Spinalonga

The effort to light up Spinalonga, the historic island that attracts crowds of tourists every year, was completed and as of Saturday evening, the lights were lit.

Immortalized in Victoria Hislop's award-winning novel, "The Island," the uninhabited islet of Spinalonga has a long and tragic past. Known by its grim epithet, the "island of the living dead," and nestled in the picturesque Elounda Bay of northeast Crete, the islet was home to one of Europe's last leper colonies, active from 1903 to 1957.

After twenty years of adventures, the process of approvals and licenses began so that the construction of the Spinalonga electricity project can start. A few days ago, the municipal council of Agios Nikolaos, Crete approved the project as well as the terms of the relevant contract with HEDNO, the operator of electricity transmission networks.

"The Greeks have done remarkably well in dealing with the pandemic compared to other countries in Europe and America," says British writer Victoria Hislop.

English writer Victoria Hislop, best known for her historical novel "The Island," set on Spinalonga off Crete, is in Greece presenting her latest novel set in Greece, "Those Who Are Loved," which is set against the backdrop of the German occupation of Greece, the subsequent civil war and a military dictatorship, all of which left deep scars.

Multifaceted German director Werner Herzog is heading to the Greek capital, where he will be scouting for talent, presenting his work and sharing his significant wisdom with fans, in a series of events at the Onassis Cultural Center and the Goethe Institute.

The Culture Ministry said on Friday it will submit the final nomination file to UNESCO at the end of the month seeking the declaration of Crete's Spinalonga islet, with its impressive 16th century Venetian fortress, a World Heritage Site.

Authorities have reported a robbery on a tiny Greek island once used as a leper colony.

Police said Monday that power tools were used to break into the archaeological site at the tiny uninhabited island of Spinalonga over the weekend. Cash from ticket sales to visitors was found missing.

Crete is a famous holiday destination throughout the whole year – for lovers of the sun, families, couples and singles. The island fascinates its visitors with beautiful beaches and its historical and legendary past. Everywhere you go, you’ll experience the warm hospitality and welcoming of the Greeks.

Who says that during your summer holidays all you can enjoy is sun-kissed beaches and water sport activities? Well, in Crete at the same time you can enjoy night life to its maximum, live for a while like a millionaire, sunbathe with the beau monde and find peace of mind on a serene island teeming with history that has inspired best-selling famous writers.