Crete, Greece

Gramvousa Beach

Gramvousa Beach is a stunning destination located on a pirate island, known for its crystal clear waters, amazing flora, and unique rock formations. The beach is also home to an old castle, which can be reached via a short hike. This location offers panoramic views of the surrounding beaches and islands. The beach is also notable for its shipwreck, which is home to a variety of beautiful fish.

The beach is only accessible by boat or ferry, typically from Kissamos. Visitors are advised not to drive due to the dangerous road conditions. The journey to the beach often includes a stop at Balos Beach, with the typical visit to Gramvousa lasting between one to two hours.

The waters at Gramvousa Beach are deep and salty, making it an excellent location for swimming. However, the beach is known for its sharp stone edges and sudden dips in the water, so visitors are advised to wear proper water shoes. Snorkeling gear is also recommended for those wishing to explore the underwater sights.

Despite its beauty, Gramvousa Beach can become crowded when multiple ferries arrive. Visitors are advised to bring their own shade, as there is very little available on the beach. It's also recommended to bring your own food and water, although food can be purchased on the boat.

Explore places to stay near Gramvousa Beach and enjoy the breathtaking views from the old castle on the island.

In summary, Gramvousa Beach is a must-visit location for its natural beauty, historical significance, and unique swimming experience.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the crystal clear waters and the unique experience of exploring the old castle and the shipwreck. They also appreciate the panoramic views of the surrounding beaches and islands, and the deep waters ideal for swimming. However, some visitors complain about the beach becoming overcrowded when multiple ferries arrive, and the sharp, slippery rocks near the shore.

Where to Stay near Gramvousa Beach?

If you’re planning a trip to Gramvousa Beach, consider staying in Kissamos, which is the main departure point for boat trips to the beach. Since Gramvousa Beach is only accessible by boat, there are no accommodations directly on the beach itself, making nearby towns like Kissamos ideal for visitors.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Gramvousa Beach?

Latitude: 35.6081551 / Longitude: 23.5793532

Gramvousa Beach is located in Crete. The following map of Gramvousa Beach shows the exact location.

Gramvousa Beach: Weather Today

📅 Tuesday, March 31, 2026
This is not an ideal day for a relaxing beach outing at Gramvousa Beach, as conditions remain quite cool and unsettled. With a maximum air temperature of 15.9 °C and a sea temperature of 16.8 °C, the water is far too cold for comfortable swimming. The sky will be mostly filled with clouds, and you should be prepared for brisk, blustery winds that may make lounging on the sand feel chilly. Additionally, the waves are running moderately high, which could make the shoreline less inviting. If you do head out, be mindful that the UV Index is 7.1, so sun protection is still necessary even with the cloud cover. Overall, it is a better day for a brisk walk along the coast than for traditional beach activities.
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Air

Low / High13.7°C/15.9°C
Feels Like (High)15.4°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature16.8 °C
Wave Height1.3 m
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Rain

Rain Chance13%
Rainfall0.2 mm
Rain Duration2 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset07:13/19:46
Sunshine Hours6.8 hrs
UV Index7.1
Cloud Cover78%
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Wind

Speed24.7 km/h
Gusts34.9 km/h
DirectionSW

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