September 2027 · Crete
The Island in Crete
9 September 2027 · 7 nights · Elounda, Crete
Follow in the footsteps of Victoria Hislop's The Island, visit the real island of Spinalonga and spend a relaxed week reading, exploring and enjoying the beautiful coast of Crete.
Crete through a book
Step into the world of The Island
Victoria Hislop's The Island has introduced millions of readers to Spinalonga and the story of the people who were sent there because they had leprosy.
On this reading retreat we can experience the setting for ourselves. We will travel by boat to Spinalonga, explore the island and then come together to talk about the book and the history behind it.
The rest of the week is deliberately relaxed. There is time to read beside the pool, wander into Elounda, sit beside the sea or explore more of Crete if you want to.
At a glance
Your Crete reading retreat
The book
The Island
Alexis Fielding travels to Crete to discover more about her mother's past. Her search leads her to Plaka, a small village facing the abandoned island of Spinalonga.
Spinalonga was used as a leper colony for much of the twentieth century, and the history of the island becomes central to the story.
The novel explores love, family, separation and resilience, while bringing the landscape and history of Crete vividly to life.
The place
Visit the real Spinalonga
This is what makes the trip particularly special. Spinalonga is not simply the setting for the book. It is a real place with a remarkable and difficult history.
We will take a boat across the water and have time to explore the island, taking in the buildings, fortifications and landscape that feature so strongly in The Island.
Afterwards we will come together for our book discussion, giving us the chance to look at the novel again after actually experiencing its setting.
The experience
More than just a book club
Time to read and relax
The Elounda Palm has beautiful gardens and swimming pools, giving you plenty of opportunities to find a quiet spot and settle down with your book.
Explore Elounda
The hotel is within walking distance of Elounda's harbour, waterfront cafés, tavernas and shops, so there is plenty to discover close by.
Share the experience
Meet other readers, enjoy meals together and talk about the book, the places we have visited and whatever else everyone is reading.
See the story come to life
Visiting Spinalonga gives the book discussion a whole new dimension, connecting the story with the place that inspired it.
Books in Places
Read it. Visit it. Talk about it.
The book discussion is the centrepiece of the trip, but it is deliberately relaxed. You do not need to be an expert or have anything prepared.
We will have experienced Spinalonga together, so there will be plenty to talk about, from the history behind the novel to the characters and relationships that make The Island such an absorbing read.
There will also be an “A Book I Love” evening, giving everyone the opportunity to introduce the group to a favourite book.
Where you'll stay
Elounda Palm Hotel & Suites
The 4-star Elounda Palm Hotel provides a peaceful base overlooking the waters of the Mirabello Gulf.
There are two swimming pools, restaurants, a spa and fitness centre, with gardens and outdoor spaces that make it easy to relax between excursions.
The hotel is around 1 km from Elounda village centre, putting the harbour, waterfront cafés, tavernas and shops within easy reach.
Classic garden-view rooms include air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a mini-fridge and a private balcony or terrace.
Travelling alone?
Come on your own. You won't be on your own.
Most guests on Books in Places trips travel alone, and a shared love of books gives everyone an easy starting point for conversation.
There are hosted dinners, the Spinalonga trip and book discussions where you can spend time with the group, but there is no pressure to do everything together.
The rest of the week is yours. Read by the pool, wander into Elounda, spend time at the beach or explore further afield.
What's included
Your week in Crete
- 7 nights at Elounda Palm Hotel & Suites
- Double or twin room for sole use
- Breakfast every day
- 3 hosted dinners with half a bottle of wine
- Boat trip to Spinalonga Island
- Books in Places hosted reading experience
- Book discussion of The Island
- “A Book I Love” evening
- ATOL-bonded flights
- Return airport transfers
9 September 2027 · Crete
Ready to visit The Island?
Join Books in Places in Crete for seven nights of books, sunshine, good company and a very special visit to Spinalonga.
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