Gramvousa Beach

I remember the first time I set foot on the enchanting Gramvousa Islet (or Garambousa Islet for some), 20km northwest of Kissamos.

This little slice of paradise, with its towering Venetian fortress, is steeped in tales of pirates and hidden treasures.

The old shipwreck, now part of the scenery, adds to the island’s mystique.

Every day, boats filled with eager visitors depart from Kissamos for a one-hour journey to Gramvousa, often continuing to the stunning Balos lagoon.

Once there, I watched as people explored the castle ruins and the shipwreck or took a refreshing dip in the western bay’s crystal-clear waters near the Holy Apostles church.

The beach’s white sand and occasional rocks, framed by tamarisk trees offering shade, create a picture-perfect setting.

The seabed here is a snorkeler’s dream. While there are no facilities due to environmental protections, you can still grab a bite or a drink from the boat bars.

Additional names for Gramvousa: Akra, Cavo Buso, Cavo Bouza, Garabusa, and Grabusa.

Gramvousa Key Information

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Shipwreck

The enchanting area near the port of Gramvousa, where an old, rusty shipwreck has become a big part of the local scenery and history.

Loads of people who visit this place always ask about the story behind this shipwreck. Well, I’ve got all the details for you!

So, there’s this ship, right? It’s called the Motorship Dimitrios P, and it’s pretty big – about 146 feet long. Picture this: it’s December 30, 1967, and this ship sets sail from a place not too far from Athens, called Chalkida.

It’s loaded with a whopping 440 tons of cement, all set to head to North Africa. But then, the weather decides not to play nice.

The ship has to stop at Diakofti Bay on Kythira because the sea’s just too rough. On January 6, they try again, aiming for their destination, but guess what? The bad weather’s like “not today,” forcing them to change course towards Crete’s west coast.

They manage to anchor on Imeri Gramvousa’s south side, about 200m from the shore, dropping both anchors to stay put.

But on January 8, 1968, things go south. The left anchor chain snaps, and despite the captain’s best efforts to steer clear of the island using the ship’s engine, it doesn’t work out. The ship hits the ground on its left side, and water floods the engine room.

The captain makes the call to leave the ship, and the crew ends up stuck on Imeri Gramvousa until January 10 because of, you guessed it, bad weather.

They’re finally rescued by a destroyer named Ierax, stationed in Souda. And that ship, my friends, is still there today, becoming a real part of the landscape.

Castle

Now, let’s talk about Imeri Gramvousa and its castle. Back in the day, this place was known as Korykos, but it got its name “Gramvousa” from the Venetian word Garabuse.

There’s this massive Venetian castle up there, built between 1579-84, sitting proudly at 137 meters above the natural harbor. It’s huge and shaped like a triangle, with each side being over a kilometer long.

Even though it could hold 3000 men, it seems the Venetians never really used it in a big battle. The castle fell into Turkish hands in 1892, not through battle, but because they bribed the Venetian commander.

When the Cretan Revolutionaries took it back in 1825, this fort became super important for the fight for freedom. It was the Revolutionary Committee of Crete’s HQ for three years, housing 3000 rebels.

Food was scarce, so they turned to piracy, which kinda gave the island a bad rep across Europe. But in 1830, with some help from Kapodistrias, the Governor of Greece, the island was freed.

According to the London Protocol in 1830, Crete and the fort went back to the Turks until Crete finally got its freedom.

Landscape

Imeri Gramvousa is this untouched paradise with views that’ll make your heart sing, especially looking out to Balos. You’ll find all sorts of wild plants here, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a piece of Africa.

The whole area around Gramvousa and the Balos lagoon is super important for nature. It’s home to over 100 bird species and 400 types of plants. The Mediterranean seal finds a cozy spot here to have its babies, and the endangered sea turtle comes here to find food.

Agria Gramvousa

Agria Gramvousa is a bit north and is super hard to get to because of the steep cliffs. But it’s worth it because it’s protected and full of birds and other wildlife.

So, whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for some stunning views, this place has something for everyone.

Bring your kids, your friends, or just yourself, and dive into the magic of Gramvousa. You won’t regret it!

Perfil de la playa

Gramvousa Islet boasts a beach with stunning turquoise waters and white sandy shores, with some rocky areas adding texture to the landscape.

Getting There

Access to Gramvousa is exclusively by boat, with trips departing from Kissamos port.

Distances to Gramvousa Beach from various locations in Crete can vary depending on the exact starting point and the route taken.

Here are approximate distances and driving times from each of the mentioned locations to Gramvousa Beach, based on the most direct routes available:

1. From Chania

• Distance: Aproximadamente 42 km (26 miles)
• Driving Time: About 45 minutes
• Details: Drive from Chania to Kissamos Port, then take a boat to Gramvousa Beach (boat trip takes about 1 hour).

2. From Rethymno

• Distance: Aproximadamente 102 km (63 miles)
• Driving Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes
• Details: Drive to Kissamos Port via the National Road; boat trip adds another 1 hour.

3. From Heraklion

• Distance: Aproximadamente 160 km (99 miles)
• Driving Time: About 2.5 hours
• Details: Take the National Road west to Kissamos Port; boat trip is an additional 1 hour.

4. From Hersonissos

• Distance: Aproximadamente 185 km (115 miles)
• Driving Time: About 3 hours
• Details: Drive west to Kissamos Port via Heraklion; add 1 hour for the boat to Gramvousa.

5. From Agios Nikolaos

• Distance: Aproximadamente 225 km (140 miles)
• Driving Time: About 3.5 hours
• Details: Head west on the National Road to Kissamos Port; the boat trip takes another 1 hour.

Gramvousa Beach is primarily accessible by boat from Kissamos Port. The driving times are estimates and can vary based on traffic and road conditions. The boat schedules may also affect your total travel time.

Please note that these distances and times are approximate and can vary based on the specific route taken, current traffic conditions, and speed.

Always check the latest travel conditions and consider any necessary arrangements for the final leg of the journey to this beautiful but somewhat remote destination.

Servicios

While the beach is under environmental protection and offers no on-site amenities, visitors can find food and water on the excursion boats.

Alojamientos

There are no accommodations on Gramvousa Islet itself, but nearby Kissamos offers a range of options for overnight stays.

Historia e importancia

The Venetian fortress that stands guard over the islet is a testament to Gramvousa’s historical importance, once a stronghold against invaders and a base for local revolutionaries.

Actividades

Visitors can explore historical sites, swim in the cove, and enjoy snorkeling in the clear waters teeming with marine life.

Comedor

Although there are no dining facilities on the islet, the excursion boats provide refreshments and light snacks.

Lo mejor para los viajeros

Gramvousa is perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and those looking to relax in a pristine environment.

Consejos

Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat, as the Cretan sun can be intense. Also, remember to take any trash back with you to help preserve the area’s natural beauty.

Weather

Discoveries Around Gramvousa