The Magical Island of Gramvousa | Sea Crete Hotels Chania

The Magical Island of Gramvousa

March 12, 2018

Year after year thousands of holiday goers choose to spend their summer holiday in Crete and Chania in particular just to visit the spectacular beach and area of Gramvousa. Below is a brief history of the island and the reasons why it is flocked by thousands yearly.

A protected nature Reserve

The wider region of Gramvousa and the lagoon of Balos situated not far off by boat and visible from the island is one of the most important protected areas in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Cape and the islets of Gramvousa host more than 100 species of birds and 400 species of flora. The Mediterranean seal breeds in the local caves and the endangered sea turtle (Caretta caretta) seeks its food in the area. Needless to say the area is protected under the Natura 2000 program and staying overnight is not allowed.

As an important bird habitat in the Eastern Mediterranean region, it is located along one of the bird migration paths across the continent.

How to get there

The best way to get to Gramvousa is via organized excursion where one can embark on a boat from the port of Kissamos towards the protected area.

There are several departure hours during the summer months and once dropped off on the island the boat will then pick up all passengers from the lagoon at a designated time mid-afternoon. Sailing time from the port of Kissamos to Gramousa is approx. 1 hour.

a body of water with boats in it and hills in the background

What to see on the island

Once on the island one will have the time to visit the Venetian castle built on the hill of the mountain between 1579 & 1584. Visitors can wander around the area, visit the castle and the shipwreck.

They can also swim in the crystal waters of the western cove, near the church of the Holy Apostles. The beach with the fantastic turquoise color, has white sand and rocks in places.

Some tamarisk trees are near the beach, offering natural shade and the seabed of the area is ideal for a snorkeling.

The fort of Gramvousa

Built 137m above sea level on the rocky island, it is one of the most impressive castles in Crete and worth the 15 minute hike up the footpath. Appropriate footwear is advisable & a hat in summer.

The island of Gramvousa is associated with the struggle to liberate Crete from the Ottoman occupation. The remains of a Venetian castle located on the island, built in 1579-84, remind us of its past glory. The position of the castle was strategic, since it protected the entire northeastern Crete. Its size still impresses everyone: it has a triangular shape, with each side exceeding one kilometer. Despite its size and its great capacity (3000 men), it was not used by Venetians in any major battle.

Gramvousa was surrendered to Turks in 1892, after Turks bribed the Venetian commandant. When Gramvousa returned to the hands of the Cretan Revolutionaries, in 1825, the fort played a decisive role in the outcome of the liberation struggle, and became the seat of the Revolutionary Committee of Crete. The island was used as a base for 3 years from 3000 rebels, who lacked food in this place and were forced to become pirates.

The shipwreck

The rusty ship wreck located near the port of Gramvousa, has become a feature of the region and part of it's history. This is the ship named Motorship Dimitrios P, carrying 440 tons of cement and destined for North Africa.

Due to bad weather, it was forced to drop anchor but again it encountered bad weather and was forced to change its route towards the west coast of Crete. It anchored on the south side of Gramvousa, about 200m from the coast. In doing so the left anchor chain broke. The Captain as unsuccessful in keeping the boat away from the island and so there it remained shipwrecked while its engines flooded with water.

Make sure not to miss the magnificent spectacle of the Island of Gramvousa upon your trip to Chania this summer!