Balos is the picture on a thousand Crete postcards: a shallow lagoon of pale sand and turquoise water, with a pink-tinged shoreline, at the tip of the Gramvousa peninsula in the far north-west of the island. The classic way to reach it is by boat from Kissamos port, with a first stop at Gramvousa, a rocky island crowned by a Venetian fortress that once sheltered pirates, where you can climb to the ramparts for a sweeping view of the bay. Afterwards the boat moves on to the lagoon for a long swim in water that is warm and shallow enough to wade across. The catamaran trip we link to is a seven-hour cruise with a meal and drinks, a calmer and more comfortable way to see both stops than the larger ferries. November note: these boats are a seasonal operation. Visitor facilities at Balos are generally open from April to October, and the best months are May to October. In November the sea can be rough, the cruises are not running in the usual way, and the track to the lagoon is not worth attempting, so treat Balos as a trip for another visit.
How it works
The cruise sails from Kissamos, on the western side of Chania bay, with transfers offered from many hotels in the Chania area. After the Gramvousa stop, the boat anchors at the lagoon for free time to swim and relax. Meals and drinks are included on the catamaran trip we link to, while the entrance fee that some visitors pay to the protected area may or may not be built into the price, so read the tour inclusions before you buy.
What to expect
Gramvousa involves a short, steep climb on a stone path to the fortress, which takes fifteen to twenty minutes and is rewarded with extraordinary views. Balos itself is shallow and calm in summer, with sand that shades pink in places and water in several shades of blue. There is little shade, so sun protection matters. The itinerary depends on the sea conditions and can change on the day, with the skipper deciding whether the boat can anchor safely at each stop.
Making the most of it
Bring a swimsuit, a towel, sun cream, a hat and a pair of water shoes if you want to walk the rocky parts. Go early in the season if you prefer fewer people, because July and August bring crowds. If you prefer to travel by land, the road to Balos is a rough track that rental car insurance often excludes, which is why the boat is the easier choice. Avoid it altogether in windy weather.
What to expect
The experience
A seven-hour catamaran cruise from Kissamos with a stop at Gramvousa island and free time at Balos lagoon, with a meal and drinks on board.
Best time
May to October, in the morning sailing. The cruises are a warm-season operation and are not a November plan.
How long
About seven hours including both stops.
Tips
Bring sun cream, a hat, a towel and water shoes, and be ready for the itinerary to change if the sea is rough.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Beach lovers and photographers who want Crete’s most famous lagoon without driving the rough track.
- Families
- Good for children who swim, but the Gramvousa climb is steep and there is little shade.
- Couples
- A memorable day on the water with swimming in warm shallow water.
- Pair with
- Elafonisi beach on another day, and an evening in Chania old town.
- Time needed
- A full day including the transfer to Kissamos.
Good questions
Do the Balos boats run in November?+
Not in the usual way. The cruises are a seasonal operation tied to the warm months, and facilities at Balos are generally open from April to October, so a November visit is not a good plan.
What is Gramvousa?+
Gramvousa is a small island off the Balos peninsula, topped by a Venetian fortress that was later used by pirates. A short but steep path leads to the ramparts and a wide view of the bay.
Can I drive to Balos?+
There is a rough dirt track to a car park above the lagoon, followed by a walk down. Many visitors, and many rental car companies, prefer the boat.
Is Balos good for children?+
The water is shallow and warm in summer, which children enjoy, but there is little shade and the Gramvousa climb is steep, so bring sun protection and watch small children.
How long is the boat trip?+
The cruise we link to takes about seven hours in total, including sailing time, the Gramvousa stop and free time at the lagoon.
