Spinalonga is a barren, arid rocky islet, with an area of 85,000 sq. m., lying in the mouth of the natural harbour of Elounda in Lasithi Prefecture, Crete. The islet was fortified in antiquity, to protect the ancient city of Olous. Towards the end of the 16th century, the Venetians, as part of their great fortification works to defend Crete, built on Spinalonga one of the most important bastion-type seaward fortresses of the Mediterranean, designed according to the bastion system of fortification by Genese Bressani and Latino Orsini. At strategic points in the fortifications are set the Michel and Moceniga or Barbariga demilunes, major works of fortification architecture. During the Cretan War (1645-1669), refugees sought shelter on the islet, as did rebels (“Chainides”) who used it as a base to harrass the Ottomans. Under the terms of the treaty for the surrender of Chandax (Heraklion) in 1669, Spinalonga remained a Venetian possession. In 1715, following a siege, the islet was surrendered to the Ottomans, the Venetian garrison left and the remaining 600 inhabitants were taken captive. From 1715 onwards, Spinalonga was settled by Muslims, who built their houses on the foundations of the Venetian buildings. The village flourished after the mid-19th century, until by 1881 it housed a population of 1,112 and was the largest Muslim commercial centre of Merabello Bay. The village houses were arranged in a stepped pattern across the west and south sides of the islet. At the end of the 19th century it is estimated that there were approximately 200 homes and 25 shops or workshops on Spinalonga. Today many well-built two-storey houses and shops remain; their morphology and symmetrical proportions are indicative of the principles of local and Balkan architectural tradition. In 1904, during the period of the Cretan State, Spinalonga was chosen as the site of a Leper Hospital. Sufferers who were sent to live on the island survived on State funding and charitable donations. Their hard, wretched life did not weaken their will to live. They organised their home, fell in love, married, had children. After the Leper Hospital was shut down in 1957, the islet remained deserted and uninhabited. In 1976 it was designated an archaeological site. Today it is an organised archaeological site with hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Wow, very impressive view of this island! Did you take off from the island and start the recording flying back towards it? Or did you take off from a boat?

Remarkable place DMD. Great views. Super job.

Amazing footage and well captured.

Remarkable footage Dimi.    Quite the extensive history behind the fortress and the island.  

Hello there dimidrone. Good day and thank you for posting this amazing aerial video that you have filmed. Great work and keep flying. .

Hartmut_ Posted at 7-1 06:19
Wow, very impressive view of this island! Did you take off from the island and start the recording flying back towards it? Or did you take off from a boat?

Thanks for the feedback! I take off from the mainland and fly to the island approx 1km!

Beautiful footage and a lovely spot to fly.   

dimidrone Posted at 7-2 01:01
Thanks for the feedback!  I take off from the mainland and fly to the island approx 1km!

Wow, 1 km flight distance! I would have lost visual contact by then. But great footage!

Blériot53 Posted at 7-1 08:15
Remarkable place DMD. Great views. Super job.

Much appreciate my friend!

dimidrone Posted at 7-2 21:52
Much appreciate my friend!

It's my pleasure DMD

Fred Fred Fred Posted at 7-1 10:25
Amazing footage and well captured.

Glad You liked it!!!

DowntownRDB Posted at 7-1 16:10
Remarkable footage Dimi.    Quite the extensive history behind the fortress and the island.

Thank You very much! Yes, history of this places is taken to ages! It's absolutely awesome!

dimidrone Posted at 7-3 06:23
Thank You very much! Yes, history of this places is taken to ages! It's absolutely awesome!

You're most welcome Dimi.  

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

DJI Stephen Posted at 7-1 22:07
Hello there dimidrone. Good day and thank you for posting this amazing aerial video that you have filmed. Great work and keep flying.  .

Much appreciate Stephen!

DAFlys Posted at 7-2 02:25
Beautiful footage and a lovely spot to fly.

Thanks!

dimidrone Posted at 7-3 22:02
Much appreciate Stephen!

Hi there dimidrone. You are very much welcome and it is always my pleasure to see your wonderful work. Again, thank you for your valued support and have a nice day. .

dimidrone Posted at 7-4 00:50
Thanks!

You're very welcome.

Lovely footage!

Montfrooij Posted at 7-6 01:16
Lovely footage!

Thank You my friend! Glad you liked it!

dimidrone Posted at 7-15 04:17
Thank You my friend!  Glad you liked it!

You're welcome!

Wonderful aerial video