Plan your Multi-day Cruise

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.