Cruise to Gramvousa Castle and Balos Lagoon.
Some people assume that the Gramvousa islands are the Korryies Isalnds of Homeric times. If so then the island of Imeri Gramvousa must be the very island of Aeolus from Homer’s the Odyssey. The castle was built between 1579 and 1584 by the Venetians. It has a vaguely triangular shape and each side is 1,000m long. The island of Imeri Gramvousa is also associated with the struggle to liberate Crete from the Ottoman occupation. Three thousand revolutionaries used the island as their shelter for three years; to solve the problem of food scarcity, they took to piracy. Gramvousa today is an important bird habitat for the Eastern Mediterranean and is located along a major migration route in this part of the world. Gramvousa is the natural habitat of over 100 species of bird and also 400 plant species. In this area the Mediterranean seals give birth to their pups and here also the sea turtle Caretta Caretta looks for food.
This day long boat trip to Gramvousa begins from the port of ‘Kavonisi’ in Kissamos. The boat hugs the coastline and on the way you will see the phenomenon of land elevation caused by an earthquake 2,000 years ago. The West side of Crete was thrust 6-9 meters above sea level and ii is here where it is most visible. An hour later approx the boat will arrive at the island of Imeri Gramvousa. You may disembark and explore the island. At 137m above sea level on the top of a steep rock the Venetians built their castle. It takes approx 15 minutes following the footpath to reach the top. From here the panoramic views are spectacular taking in the islands of Gramvousa and all the way to Balos. Legends of hidden pirates treasure make this an attraction not to be missed. There is enough time for a swim in the crystal clear waters on your return to the beach. During this time freshly made meals are being prepared on board (optional).
A further 15 minute sail will bring you to the breathtaking turquoise waters and beaches of Balos and the warm shallow waters of its lagoon. Truly a paradise on earth. Thousands of sea shells give the white sands of Balos a pink sheen. During your stay at Balos the boat's halls and bar will be at your disposal………..Enjoy a wonderful, unforgettable day out.
Price - £18 / 23 Euros ( £1=1.29E) per adult. Children under 12 half price. Babies under 3 Free.
| Gramvousa Daily Cruise Time Guide | |
| | Time |
| Departure from Kissamos port with the 'Gramvousa' ferry. | 10.15 |
| Sail across Kissamos bay. Passing a cave that served as an ancient shipyard. On the way, you can see signs of the geological phenomenon of land elevation (Crete has been rising out of the sea on the western side and sinking on the eastern side for more than 2000 years). Sail around Agria (wild) Gramvousa and Vouxa cape. | |
| Arrival at Gramvousa island | 11.15 |
| Time to walk up to the Venetian castle (137 metres above sea level) and for swimming. | 11.15-13.30 |
| Departure for Balos | 13.30 |
| Arrival at Balos | 13.45 |
| Time for swimming in the turqoise, shallow & warm lagoon waters. | 13.45-16.45 |
| Departure for Kissamos | 16.45 |
| Arrival at Kissamos port | 17.45-18.00 |
High season the 'Balos Express' ferry also sails, starting at 12.15 and returning at 19.30.
On board restaurant/bar is open throughout the day.