Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Day Trip with Boat Ticket from Chania

Balos Lagoon, Crete's Most Photographed Beach

Balos Lagoon sits between the Gramvousa peninsula and the rocky headland of Cape Tigani, at the far north-western corner of Crete. A thin bar of sand separates a shallow lagoon from the open sea, creating water in every shade from pale turquoise to deep blue, with white sand that turns pink in places thanks to fragments of shells. The area is protected under the Natura 2000 network, so there are no hotels or buildings on the beach.

From the boat jetty a short sandy path leads to the lagoon, where you have around two and a half hours to swim, wade across to the islet of Tigani or climb part of the path above the beach for the famous view. Is Balos worth visiting? It is the image many people have of Crete, and seeing it in person rarely disappoints. Umbrellas can be rented on site, as natural shade is scarce.

Gramvousa Island, the Old Pirate Cove

Imeri Gramvousa is a small, rocky island just off the tip of the peninsula. In the late 16th century the Venetians built a fortress on its summit, about 137 metres above the sea, and it held out for years after the rest of Crete had fallen. In the 1820s the castle became a refuge for Cretan rebels, and pirates used the cove below as a base for raids on passing ships, which is why locals still call it the pirate island.

You can follow the steep, stony path up to the walls in about 20 minutes for wide views over Balos and the open sea, or stay below and swim in the clear water beside the small chapel of Agioi Apostoloi. The rusting hull of an old cargo ship lies on the shore nearby and makes a striking photo. Bring sturdy shoes and water if you plan to climb.

Cruising the Gramvousa Peninsula

The sea journey from Kissamos takes about an hour each way and is part of the experience. The boat follows the western side of the bay of Kissamos and then the Gramvousa peninsula, a long, almost uninhabited arm of rock with sheer cliffs, small caves and no roads. From the open deck you see how wild this corner of Crete remains, and on clear days the view reaches far out over the Aegean.

How to get to Balos from Chania? By car you face a long drive, a rough dirt track and a steep walk down, while this day trip combines the coach and the boat so you simply relax. In July and August the northern meltemi wind can make the crossing lively in the afternoon, and on windy days the order of the stops may change; the boat is large and stable, but guests prone to seasickness should take medication before boarding.

Kissamos Port and Town

Kissamos is the main town of the far west of Crete, set on a wide bay between the Rodopou and Gramvousa peninsulas. In ancient times it was the harbour of the city of Polyrrhenia, and Roman mosaics found in the town are displayed in its small archaeological museum, housed in a Venetian-era building on the main square. The boats to Balos and Gramvousa leave from the port a few kilometres west of the centre.

The coach stops here for about 20 minutes before boarding and again on the way back, so there is time for a coffee and the restrooms. Your guide hands out the boat tickets, so you avoid the queue at the port kiosk. The municipality of Kissamos charges a small environmental fee for visitors to Balos, paid in cash, so keep a little change with you.

The Drive West from Chania

Your day begins with an early pickup from a set point near your hotel, in areas such as Kolymbari, Maleme, Gerani, Platanias, Agia Marina, Stalos, Kalamaki, Chania town and Souda. The air-conditioned coach follows the national road west along the bay of Chania, passing beach resorts, olive groves and the base of the Rodopou peninsula, with the White Mountains on the horizon to the south.

The road journey to Kissamos takes up to about two hours depending on your pickup point, as the coach collects guests from several areas. It is a Balos day trip from Chania with everything arranged: transport, tickets and a guide. If you prefer to avoid the coach, the private transfer option on this page uses a private air-conditioned people carrier for your group only, with the boat ticket bought separately.