Gramvousa Traditional Geocache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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This Cache is located on the island Gramvousa off the northwest coast of Crete.
The island is about 1200 m long and 1100 m wide. On top of its highest point at about 130 m are the remains of a Venetian fort. It is one of the most impressive forts on Crete. Being built between 1579 and 1584 the Venetians used this post in order to observe and control the strait between Western Crete and the Peleponnes. Later in the 1820s Gramvousa served as place of refuge for freedom fighters during the Cretan insurgency. Being besieged in Gramvousa for more than two years they had to resort to piracy to survive (The story goes that there are still treasures hidden in some caves closeby!).
Well preserved is the entrance area with a gatehouse as well as a chapel. Moreover, you will find remains of houses and cistern and have a marvelous view from the plateau on the sea, Western Crete and of course Balos lagoon.
A boat is needed to get on the island (boat trips are offered during summer season starting in the harbour of Kissamos). A small and steep path leads you from the beach to the fort. This will take about 20 minutes one way. The cache itself is a small PETling with logbook and pencil.
Happy hunting!
Small note on cache maintenance: wind&water have offered to maintain the cache. Thanks!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
bhgfvqr ng evtug-unaq fvqr bs gur “jvaqbj” va n ubyr va gur jnyy abg zber guna 50 pz nobir tebhaq. Nyfb frr fcbvyre cvpgher.