The Gramvousa Peninsula is a peninsula that features two small uninhabited islands off the coast of an area in north-western Crete. If you have found a vacation rental in Crete, it is an impossibly beautiful stretch of coast and just begging to be explored!
As a whole, the area is full of things to see and do and all of it utterly picturesque and idyllic; make sure to bring your camera because you'll want to capture and remember it all! Between the coast and the islands, a lagoon named Balos Lagoon stretches out and it is an iconic beauty.
The perfect sandy beach, the clear warm turquoise water and the stunning surroundings all make for a charming sight to behold. Too many visitors can ruin it as the beach itself isn't actually that big but if you plan your visit early or late in the day or outside the high season for tourists (June to August), you'll find smaller crowds.
As a whole, the area is full of things to see and do and all of it utterly picturesque and idyllic; make sure to bring your camera because you'll want to capture and remember it all! Between the coast and the islands, a lagoon named Balos Lagoon stretches out and it is an iconic beauty.
The perfect sandy beach, the clear warm turquoise water and the stunning surroundings all make for a charming sight to behold. Too many visitors can ruin it as the beach itself isn't actually that big but if you plan your visit early or late in the day or outside the high season for tourists (June to August), you'll find smaller crowds.
Gramvousa Island is the bigger and more famous of the two islets on the peninsula and is known for its Venetian castle that was built to utilise this strategic location in 1580. While it was later destroyed by an accidental explosion in the powder store, it was rebuilt in 1630, and remains one of the most extraordinary buildings of this type in all of Greece.
Nearby there is also the wreck of a cargoship called the Dimitrios P that went onto some rocks on the south side of the island. During the summer season boats run daily to the island and then moves on to Balos.
The peninsula, as a whole, is a protected biotope and there are 400 different plants on Gramvousa, 26 of them endemic to Crete, a rich marine life, 98 bird species, Mediterranean seals, Caretta Caretta turtles and a flock of wild donkeys lives on the peninsula!
Nearby there is also the wreck of a cargoship called the Dimitrios P that went onto some rocks on the south side of the island. During the summer season boats run daily to the island and then moves on to Balos.
The peninsula, as a whole, is a protected biotope and there are 400 different plants on Gramvousa, 26 of them endemic to Crete, a rich marine life, 98 bird species, Mediterranean seals, Caretta Caretta turtles and a flock of wild donkeys lives on the peninsula!
So, between walking the beach, laying out on the sand, swimming in the perfectly clear waters, and exploring the islands, you can also discover all the many natural gems and surprises in the area – it really is a must-see in Crete!
