According to estimates, more visitors to the Gouves Township were given the opportunity to view The Great Gravel Dune in Vathianos Kambos, Kokkini Hani, than the famous Nirou archaeological site just 200 meters away. 

Actually, it couldn’t be helped . . .  since the huge mound of gravel was dumped directly in front of one of the township’s best, and largest, public swimming areas – the Estavromenou Beach – located off the old national road, where thousands of passersby view it daily.

And it’s been there all summer long!

The gravel was first dumped there in the winter, to be used in the construction of the nearby ramps for the new National road, according to town officials.

In June, with the arrival of the first foreign visitors – and the thousands of local residents from Iraklion who frequent this beach, as well as swimmers from our own township – the gravel remained, not only as an eyesore, but also occupying a good portion of the busy parking area.

Following up on ongoing complaints, this newspaper contacted town hall several times, always receiving the same reply: it will be removed.

However, with the ramps completed, and the 2008 summer season drawing to a close, The Great Gravel Dune is still there for all to see, if not admire.