Gramvousa, Crete

Gramvousa, Crete

The name Gramvousa has been found in various forms. The Venetians referred to it on their maps as the cape, Cavo Buso, and the Cretans, who translated it to Akra (capo) called it Cavo Bouza, this then became Krampouza, then Gramvousa.

In the opinion of N Hatzidaki, the name originates from the plant Crambe - Kramvoessa, which became Gramvousa. The Venetians named it Scoglio e fortezza Garabuse. The Venetians built the castle, in fear of occupation of Crete by the Turks, which would lead - and did eventually lead - to the end of the Venetian Empire.

After the Turkish occupation of Crete, it was one of three castles that remained under Venetian ownership (the other two were Souda and Spinalongka). Even though the castle was impregnable, during the Venetian - Turkish war, its Italian governor was bribed by the Turks, and it was handed over to them in 1692.

During the Greek uprising against the Turks, Gramvousa played an important and decisive role. After many attempts, the castle was finally conquered by Cretan rebels in 1825 when a group of Cretans, disguised as Turks, entered the castle.

Gramvousa was the first area of Crete that was freed from the Turks. It became shelter for more than 3,000 Cretans and became a base of operations for revolutionary groups. From free Gramvousa began the uprising of the Kalisperides, a group that spread terror among the Turks. In order to create a diversion they organized Zoyrides, armed groups that ambushed the Christians.

As conditions for survival were harsh, the residents of Gramvousa turned to piracy, indiscriminately looting boats passing between Gramvousa and the island of Antikythira, a fact that turned European opinion against them.

In 1828, with the agreement of the Greek government, fleets from England and France routed the pirates and occupied the castle. After signing the Protocol of London, Crete remained under Turkish occupation until 1831 and the castle of Gramvousa was handed over to the Turks once again by the Russian guard.

Chrissi Island, Crete

Chrissi Island, Crete

Whatever you have dreamed heard or imagined is not enough to describe the beauty and magic of Chrissi Island. Situated a few miles south of Ierapetra the only way to visit this real paradise is rent a car Crete drive to Ierapetra and then by boat.
It is the less populated island in the world with a 75 year old man to be its unique resident, an exotic virgin place 14 km away from the coast that will gives you an experience you have never dreamed.

It is covered by fine golden sand that ends in shallow turquoise waters while a forest of rare cedars on the sand hills complete the landscape harmonically. The highest spot is to the East on Kefala hill with an amazing vie of Lebanon cedar forest, probably the last one left in Europe. On the western part visitor can see the well preserved old chapel of Agios Nikolaos, the old salt pan and the light house.

Chrissi Island is protected by the European Network Natura 2000. Casting of litter, camping and smoking in the forest area is prohibited.
Leave behind the conventional everyday routine rent a car and head to Donkey Island. Enter a dream world of absolute relaxation and bliss. Give yourself the unique precious experience, car hire Crete, surrender in the magic of Chrissi and you will discover that paradise is not only for the few!