Private Balos and Gramvousa Catamaran Cruise with Meal Chania

Balos Lagoon, the Turquoise Jewel of Western Crete

Balos Lagoon lies at the north-western tip of Crete, where the Gramvousa peninsula meets the rocky headland of Cape Tigani. A narrow sand bar encloses a shallow basin of warm water in shades of turquoise and pale blue, and in places the sand takes on a pink tint from tiny crushed shells. The whole area is protected as part of Europe's Natura 2000 network, which keeps it free of buildings and beach bars.

How to get to Balos Lagoon? By land you face a long dirt road and a steep path down, so arriving by sea is by far the easiest way. On this private Balos cruise the catamaran anchors offshore and the tender takes you to the beach, giving you time to wade through the shallows, climb the path for the classic view from above and swim in water that often feels like a natural pool. Is Balos worth visiting? Few places in Greece look as striking from the deck of a boat.

Gramvousa Island and Its Venetian Fortress

Imeri Gramvousa is a small, rugged island off the tip of the peninsula, crowned by a fortress the Venetians built in the late 16th century on a rock about 137 metres above the sea. The castle was so strong that it stayed in Venetian hands for years after the rest of Crete had fallen, and in the 1820s it became a base for Cretan rebels and for pirates who raided passing ships, which earned Gramvousa its nickname as the pirate island.

Below the castle, a sandy bay with clear water is perfect for swimming, and the rusting hull of an old cargo ship rests on the shore nearby. If your group wants, there is time to walk up the stony path to the fortress walls, about 20 to 30 minutes each way, for sweeping views over the lagoon and the open sea. Good shoes, a hat and water make the climb much easier.

Kissamos Port and the Gramvousa Peninsula

Your day at sea begins at Kissamos port, at the western end of the bay of Kissamos and about an hour's drive from Chania. With the default option our driver handles the whole road journey, so you simply step from your vehicle onto the catamaran. The bay is framed by the steep cliffs of the Rodopou peninsula on one side and the Gramvousa peninsula on the other, two untouched arms of rock reaching into the sea.

As you sail north along Gramvousa, the coastline is wild and almost uninhabited, with sheer cliffs, small caves and colours that change from grey stone to deep blue water. In summer the meltemi wind from the north can make this exposed corner choppy, especially in the afternoon. Your skipper watches the conditions closely and may change the order of the stops or choose a sheltered anchorage, always keeping comfort and safety first.

Life on Board a Private Sailing Catamaran

A catamaran is one of the most comfortable boats for a family day at sea: its two hulls keep it stable, there is shade in the saloon and cockpit, and the wide nets at the bow are the favourite place to lie above the water. When the wind is right the crew can set the sails, so you enjoy a real sailing experience along the coast between the swim stops.

Because the boat is yours, you choose how to spend the day. Some guests paddle around Gramvousa bay on stand-up boards, others snorkel over the sandy seabed or float on the inflatable toys while the children play. The crew keeps an eye on everyone, life jackets are on board, and the tender is ready whenever you want to go ashore.

Breakfast and a Fresh Mediterranean Meal

The day starts with a light breakfast as you leave Kissamos, and later the crew prepares a freshly cooked Mediterranean meal on board. The menu usually features prawn linguine, a porcini mushroom risotto with truffle, a Greek salad, a green organic salad and Cretan appetisers, served with soft drinks, iced tea, coffee and water.

Lunch is usually served at anchor in a calm spot near Balos, so you can eat with the lagoon in view and swim again afterwards. The dishes are seafood and vegetarian; please tell us about allergies or dietary needs when booking. Halal meat is limited on Crete, so these choices are the simplest option for guests who eat halal.