Gramvousa Island Crete

Gramvousa is a beautiful natural place that is not part of the European Natura 2000 program for nothing and is located about twenty kilometers northwest of Kissamos. Just in front of the wonderful and incredible Balos Lagoon.

Gramvousa are actually two small islands, Gramvousa Imeri and Gramvousa Agraia. Both present themselves with a rocky and extremely wild landscape rich in wild herbs of thyme and oregano that give off an intense scent, as well as a spontaneous sanctuary for many species of birds. The Mediterranean seal usually nests in local caves while the Caretta Caretta turtle feeds in the area. Soft white sand beaches with some rocks, bathed by an intense turquoise sea with a few tamarisk trees where you can shelter on sunny days.

At Gramvousa Imeri is the historic Venetian fortress about 140 meters above the beach and between the two large bays you can find the famous wreck.

The story of Gramvousa ImeriIn the past the island was called Korykos which literally means leather bag and then changed its name to Gramvousa, in homage to Vousa the wife of the only pirate living on the island who managed to escape when they were forcibly chased away. With the rule of the Venetians, a fortress was built but with the arrival of the Ottomans everything fell into their hands. The island was then occupied by the Cretan rebels in 1825 who disguised themselves as Ottomans managed to conquer it, thus becoming the seat of the Revolutionary Committee of Crete for three years but, the lack of food due to the constant siege by the Turks transformed the revolutionaries into pirates tarnishing Gramvousa's reputation. In 1830 the Greek Governor Kapodistrias sent British and French ships to counter the marauders who destroyed the entire fleet of buccaneers and took control of it returning it to the Turks who occupied it until the liberation of Greece.

The western bay is the Venetian castle built between 1579 and 1584 180 meters above the natural harbor, a perfect position to control the strait between the Peloponnese and the west of Crete. Its dimensions are impressive, with a triangular shape each side in limestone, it measures more than a kilometer and to reach it you have to face a steep stone staircase for about twenty minutes. Three strong bastions complete it to make the fortress almost impregnable with unreachable rocks on the north side. The entrance has a vaulted portico and inside the citadel two large cisterns for collecting rainwater, the Church of the Annunciation and a weapons depot that was transformed into a mosque under Ottoman rule. Despite the mighty structure, the Venetians could not avoid the occupation of the Turks who conquered it in 1645. However, with the Morosini treaty, the Venetians managed to gain control of the fortress together with those of Suda and Spinalonga.

A real paradise with a white sand coast and an enchanting turquoise sea so as to seem almost fake. Some rocks are present in the area and offer snorkelers a fertile ground for discovery. The presence of some trees allows you to relax in the natural shade during the hottest hours. Obviously it is not equipped, so 'if you arrive there independently remember to bring everything you need. As it is a protected area, camping is prohibited.

Another attraction of Gramvousa is the rusty shipwreck which is located near the port. Its story tells that the 45-meter long motor ship Dimitrios P set sail on December 30, 1967 from Chalkida with four hundred tons of concrete, destined for North Africa. During navigation due to adverse weather conditions he had to stop first in the bay of Diakofti in Citira to then leave again on January 6 towards the established destination. Unfortunately, Poseidon and atmospheric events still play against the ship, which is forced to change course towards the west side of Crete, anchoring itself at about 200 meters from the coast of Gramvousa. After two days at the mercy of the winds the left chain broke causing it to sink on the same side flooding the engine room. At that point the sailors could not but abandon the ship leaving it exactly where it stopped and where it is today.

Being an island the only way is by sea. If you are lucky and have your own boat or if you want to rent it, you can get there independently, otherwise daily excursions depart from Kissimos that also touch the Balos Lagoon. For info you can consult the site:

http://www.cretandailycruises.com/.

A necessary stop is that of Gramvousa island and the Lagoon of Balos, necessarily to be included in the things to do in Crete to discover one of the most beautiful and natural areas of the island.