Not far from the coast of the north-western part of the island of Crete there are two small uninhabited islands, known as the island of Gramvousa. Small wild rocky islet with a minimum of vegetation called Agia Gramvoussa. The second island - Gramvousa Imeri notable softer landscapes, nice beach and harbor. In Imeri Gramvousa today you can see the remains of the Venetian fortifications and the ruins of buildings that were built by Cretan rebels, who lived on the island during the Greek War of Independence (1821-1830).

Venetian fortress on Imeri Gramvousa was built in 1579-1584 years as a protective shelter from the Ottoman Empire, but in 1588 due to lightning in a powder magazine was destroyed. Restored castle in 1630. The building was almost triangular shape, where each side was about 1000 m.

When in 1669 the power of Crete was transferred to the Ottoman Empire, with the fortresses of Gramvousa and Spinalonga Court had been left in charge of Venice, in order to provide some protection of the Venetian trade routes. At the same time these fortresses were important and strategic targets in the event of new hostilities with the Turks. But the December 6, 1691 the castle was still captured by the Turks because of the Venetian commander, who received for his betrayal of the huge amount of money.

In 1825, disguised as Turks Cretans took the fortress, which has become their strategic base. Although the Turks were never able to recapture the fort, they have successfully suppressed the uprising in the western part of Crete, and the rebels on Gramvousa came under siege. In order to survive on the island, they were forced to resort to piracy. During this period there were built a school and a church. In 1828, the castle came under the control of the Greek government, and pirate ships were destroyed. But at the end of 1830 in accordance with international agreements of Crete and the surrounding islands back under the control of the Turkish sultan.

Between the island and the coast of Crete, is a picturesque lagoon of Balos, where there are water three seas - the Aegean, Ionian and Libyan. Pure water in the sun plays a variety of different colors, and the color of the sand varies from white to a nice pink color. Today, the island of Gramvousa and the lagoon is very popular and visited by many tourists.