Imeri Gramvousa, Chania-Crete | 18 Sep 2014
35°36′40″N 23°34′45″E
The rocky islet of Imeri Gramvousa, which in Greek means ‘Tame Gramvousa’ is the located opposite the breathtaking beach of Balos and holds an amazing history. Due to its strategic location, the islet was fortified by the Venetians, who built a castle on the top of a steep rock at an altitude of 137 m. initially in 1582 and then they rebuilt it in 1630. In later years the islet played an important role during the Greek War of Independence and it was the first part of Crete that was liberated from the Turks. Today Imeri Gramvousa apart from being a popular tourist attraction is also an important bird habitat in the Eastern Mediterranean region and is located along one of the bird migration ways in this part of the world. Apart from its beautiful beach with the turquoise crystal clear waters, the castle of Imeri Gramvousa with the rich history definitely worth a visit.