Gramvousa also grampousa refers to two small uninhabited islands off the coast of a peninsula. The areas natural beauty can be seen at balos beach and balos lagoon. This destination may have covid19 travel restrictions in place, including specific restrictions for lodging. In 1579 the venetians built a fortress there to provide protection for their merchant ships in case of attack by ottoman corsairs. The most interesting ruins are on the islet of imeri gramvousa. The two uninhabited islands of gramvousa, agria and imeri are located near the homonymous cape of chania, just two miles northwest of the lagoon of balos.
The rocky islet of imeri gramvousa, which in greek means tame gramvousa is the located opposite the breathtaking beach of balos and holds an amazing history. There are no settlements in this part of crete so it is just possible to visit for the day, trek there or cruise there by boat. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The island of imeri gramvousa with sea squills in the foreground.
By this time and at this point, you will admire an amazing landscape, followed in the distance by the view of valenti, pontikonisi, the lagoon of balos and imeri gramvousa, with its castle, where the boat will sail to in 15 minutes. Among them is a species found only on these islets. Gramvousa islet and balos lagoon unpopulated islet with. Pontikonisi, the lagoon of balos and imeri gramvousa, with its castle, where the boat will sail to in 15 minutes. Despite the captains efforts there was no luck and finally by 8 at night the ship reached the shore and the engine room was flooded. Agria gramvousa is north of the cape and access to the islet is very difficult due to the large rocks that surround the islet like a huge wall. Balos lagoon how to get there falasarna private cruises. In order to fill the gap i will post some of my favourite photos from the last few years. If you do not want to come by boat and have a car or motorbike, you can drive in the bad dirt road, starting from kaliviani and running along the cape gramvousa. Right across from ballos, youll come across imeri gramvousa, the island with a famous venetian castle set at its highest point. All structured data from the file and property namespaces is available under the creative commons cc0 license.
The islet, as well as the surrounding region, has also been included in the natura program, because its rocks host. It is located between the island of imeri gramvousa. Many of the historic accommodations transport you to a past era right from the start. This cruise has everything great scenery, beach time and a helping of medieval history. An amazing cruise which includes the most stunning beaches and natural scenery of west crete, visit and admire what you have seen already in films and pictures. Gramvousa is famous for its historical venetian fortress, which still stands at a height of 7m, over the beach. Almost all along, the pensinsula consists of rocky calcareous massifs with steep slopes which create rugged coastlines, inaccesible from. From unique architecture to locations infused with a colorful history, these surroundings will make you instantly get the sense like you have stepped into a history book. Grambusa aka grabuse gramvousa is an islet very close to the northwestern coast of crete not many maps show it and in a strategic position for the control of the channel between crete and antikithira cerigotto. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. Dont miss a swim, the location is stunning, the cretan nature and the legends and the turbulent history of the area exude a magical aura.
In 1825, imeri gramvousa was the first region of crete that was set free from the othomans, when the cretans, pretending the new guard, entered the castle and occupied it. A general view of imeri gramvousa with its venetian fortress ill be away from crete during the whole of february. The boat shall arrive at the small port of gramvousa, where you shall stay for about 2 hours. View from balos beach across the shallow waters of gramvousa bay to imeri gramvousa and its clifftop fortress, catamaran at anchor, gramvousa peninsula, near kissamos also known as kastelli, hania also known as chania, crete, greece, europe. Kissamos to gramvousa island and balos lagoon cruise of. This beautiful islet of shallow, emerald waters, a venetian castle and the chaplet of the holy apostles, is only accessible by boat, essentially an organised cruise around balos and gramvousa, as road access is not. Three millennia later, an inconspicuous corner of imeri gramvousa became a nest of bloodthirsty pirates, a kingdom of lawlessness where booze flowed freely, every house was full of plunder, and virgin mary was bribed to look the other way. Say aye like a true pirate and take off toward the glowering castle of fort imeri gramvousa just an hour away from the old venetian harbour. Is is located on a geostrategic point of the mediterranean. It is just south of the island of imeri gramvousa and is located between imeri gramvousa and valenti rock. Tour to gramvousa island and balos lagoon moysidis travel. The most beautiful areas are the imeri gramvousa island and the beach of balos at. This beautiful islet of shallow, emerald waters, a venetian castle and the chaplet of the holy apostles, is only accessible by boat, essentially an organised cruise around balos and gramvousa, as road access is not possible. Grambusa aka grabuse gramvousa is an islet very close to the northwestern coast of crete not many maps show it and in a strategic position for the control of.
Organized tours in greece starting from athens to classical destinations delphi, epidaurus, mysenae, ancient olympia, meterora, etc. Gramvousa from chania crete chania, greece seeplaces. Gramvousa is actually two islets, the agria wild gramvousa and the imeri tame gramvousa. However one arrives, this is one of the most stunning places in crete.
Find out about the history of moni chrisoskalitissis when you take a trip to chryssoskalitissa monastery. We recommend booking gramvousa fortress tours ahead of time to secure your spot. The modern name gramvousa comes from the venetian words garabousa or grabousa. Gramvousa islet travel guide for island crete, greece. Jul 25, 2016 our ships depart every day mayoctober from the port of kissamos and head towards the island of imeri gramvousa. The landscape is breathtaking against the backdrop of valenti, pontikonisi, balos lagoon and imeri gramvousa. Everything starts at kastelli on cretes northwest coast, where a boat awaits to carry you across kissamos bay to the gramvousa peninsula and isles.
You will visit imeri gramvousa, as agria gramvousa is inaccessible. The panoramic view of balos and the island of the imeri gramvousa is breathtaking. The landscape is breathtaking, against the backdrop of valenti, pontikonisi, balos lagoon, and imeri gramvousa. Gramvousa island the pirates castle balos travel, chania, crete. Spend time at leisure, swimming, sunbathing or exploring the island javascript seems to be disabled in your browser. All culture archaeology art books history mythology philosophy photography theater entertainment celebrities fashion gossip greek quiz movies music events concerts. On the islands of imeri and agria gramvousa there are 173 and 119 recorded plant species respectively. It was used as a base by the venetians, ottoman and cretan rebels.
Chania cruise chania boat tours choose your unique. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Active cretes insights holiday offers you the opportunity to relax in one of the most beautiful places of the mediterranean, dipping into aspects of cretan life but also having enough time for other activities you choose yourself swimming in the sea, reading a book by the hotel pool etc. This name combines as many as 2 islands2 islands imeri gramvousa and agria gramvousa. Fortunately, you wont have to actually live in the past.
The island of imeri gramvousa is located 20km northwest of kissamos, opposite the imposing cape of. Gramvousa island the pirates castle balos travel, chania. They are located close to the homonymous cape of chania, just two miles northwest of mpalos. Apart from the countless heavenly beaches, you will find hidden in the nature of chania dozens of other beauties. The remains of a venetian castle, built in 157984, at a height of 7 meters above the natural harbor of the island, remind us of its past glory. Despite its size and its great capacity 3000 men, it seems that it was not used by venetians in a major battle. There are several versions interpreting the origin of its name. Click on the picture to enlarge support this site when you shop with amazon or book hotel rooms with. This uninhabited islet with intact nature is a natural reserve for many species of birds. Cruises and tours to balos gramvousa and kissamos balos. And to round off the trip, youll spend a few hours at the beautiful balos lagoon. The peninsula was called korykus or kimaros in the ancient world. She anchored at the south of the islet of imeri gramvousa, 200 meters from the coast using both anchors. Schedule of the daily cruise to kissamos bay, gramvousa island 16th century venetian castle and balos lagoon nature reserves, places of extraordinary beauty, included in the european network natura 2000 departure departure depart from kissamos po.
Youll sail past steep cliffs and caves before docking at imeri gramvousa isle imeri means tame. Kissamos to gramvousa island and balos lagoon cruise of crete. From prices and availability to skiptheline options and mobile tickets, get all the information you need to make the most of your trip to greece. Administratively, it is located within the municipality of kissamos, in chania regional unit. You can either drive to the port of kissamos and take the boat there or book a tour from many locations in crete. The location of gramvousa, the cretan nature, the legends and the turbulent history of. The island of gramvoussa is a protected environmental area under the natura 2000 network. Check any national, local, and health advisories for this destination before you book. Insights into cretan life holiday active creteactive crete. The site lays in the western part of crete, including granvousa peninsula, the islands imeri gramvousa and agria gramvousa offshore the northern edge of the peninsula, and the islet pontikonisi, 10 km west of the centre of the peninsula. The island of gramvousa is located 20 km northwest of kissamos and opposite the cape of gramvousa. There are actually two islands with the same name close to each other, the islands of imeri tame and agria wild gramvousa. On the southern side there is the island of imeri gramvousa, agria gramvousa on the north.
Our boat arrives at the small port of gramvousa, where we stay for about 2 hours. The fort of gramvousa gramvousa in ancient times was called korykos, while the name gramvousa after from. During our onehour trip, you will have the chance to admire the impressive landscape composed of steep rocks and hills, endless blue waters and little hidden beaches. Gramvousa fortress 2020 all you need to know before you go. Phalasarna and imeri gramvousa are local landmarks, and the areas natural beauty can be seen at balos beach and balos lagoon.
A bus will pick you up from your hotel, take you to the port and bring you back in the evening. Thursday full day tours excursion is starting from. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. The island of imeri gramvousa with its pure and impressive scenery and its turquoise waters attracts a lot of tourists every year not only for its virgin magnificent landscape, but also for its long history and the venetian fortress at the top of the island, which is a major attraction to visitors. Stormy weather, often occurring during this period, causes ship crews to be exposed to extreme weather conditions. Adele, agia marina, daratso, georgioupolis, kalyves, kavros, kolymbari, maleme, missiria, panormo, platanias, rethymno, sfakaki, skaleta, stalos, tavronitis we depart from rethymnon wit. Gramvousa fortress 2020 all you need to know before you. A swim in the bay and visit to the ruins located on a 7 metre hill of the. These places have a rich and interesting history, as well as excellent conditions for a great rest. View from balos beach across the shallow waters of gramvousa. The translation of first name is pacified gramvousa, and the second wild gramvousa. Witness of this history is the venetian castle on the steep cliffs of gramvousa which is a must see. On imeri gramvousa we come across a small pebbled beach with the view of a shipwreck and the lagoon of balos.
Shipwreck of the dimitrios, near gythio prefecture. Cretan daily cruises schedules cretan daily cruises. You may wish to read an introduction to the history of venetian crete first. Do you need to book in advance to visit gramvousa fortress. During the time of king minos, the fleet of crete secured peace on the high seas. Take a swim at gramvousa beach and explore the beautiful seabed. Today, imeri gramvousa is a popular tourist attraction. The access to agria gramvousa, which is located north of the cape, is quite difficult because of the high rocks that surround the islet like walls. Below is a brief history of the island and the reasons why it is flocked by thousands yearly. The location of gramvousa, the cretan nature, the legends and the turbulent history of the area exude a magical aura. Balos beachlagoon and gramvousa island in chania, crete. The fort of gramvousa gramvousa in ancient times was called korykos, while the name gramvousa after from the venetian word garabuse.
Enjoy the glass like clarity of the water as you coast into history, listening to the tales of pirates and battles and buried treasure. Files are available under licenses specified on their description page. This wild part of crete seems entirely pristine and untouched. The bulk of the visitors to gramvousa and balos will come by boat on a daily cruise trip. Visit venetian castle on gramvousa island and then swim in the clear waters of the fabulous balos lagoon.
The history of imeri gramvousa and the castle the fort of gramvousa gramvousa in ancient times was called korykos, while the name gramvousa after from the venetian word garabuse. Due to its strategic location, the islet was fortified by the venetians, who built a castle on the top of a steep rock at an altitude of 7 m. Located in kissamos, family bikakis is connected to a shopping center. Gramvousa is a stunning unpopulated islet with beaches of fine sand and pebbles at the far north western tip of crete in greece. Gopro imeri gramvousa balos youtubeedition youtube. Balos is an exotic beachlagoon formed between the peninsula of gramvousa 1 and cape tigani 2, while further to the north lie two islands, imeri gramvousa 3 and agria gramvousa 4. There was once a small city here called corycus, referred to by ptolemy and the remains of this city were still visible to a traveler from florence in the 15th century. Discover the areas water adventures with scuba diving and boat tours nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hikingbiking trails. First place from all the natural attractions goes naturally to the samaria gorge, one of the most impressive in europe.
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