Quick search
CTRL+KQuick search
CTRL+K
The island of Imeri Gramvousa is located 20km northwest of Kissamos, opposite the imposing Cape of Gramvousa and 2 miles northwest of the famous lagoon of Balos.
Its historical significance is captured by the majestic Venetian fortress that remains standing 137m above the beach. This fortress is not just a relic of the past but also an icon of pirate legends, which suggests a buried treasure somewhere on the island. An old shipwreck, long deserted near the beach, has become an integral element of Gramvousa’s unique panorama.
Two sizable bays on the island’s southern flank cradle the iconic shipwreck between them. The western bay, situated below the castle, is a popular destination for hundreds of daily visitors who arrive via excursion boats from Kissamos, a journey that takes an hour. These boats make a stop at Gramvousa before heading onward to the stunning Balos Beach.
Visitors have the chance to explore the castle and shipwreck, as well as indulge in a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the western cove, adjacent to the Holy Apostles Church. The beach, known for its mesmerising turquoise hue, features a mix of white sand and occasional rocky spots. Tamarisk trees near the beach provide a natural shade, while the area’s seabed is a snorkeler’s delight. Excursion boats provide food and water from onboard bars. Due to the area’s protection under the Natura 2000 program, no additional facilities are available, and overnight stays are prohibited.
Gramvousa Islet is a small island located off the coast of Crete, Greece.
You can reach Gramvousa Islet by taking a boat tour from the nearby town of Kissamos.
Gramvousa Islet is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and historic Venetian fortress. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, hike, and explore the fortress.
The island can get crowded during peak tourist season, but it is generally less crowded than other popular beaches in the area.
The water at Gramvousa Islet is typically calm and clear, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Gramvousa Islet has a mix of sandy and rocky beaches, with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
There are limited facilities on the island, so visitors should bring their own food, water, and supplies. Excursion boats provide food and water from onboard bars.
Yes, Gramvousa Islet is suitable for families with children. The Gramvousa island and beaches are safe for swimming and there are plenty of opportunities for exploring and hiking. However, parents should keep an eye on their children at all times, especially near the water.
The water colour of the Gramvousa island and beach is turquoise.
The Gramvousa island and beach has white sand with rocks in some places.
The water depth of the Gramvousa island and beach is normal.
The surface of the Gramvousa island and beach is usually calm.
Food and water are available nearby.
The Gramvousa island and beach can be accessed by boat.
The Gramvousa island and beach is ideal for snorkelling and hiking.
Gramvousa island and beach has received 1 reviews with an average rating of 5 out of 5
Find below list of things to do near Gramvousa island and beach:
Take a day trip from Kissamos port to the uninhabited island of Gramvousa and Balos on a round-trip cruise. Glide past cliffs, stop at pristine golden beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and visit Gramvousa Fortress—a castle that offers incredible panoramic views.
Depart from Kissamos Port and sail for about an hour in the bay. Approach the island of Gramvousa and then Balos or vice versa, depending on the itinerary route. Cruise against a stunning backdrop of steep cliffs and rocks, incredible secluded beaches, and infinite blue. Have the chance to see a large cave, which is thought to be an ancient shipyard. At the end of the bay, sail between Gramvousa Island and Cape Vouxa. Soak in the scenic landscape against the backdrop of Valenti, Pontikonisi, Balos Lagoon, and Imeri Gramvousa.
Depending on the itinerary, first destination is Gramvousa and then Balos or vice versa.
Arrive in the small port of Gramvousa and enjoy the magical environment created by Cretan nature, the legends, and the area’s turbulent history. See the beach is adorned by a lonely shipwreck. See the famous castle of Gramvousa, the highest point on the island that sits atop a steep rock. Enjoy a swim in the area next to the Church of Agioi Apostoloi.
After a stop at Gramvousa, get back on the boat to head to Balos. Listed as one of the world’s best beaches, this exotic beach lagoon is situated between the Gramvousa Peninsula and Cape Tigani.
Due to the recent Legislation for the ecological protection of the area, it is prohibited to disembark passengers on the shore of Balos (either from ships or boats). Our ship will anchor for about 2.5 hours in the sea of Balos for swimming.
Words cannot describe the impressiveness of this place. Nothing can describe what you are about to feel when you see this. When you get to swim in the crystal clear, emerald waters, relax on board and admire the view of the rare natural beauty of the landscape, the sea, the coast, the rocks and cliffs that rise before you!
Discover a Venetian castle on Gramvousa island and soak up some sun next to the turquoise waters of the Balos lagoon with this roundtrip bus transfer from Rethymno on board a spacious and climate-controlled bus.
Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in Georgioupoli, Violi Charaki, Pigianos Kampos, Kalyves, Adelianos Kampos, or Rethimno. Relax on the scenic drive to the Kissamos port and purchase a ticket for the boat to Gramvousa island and the Balos lagoon.
Cruise along with amazing views of the Kissamos golf, until you reach Gramvousa, the pirate island. Stay for about 1.5 hours where you can walk to the Venetian castle or stay at the beach. Feel the wind in your hair on a 20 minute boat ride to the Balos lagoon.
Have 3 hours of free time to swim in the shallow, azure waters and work on your tan on the pink sandy beach, which is filled with shells. Admire the natural beauty of the rocks and the cliffs rising above you before returning to the Kissamos port and transferring back to your accommodation.
The ship will anchor in the sea of Balos. There will be no disembarkation but a stop for swimming.
Start your day at Elafonisi beach, with its shallow water and fine white sand. Relax on the shore for 2 hours or explore your surroundings in one of the most beautiful, remote locations in Crete. Dip your feet in the turquoise lagoon or simply stroll along the shore fringed with pink coral sand.
Then, get ready for the wild road to Cape Vouxa. Ride 8 kilometers up a dirt track to the national park in a comfortable 4×4 bus. As you travel, enjoy the beautiful natural scenery around you. You will walk around 20-25 min to arrive at the beach.
Finally, arrive at your destination. Step out and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Balos Bay and Gramvousa.
Starting from the port of Kissamos, followed by a pleasant voyage, we will reach Gramvousa where the ancient shipyard of Tersanas will catch your attention, as well as the geological phenomenon of land elevation by 6 to 9m above the sea level. Here you will have the opportunity to either enjoy the beach with crystal clear water and the amazing view of the never ending sea lagoon; or climb on the top of the steep rock to see the Venetian castle.
Afterwards we take a 2nd short boat trip to the fabulous lagoon of Balos, a shallow and warm water lagoon and one of Crete’s loveliest spots. Here you can enjoy plenty of time of swimming in the inviting crystal clear waters of western Crete and sunbathing at the white sandy beach.
*IMPORTANT; booking through app doesn’t guarantee availability for the date requested. This is an activity highly demanded. Get your guide confirms the booking request, we process it and we will contact you to confirm availability, offer new dates for you, or fully refund you without any inconvenient.
Enjoy a scenic day trip to Gramvousa and Balos Beach. Enjoy the convenience of being picked up at your hotel. Drive to either Kissamos or Kastelli Port along the National Road. Board your boat and sail to the Gramvousa island. This small scenic island is known for its Venetian fortress, and the exquisite views along the shore. Choose to take a dip in the Island’s crystal clear waters, or take a hike to up to the Venetian castle.
After exploring the island, head back to your boat and sail 15 minutes to the Lagoon of Balos, one of Crete’s most photographed beaches. Take a relaxing stroll along the lagoon’s white sand beaches. Swim in the lagoon’s idylic waters. Afterward return to your boat, return to port, and then finally drive back to your hotel after a day of sun and surf.
Take a cruise from Kissamos Port to Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon. See cliffs, beaches, and crystal-clear water, and visit Gramvousa Fortress for stunning vistas.
Meet your driver outside your Crete hotel and head to Kissamos Port to board your ship. Cruise for about an hour in the bay, passing Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon, rugged cliffs, and secluded beaches. Finally, sail between Gramvousa Island and Cape Vouxa at the end of the bay.
Arrive at the small port of Gramvousa and enjoy the magical environment created by nature, legends, and history. See the beach with a shipwreck and the famous castle of Gramvousa, which is the highest point on the island. Alternatively, you can swim in the area next to the Church of Agioi Apostoloi.
After a stop at Gramvousa, get back on the boat to head to Balos Lagoon.
Balos beach is protected by the Natura 2000 program. This year the ferry cannot dock at the beach. The ferry anchors about 10 meters from the beach for swimming.
After, you will head back to the port of Kissamos.
Find below the list of hotels near Gramvousa island and beach:
No results available
Find below list of beaches near Gramvousa island and beach:
The famous Balos beach is a well-known lagoon found approximately 56km northwest of Chania and 17km northwest of Kissamos, situated between Cape Gramvousa and Cape Tigani below the range of Platiskinos. It is highly photographed and a popular subject for tourist guides in Greece. It was also visited by Prince Charles and Princess Diana on their private yacht many years ago.
Balos is renowned for its striking turquoise waters, picturesque natural scenery, and stunning exotic beauty. During summer, thousands of visitors arrive mostly by ferry from Kissamos port. However, it can be overcrowded, especially in July and August, so it is advisable to visit in the morning before the boats arrive, to enjoy a few hours of isolation in this breathtaking paradise.
The lagoon’s white-pink sandy beaches feature vivid blue and turquoise waters, which are very shallow and warm, ideal for young children. The sand has a lovely pinkish hue in many areas due to millions of crushed shells. The water beyond the lagoon’s rocky boundaries is deeper and colder, perfect for snorkelling. The wider area, including the lagoon, has rare flora and fauna species and is protected under the Natura 2000 program. Eleonora falcons, shags, and cormorants nest in the caves of the area, while the monk seal and the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), which are protected species, also find refuge there.
Balos Lagoon Updates
Balos Lagoon, designated as a protected Natura area, boasts breathtaking golden-pink sands and crystalline turquoise waters, providing habitat to diverse marine and avian species. While its allure draws many visitors, it’s imperative to uphold the integrity of this fragile ecosystem. Therefore, visitors are urged to exercise conscientious behavior by properly disposing of all waste, minimizing plastic use, and refraining from removing sand or oysters to preserve the lagoon’s pristine condition for generations to come.
In 2024, significant conservation efforts include the implementation of reduced ferry services and a cap on visitor numbers. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce shuttle buses in Kaliviani to reduce car traffic. To further minimize environmental impact, consider visiting during less crowded times such as early mornings or late evenings.
Tou Meri to Pigadi is located 8km northwest of Kissamos and 44km west of Chania, on the eastern side of Peninsula Gramvousa. The name means “Meri’s well”, probably named after the name of someone, who owned a well in the area. Meri Pigadi has three consecutive small protected bays, with fine pebbles and crystal clear deep waters. There are no facilities on the beaches; it is an ideal place to relax, away from the noise of cities.
There are a few small trees, under which you can find shade. The first bay, just behind the ticket kiosk of Balos lagoon, is called Mouri Lakkos. To get to Meri’s Well, you have to walk or drive 1.5km into the dirt road that starts from Kaliviani and leads to the lagoon of Balos. If you visit the beaches, do not forget to have water with you.
1.5km north of Meri Pigadi, at position Kakia Skala, there is a small beach with fine pebbles and gorgeous deep blue water, adjacent to the eastern cliffs of the cape. Access to the beach is not easy, as the rocky cliffs make the descent impossible.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
