009 20:48
A very enjoyable read and contrary to "Guest" comments - very well written. Having visited Spinalonga many years ago it was easy to visualise the island as it was.

Ellen		14-Sep-2009 17:57
Read the book some time ago and was intrigued by the story; next september I am begining a cruise at heriklyon and noticed that there is a trip to the island offered, i would prefer to do this trip under my own steam is this possible ? is it possible to book taxi/boat to do a independent visit ? or just go on the organised cruise tour ? not sure of the timescale as yet how long should we allow. any information will be welcome

Ellen Duckett		05-Sep-2009 14:54
Ellen Duckett Not very well written? Well there is always one isn't there. I picked the book up in a charity shop, haven't finished it yet, but it moved me to find out whether there really was a place called Spinalonga and a leper colony and was amazed to find it was real. Your pictures are fantastic. If I ever go on a Greek holiday I would choose to visit The Island having looked at them and, as other people have commented, it brings the story to life and makes one grateful for not having had to live life with the threat of such a dreadful illness and those circumstances a constant background shadow. September 05 2009

Guest		11-Aug-2009 10:49
There is agreat movie called L'Ordre (1974) by the frencd direcor Jean Daniel Pollet about the island of Spinalonga. It is a very moving documentary evolving around Raimondakis, one of the former inhabitants of Spinalonga. The whole atmosphere is quite eerie and yet so capitvating. I consider that there is no better truth than the one told by leprosy sufferer imself.

Guest		19-Jun-2009 20:54
i have recently visited spinalonga. very interesting place. probably best to explore the island yourself instead of listening to the guide - ours went on for so long we didnot get too long to explore.

Sue da mota		17-Jun-2009 08:24
Ihave just finished reading the book and thought it was excellent. My husband is Portuguese he also read the book and thorougly enjoyed it ,We just love going to Crete and the pictures bring the beauty of the island

Guest		07-Jun-2009 18:52
Really enjoyed the book, captures your heart and would love to vist the island one day.

g.konkis		04-Jun-2009 19:23
i'm reading the novel for the moment and i have booked to plaka in order to visit that umique island and feel "part" of heroes lived there....hilsop did successfully manage to touch our hearts.........

Rebecca Nachmia		30-May-2009 12:11
I read the book once and I am re-reading it. It has captured my mind and my heart. I feel emotionally captured to Spinalonga, like all the unfortunates who were physically captured there. I hope I will soon have the opportunity to visit Spinalonga, and re-experience everything I read in Victoria Hislop's book "The Island".

Guest		11-May-2009 20:27
just finished the book..... loved it and feel an urge to visit the island myself

philomena		23-Apr-2009 21:50
I have to say that The Island is a fab read, I lost my copy and bought a second one to read again, it moved me to tears, I can't imagin what life was like for those people forced to live apart from all they knew, I would love to visit Spinalonga one day.

Guest		05-Feb-2009 18:21
What a brilliant book. Would love to go to Spinalonga. Very well written I would say.

Katie		02-Dec-2008 14:30
I have been to the island a number of times and it is fantastic While i holidaying in Crete again last year i also read the Hilsop book 'The Island' and i thought it was extremely good, if you have never been i would advise it as it is intresting to look and it makes you think about what it must have been like for the people in them times .

guest		31-Oct-2008 13:29
This book is as magical as the island itself. Victoria has immortalised the plight of the people exiled to Spinolonga. It is also a testimony to the titanic heroics of those individuals who supported the colony.

Guest		01-Oct-2008 16:36
I have read The Island several times now and evry time i read it i get the same feelings as the first time i read it. I can not possibly imagine what all those families went through. Victorias descriptions are so clear, the ay i imagined the island to look was exactly the same as the island itself and thats before i actually saw pictures of the island. I am looking forward to visiting the old leper colony next year with my future husband. And i seriously advise anyone who has not read the book as of yet to do so, once you start reading ou will not want to stop and will read it several times. Enjoy.

Guest		20-Sep-2008 04:05
I have just finished Victorias novel and I must say that in several places it bought me to tears. Considering what all the families must have gone though I hate to imagine. Looking at the photos, it seems a shame that the local authorities have not done more to keep the leper colony restored. The description in the novel had my imagination flowing and I would love to see it in real life.

Guest		17-Sep-2008 21:08
Excellent

Susie Hirschfield		03-Jul-2008 01:14
I live in a little town in Mexico and was reading the book on my flight back from vacation in Turkey. Somehow I lost the book and can't replace it here. Could someone please send me an email and tell me what happened in the end? Missinformation282@yahoo.com. Her father had just dropped her off on the island and she was getting her new house in order. Think I only had about 70 pages left. Thanks so much in advance.

linda gale		22-Jun-2008 12:00
.GUEST We visited Spinalonga in May and were enthralled by the island. We have now read the book which is excellent, one of the best books we have read, also very emotional. Yes Kathy there is a talking book available, hope your mother enjoys it. Linda

ann		20-Jun-2008 21:59
i bought the book in crete while on holiday and just had to go while still reading it and it just came to life as if i was there in real life amazing

elena		07-Jun-2008 17:50
Im reading the book and find it very emotion and have to give many congratulations to the writer and thaks for the fotos

Guest		21-May-2008 17:43
Thoroughly enjoyed the book - the best I have read in ages. The island is absolutely amazing - had a fantastic day there in May. Will definately be going again next year. Your pictures are superb - cam't wait to see it again.

Guest		07-May-2008 07:35
Having read Victoria Hyslop's book recently I have now booked my summer holiday to Crete and will definately be visiting Spinalonga island. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Sarah Shadbolt

Guest		29-Mar-2008 13:45
the person who wrote "not very well written" must have read a different book than the one i read.it was great and very well writen,what more did they want?i too am wanting to visit spinalonga as victoria hyslop put such amazing discriptions of it in her book i wanted to see it for real.these photos have just made me want to see it more.

Guest		21-Mar-2008 15:38
sue I loved this book, and looked up Spinalonga to see if it existed, I'd would love to visit it! I found myself thinking of the story when seeing to chores, but I enjoyed the relationships between families and the sense of history.

Guest		16-Feb-2008 18:12
what a brilliant book, i could not put it down. i am now booking my summer hols for crete as i now want to visit spinalonga

Kathy Walton		30-Dec-2007 13:32
I would love to know if it is available as a "talking book" as my mother has poor vision now and is always on the look out for books to recommend to the Spoken Word Cassette Service. Thank you Kathy

Guest		22-Nov-2007 23:33
I've just finished reading Victoria Hyslop's book "The Island" and was curious to see if Spinalonga really existed. Thanks for the photos; I've never been there but at least now I can visualise the setting of the book. I enjoyed reading it; can't agree with the comment that it was not very well written. I couldn't put it down!

Zimmi		22-Nov-2007 18:11
The book is written in simple language and a quick read . It is a moving story and brings to mind how a simple life can be so fullfilling. Even without all the useless trappings we in the big cities have become addicted to.click

Sandri		15-Nov-2007 13:18
Have just read Victora Hyslop's book. I had no idea the island existed let alone was a leper colony. Your photos bring the lepers village to life. thank you

GUEST		15-Oct-2007 15:46
I actually enjoyed Victoria Hyslop's book. I've been to Spinalonga and reading the book helped me to visualise what it was like when it was a lepers colony. I'm doing a presentation on the Island for my college course to let others know of its existence. Seeing your pictures help me to remember how beautiful the Island is considering the sad story behind it.

Guest		14-Aug-2007 11:26
Have just read Victoria Hyslop's book (not very well written I have to say) but became intrigued by Spinalonga Island. Thanks for these pictures. Anne Forrrest

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