I visited Spinalonga the first Friday of November 2021. The website from the Greek Ministry of Culture indicated that the site is closed from 1st of November but it was open anyway.

I took a bus from Chersonissos to Elounda which required a change in Agios Nikolaos. I tried to do this the day before but then the bus from Heraklion was late and therefore I missed the connection and I chose another destination. On Friday I gave it another try and then it worked out fine.

On arrival one boat was selling tickets for the trip. Only two other people were already waiting and after some vague promises, a bit more waiting and some complaining from the other two passengers, we departed. It was a beautiful sunny day and the boat trip through the lagoon was very enjoyable. On the island, we had 1 hour and 10 minutes which was just enough, but I would not have minded to stay another hour or so.

There are also boats from Plaka but it is not served by bus after 1st of November. Plaka is closer to Spinalonga, so one would miss out on the pleasant boat ride (or save a bit of time and money, depending on preference and perspective). We were by no means alone on the island, there were several tour groups milling about, who arrive in tour boats, probably from Plaka. Between 1st of November and 31st of March the entrance fees are reduced for all government sites so the fee was just €4, very reasonable.

The island has the fortress itself, beautiful views, a few chapels, the cemetery and the colony village, with the market and a few of the colony's houses open with small expositions and explanations. One can walk around the old hospital but not get in or even peek inside as the windows are boarded up and the doors closed. I most enjoyed the views and the possibility to wander around the ruins and along the fortress sea walls.

After the visit, the boat went back to Elounda and I spent the afternoon hiking on the beautiful Spinalonga peninsula.