Plaka, facing Spinalonga

Plaka is a hamlet of tavernas and pebble beach on the strait opposite Spinalonga. From the shore the fortress island sits square in the frame across a narrow channel, close enough to read the bastions and the roofless houses without a long lens, and the water between is usually flat because the peninsula takes the wind.

This is the practical answer to a problem. Spinalonga itself is a ticketed archaeological site with posted hours that shift by season, and the last boats leave well before sunset — so the island cannot be shot from the inside in good evening light. From Plaka the same fortress goes amber at the end of the day, with fishing boats and a beach in the foreground, and there is no gate, ticket or timetable involved.

Boats to the island run from the small quay here, ten minutes each way, for couples who do want to be photographed on Spinalonga during the day — worth confirming the crossing times and the site's hours the same morning, as both change through the season. Parking in the village is limited: come early or park above and walk down.