You will be picked up from the Minoa Palace hotel for this Castaway Cruise to Gramvoussa. You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide, who will fill you in on the history of the island, which is steeped in the intrigue of the high seas. You can also arrange for transfers to the tour’s starting point from either your hotel or from a departure point close to the hotel.
You will be conveyed by boat to the former pirate island of Gramvoussa, where you will tour a 16th century castle that looms from atop a rocky knoll. The impregnable fortifications allowed the Venetians to retain control of the castle during Turkey’s 17th century occupation of Crete, though it was later given to the Turks by way of a bribe.
Gramvoussa became a base of operations for Cretan revolutionaries and their efforts were rewarded when the island became the first part of Crete to be liberated by the Turks.
More famously, Gramvoussa was also the haunt of pirates, who plundered every ship that passed their way until an English-French garrison took control of the island in 1828.
Move on to the enchanting lagoon of Balos, where you can enjoy a swim in the clear blue sea or luxuriate on the pinkish sands.
Enjoy a small lunch on the beach (not included) before you are returned by boat to the Minoa Palace Hotel.