The island of Spinalonga was a one-time leper colony. Its history was recently dramatised as a highly successful television series based on the book “The Island” by Victoria Hislop. It will reopen as a tourist attraction on weekends after an initiative launched by the municipality of Agios Nikolaos in Lasithi, Crete.
The municipality, local bodies and the 13th Byzantine Monuments ephorate have submitted a series of proposals to the Culture and Tourism Ministry for giving visitors access to the island on a daily basis and are currently awaiting approval.
The island was closed to visitors due to a lack of staff and will now open on weekends until a more permanent solution is found. Large organised groups will have access on week days.
Local authorities had stressed that the extra publicity gained due to the popular television series on the island had greatly increased the interest of visitors. Keeping the island open would satisfy demand and boost the local economy.
During the winter holiday season the island will be open daily except on major holidays.
(source: ana-mpa)
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