Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon for Rethymnon District

Going to Crete, be sure to plan a trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon. This is one of the most outstanding and beautiful sights of Greece. An incredible journey awaits you, during which you cannot only hear interesting stories and facts, but also enjoy fantastic beauty of untouched nature.

Gramvousa Island

This name combines as many as 2 islands2 islands – Imeri Gramvousa and Agria Gramvousa. The translation of first name is “pacified Gramvousa”, and the second – “wild Gramvousa.” Today both islands are uninhabited. In addition to the picturesque nature, there is an ancient fortress, which is of great interest for tourists and scientists.

Gramvousa Fortress

It was built at the end of the XVI century in order to control the local waters. The fortress is designed to be as inaccessible as possible for the conquerors. For a long time, the fortress coped with its functions until Turks conquered it. As a result of numerous battles, it passed into the power of the Turks, then the Greeks, until it was finally conquered in 1825.

However, the Greeks themselves signed the verdict: in order to survive here, they had to rob others. So, Gramvousa quickly became the centre of pirate activity. The locals did not have mercy neither upon Egyptian, nor Turkish, nor European ships. Some Greeks say that Barbarossa himself was living in Gramvousa.

Despite the fact that many structures have been destroyed since that time, some fragments have survived to this day. So, there are fortification buildings, as well as the church preserved in the southern part of the island. From here you can see incredible views of the Balos Lagoon.

Balos Lagoon

Balos Lagoon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It is also called the place where 3 seas meet each other: Ionian, Aegean and Libyan. At the place of their meeting, you can see a great many shades (up to 17).

Balos beach covered with white sand should be noted specially. Its picturesque scenes and cleanliness will not allow to stay indifferent neither adults nor children. Since the lagoon is closed on all sides by majestic rocks and hills, it is possible to swim in other parts of the seas even in unfavourable weather. The water here is always calm.

You can see the beauty of the lagoon at its best after climbing the path that leads to the pass. It is located in the west of Korykos Peninsula. It is from here that a stunning view opens not only of Balos, but also of both Gramvousa Islands.

How to sign up for a sightseeing tour?

In order to enjoy the local beauty of nature, explore the sights and swim in the sea, you will have a few hours of free time (about 2 hours on the island and 3 on the bay beach). During this time, you can also take a lot of photos that will remind you of the fantastic journey for a long time.

In order to sign up for the sightseeing tour, please contact Moysidis Travel at: +30 699 280 0329, +49 1577 559 3278 or write to e-mail: moysidistravel@gmail.com.

• Kissamos Port
• Balos Lagoon, white and pink sand beach
• Junction of three seas
• Gramvousa Island
• Venetian Fortress