Multi day cruises

BALOS – GRAMVOUSA

Departure from Marina of Rethymno.

Duration: One overnight or more. Upon Request.

Have a look around the multi days cruises planned for you and choose one or if you do not wish to follow a scheduled program, you may plan a trip of your own preference and hire Gazal vessel so that you can set off on a unique holiday experience!

Send request and we will reply promptly.

SENT REQUEST

  • Duration: One overnight. Upon Request.
  • Crew 2
Multi day cruises

BALOS – GRAMVOUSA

Tour Location

Balos

The famous lagoon of Balos is a shallow , sandy beach formed between the Cape Gramvousa and the small Cape Tigani , below the mountain range of Platiskinos. Balos is surely the beach that has been photographed the most in Crete, a favorite subject of all tourist guides of Greece. It is no coincidence that Prince Charles and Princess Diana visited Balos with their private yacht many years ago. Balos is famous for its turquoise waters, its wild natural beauty and the beautiful exotic scenery. During the summer, Balos is visited by thousands of people. It would be ideal to arrive at Balos in the morning. These few hours of remoteness in such a heavenly place will remain etched on your memory forever. The lagoon of Balos has white sand and exotic white, vivid blue and turquoise waters. The sea is very shallow and warm, ideal for young children. In many places the sand has a lovely pinkish color, because of millions of crushed shells. Beyond the rocks at the boundaries of the lagoon, the water is deeper and colder, ideal for snorkeling. The lagoon and the wider area, with rare species of flora and fauna, are protected by the Natura 2000 program. The best and most convenient way to visit Balos is by the sea with the vessel Gazal. You'll have the chance to see the wild shores of Gramvousa and the marks left from their lifting up to 6-9m after a strong earthquake in 365AD. Also, you may swim in the exotic beach of Imeri Gramvousa islet, where you will see the old fortress and the wrecked ship. If you are lucky, you might be accompanied by dolphins during your journey.

Gramvousa

The two uninhabited islets of Gramvousa, the Agria and Imeri Gramvousa, are located 2 miles northwest of the famous lagoon of Balos. Imeri Gramvousa is famous for its historical Venetian fortress, which still stands at a height of 137m, over the beach. The fortress had also been used by pirates. One legend says that there is a great treasure buried on the island. Also, the hulk of a wrecked ship that was abandoned many years ago near the beach has become a characteristic part of the landscape. On the south side of the island there are two large bays, with the wreck being between them. We disembark from the vessel Gazal on the west bay, below the castle. Apart from wandering around the area and visiting the castle and the wreck, you could also swim in the crystal-clear waters of the western cove. The beach with the fantastic turquoise color has white sand and rocks in places. Next to the beach there are some trees offering natural shade. The seabed of the area is ideal for snorkeling. Near the beach there is also the small chapel of Saint Apostles. No other amenities are offered in the area as it is protected by Natura 2000 program. The history of Imeri Gramvousa and the Castle Gramvousa in ancient times was called Koryko, while the name “Gramvousa’ comes from the Venetian word Garabuse. The remains of a Venetian castle on Imeri Gramvousa, built in 1579-84, at a height of 137 meters above the natural harbor of the island, 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. THE SHIPWRECK The rusty ship wreck located near the port of Gramvousa, has become the area’s landmark and consists part of its history. Many visitors wonder what the story of the shipwreck is, which is described in detail here: It is about a ship named Motorship Dimitrios P, with a length of 146 feet. The ship sailed on December 30, 1967 from Chalkida (close to Athens), carrying 440 tons of cement and destined for North Africa. Due to bad weather conditions, it was forced to drop anchor in the bay Diakofti of Kythira. On January 6, it sailed to its destination, 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 Imeri Gramvousa, about 200m away from the coast, by dropping both of its anchors. On January 8, 1968 at 13.15, the left anchor chain broke and the captain tried to keep the boat by using its machine, but he did not succeed in doing so. The vessel ran aground on the left side and the engine room was flooded with water. The commander ordered the abandonment of the vessel and the crew remained on Imeri Gramvousa until January 10 due to bad weather. Finally, they were rescued by the destroyer Ierax, which was stationed in Souda. The ship remains there until today, being now an integral part of the landscape.
Multi day cruises

BALOS – GRAMVOUSA

10.0
Superb
Overall
Captain
Crew
Location
The Yacht Beneteau Antares 13.80

1 Comment

Leave a Reply

Multi day cruises

BALOS – GRAMVOUSA

Gazal Yacht is a luxury yacht with a base in Rethymno in Crete, does provide only private cruises and goes wherever you want safety and speed with her permanent crew of 2. The professional permanent crew of 2 (an experienced captain & hostess) will be discreetly present onboard the Yacht. The captain, along with the crew, does his best to make you enjoy a secure and carefree cruise!