Lazareta Island: A Historical Escape

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.