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Lazareta Island: A Historical Escape

Discover Lazareta Island: a historic islet near Chania with clear waters, a leprosarium past, and a perfect spot for boat trips and snorkeling.

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Lazareta Island, a small uninhabited islet off the coast of Nea Chora near Chania, Crete, boasts a rich history as a Venetian leprosarium and quarantine station. Today, it offers visitors crystal-clear waters, a small sandy beach, and remnants of its intriguing past, making it a popular destination for boat trips and snorkeling.

A brief summary to Lazareta

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Local tips

  • Bring snorkeling gear to explore the diverse marine life in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island.
  • Consider taking a boat trip from Chania's Old Harbor to fully experience the beauty and history of Lazareta Island.
  • Visit the shrine of Saint Nicholas, built in 1954, as a testament to survival and faith.
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Getting There

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    The primary way to reach Lazareta Island is by boat from Chania's Old Harbor or Nea Chora. Numerous boat tours and private excursions are available, with prices varying depending on the duration and inclusions. Typical boat trips range from €8 to €25. Private boat rentals are also an option, offering more flexibility in exploring the island and surrounding areas. These rentals typically start around €650 for approximately 4 hours. Consider combining a trip to Lazareta with visits to nearby Thodorou Island or Macherida Beach for a fuller experience.

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Discover more about Lazareta

Lazareta Island, also known as Lazaretto, is a small island near Chania on the northern coast of Crete. This islet, a short boat ride from Chania's Old Harbor, is steeped in history, having served as a quarantine station and leprosarium. The island's name comes from Saint Lazarus, the patron saint of lepers. During the Venetian period in the 17th century, Lazareta was used as a leprosarium, isolating those infected with leprosy. The Venetians built a Lazaretto on the island to quarantine people. In 1645, the island faced destruction by the Turkish army, who sought to place a large cannon there to attack Chania's stronghold. Visitors can still see building foundations destroyed by the Ottoman army. Metal fragments from bombs dropped during World War II can also be found. In the 1950s, Lazareta Island was the starting point for long-distance swimmers, with the finish line at Chania's old harbor. Today, Lazareta is known for its clear turquoise waters and a secluded beach, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Many boat trips from Chania include a stop at Lazareta, allowing visitors to explore the island and its marine life. A shrine dedicated to Saint Nicholas, built in 1954 by a local who survived sunstroke on the island, also stands on Lazareta.

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