Balos Lagoon
Balos Lagoon
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
This lagoon is one of the most photographed spots on the island of Crete, with hypnotizing turquoise waters and a panoramic landscape. There are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent and snacks for sale, but you might want to pack a more substantial meal. Also, check the weather conditions in advance, as the beach can get windy. If you’re planning to drive, bring suitable footwear for the steep trek down from the car park to the beach. Visit early in the morning to experience the lagoon at its most tranquil. Getting the ferry from Kissamos Port is a relaxing and convenient way to reach Belos. – Tripadvisor
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- KatieRichmond, Virginia75 contributionsBeautiful ViewThis is a view worth seeing! We had a rental car that we drove up to the parking area and it was a bumpy ride. Luckily, our rental car didn't get damaged and we didn't get charged any fees but I can see how that can happen often. I really enjoyed the view on the drive and seeing all of the goats! Just be careful of the bees on the way up and down -- there were quite a few swarming around our car. We're experienced hikers so we thought we would hike down from the parking area, but once we got to a good viewpoint we decided we would just stick with seeing the view from up top. I really don't recommend hiking up and down in the summer, it's just too steep and too hot and many people looked like they were going to faint. If we had more time I would have loved to take a boat to the lagoon, but even seeing it from up top was great!Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 February 2024
- DalmatinkaNorth America532 contributionsWell worth a day cruise by boatThe island of Gramvousa is located northwest of Kissamos and northwest of the famous lagoon of Balos. Gramvousa is famous for its historical Venetian fortress, which stands at a height of 137m over the beach. The day was pretty hot and I decided not to trek up the Mountain but I saw photos of our boat companions and the views were stunning. The sea is turquoise and absolutely breathtaking. Balos on the other hand is known as one of the most famous and mesmerizing beaches in Greece. It's a lagoon located on the west side of the Gramvoussa cape. Its "white sand" and turquoise waters glistening under the sun create a scenery that is truly unforgettable. Both stops in my view were mesmerizing as was the scenery along the way. Definitely recommend if visiting Crete. We bought our tickets directly at Kissamos port, easy peasy. 34€ each The 1€ additional charge per ticket is an entrance fee for outdoor projects recreational use contributory to road conservation to stay cleaned and to be preserved by the community and restoration of the protected area of the cape of Gramvousa and Balos. The boat we were on was called "Porto Gramvousa and the agent was Cretan Daily Cruises. While we packed a lunch and beverages there was really no need because there were many hot/cold options to choose from on the boat that were reasonably priced and they offered take away service. This is a tour that I would highly recommend based on my experience. It was a beautiful day. After arriving at Gramvousa we spent 2 hours swimming in the sea, it took 20 minutes to cross over to Balos Lagoon and we had 2 hours to enjoy there before returning to the port of Kissamos. Driving up the dirt road to Balos was out of the question in the rental vehicle. From the boat we watched vehicles moving at a snails pace up and down the steep inclines. Its my understanding that once you get to the top you have to park and walk down/back up from the Lagoon. No thanks, the boat ride was fun, met some good people from France and enjoyed the day. Highly recommend if visiting Crete 👌Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 May 2024
- SunnySallysLondon, Canada200 contributionsMost Beautiful Beach I Have EVER SeenWow wow wow! Put this on your list, you will not regret it. I have been to A LOT of beaches. This one took my breath away. Literally stopped my in my tracks. If you chase Epic beauty in nature this is your place! Be prepared to walk, there are lots of stairs Wear proper hiking/walking shoes. Bring your own water and food. Watch out for goats if you are going to eat at the beach It’s worth it. Do IT!!Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 22 May 2024
- Wanderlust-mojo1036 contributionsBreathtaking Beach/LagoonBefore I say anything about the drive, let me just say whichever route you take- car or boat - it will be well worth ALL the effort Balos is absolutely stunning and even though the car park was packed, the beach was not which was pleasantly surprising. For the faint of heart, may be best if you get a boat there. We drove the rocky narrow 8km road which takes almost half an hour and you don't want to meet anyone coming in the opposite direction. Pack fluids and wear sturdy shoes as there are many steps down to the beach. I'd do it all over again!!!! Its an adventure!Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 May 2024
- sukie2000Banstead, United Kingdom186 contributionsWorth it for the views ! Not for nervous passengers or drivers !Prob not for your rental car ! Watch out for goats ! 5km off road driving, charge €1 for entry to national park then €3.50 for parking at top. The goats will eat anything out of an open car ! Beautiful views, wear sensible shoes for walking on rough ground and rocky path to the beach. Long walk down and long walk back up ! Coffee drinks and snacks at top.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 29 May 2024
- rachelBoston, Massachusetts14 contributionsPleasant experience and would recommend!The beach is very beautiful, probably the most beautiful I have ever seen. The water is cristal clear and there are umbrellas and chairs you can purchase for the day. This beach is also great for young kids since the water is really shallow. That being said, the drive to this beach is far from enjoyable. You have to drive around 8 miles on the side of a cliff on a dirt road before you even get to the parking lot. Once you arrive, it’s another mile down to the beach. I would recommend bringing sneakers for the walk down, since the terrain is rocky and is a little difficult to do in flip flops. Do not bring any beach chairs with you, as you do not want to carry them back up the mountain when you are done. I would also recommend going earlier in the morning because all the chairs will fill up. If you go early enough, you can get a chair right on the water and it is very pleasant.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 31 May 2024
- Rob J13 contributionsCar v BoatDefinitely car!. Very beautiful paradise and very worth the visit. I thought I would help clear up some information as I really couldn't decide whether to go on the boat or by car as I had a small hire car and didn't want to damage it and read some reviews not to take the car.However , I took the car and i'm very glad I did. It's very simple, drive slow keep space in front and stay in first gear.All the way and you get there fine. It is a long dusty dirt track with sime rocks but drivable if sensible. Wgen you get to the car park there is some big rocks try and park to the right there is less rocks. There's a beautiful walk down where you get a lot of views takes twenty minute. Just take your time if you're not very fit you can do it.It's a lot of tougher walking back up.But again walk slow and take water. It s well worth the experience. Boats arrived packed full of tourists like very busy and they only stay about 2 hours.So i'm glad I didn't choose the boat option. I stayed all day as I had the car. You can hire umbrellas and sunbeds for €20.But I just took a towel.And my own umbrella. Umbrella is essential.It says, you can't have them for some reason.But everybody does and there's no problem. If you onl want 2 hours and do t mind being with lots if people then catch a boat from kissamos you can catch it cheaper from Falasalana. Definitely go,one of the best places in Crete and I've been to many.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 June 2024
- Miłosz11 contributionsSplendid league but watch your step!I visited Balos as part of a longer ferry trip. Place is indeed magnificent, lagoon is surrounded by tall, rocky mountains. Those in good physical condition can try a mountain trail and enjoy view from above. However, there are some crucial steps, absolutely necessary to make this trip pleasant (and safe!). 1. There is no pier there. Ferry drops an anchor nearby lagoon. You need to disembark, walk in the water and then over rocky terrain to the lagoon. 2. It's rocky. Shoes which won't be permanently damaged by sea water (flip flops is a big no-no, the can float away, you need something which holds tight on your feet) are necessary. 3. You may want to consider putting all valuable things and electronic equipment into a water-tight container. Plastic bag will NOT suffice. I saw some people slipping on underwater rocks and falling with their backpacks into the water. Examine your container, if you are not sure whether things inside will survive immersion, you need to choose a different one.Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 13 June 2024
- Emmanuel L11 contributionsAmazing beach with great sunset viewAmazing beach with great views and shallow water. Worth a trip. We made it by car, the road was manageable at a slow speed. Arrived at around 4pm as most people were leaving and boat tours were already gone and we had the beach practically to ourselves. Make sure the watch the sunset from up the trail when you come back too!Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 21 June 2024
- Sey Y2 contributionsBest beach in Greece!Outstanding. We drove from Chania. The last 10 miles or so is a gravel road with spectacular views. Nothing dangerous or iffy but thrilling in spots. With a standard shift car, easy breezy. You have a strenuous walk to the beach after you park your car on top (free) (or should I say back to where the car is parked) but hey, get some cardio in and simply take rest breaks on the way. What views! And what a beach! Beautiful clear water under the views of mountains. For the less physical, there is a ferry boat you can take so take it! One of the best beaches I’ve seen and I’ve seen a few. The water is crisp, clear, and refreshing. Best beach in Crete and I’m looking at you Elafonisi Beach!Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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James
3 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Turned around half way, couldn't risk the car (tyres, suspension and paintwork) on the 8km nightmare track where anything other than a 4x4 with ground clearance and you risk destroying it. Perhaps if you have a rental it doesn't matter as long as it looks fine and you're happy to shake the car to bits. (We didn't read road conditions ahead, I assumed it wouldn't be an issue to a major tourist attraction).
Locals drive along it like it's a Colin McRae track and the winner gets a free set of coils at the end.
I'm sure the beach is stunning but go to Elafonisi instead, it's the better one anyway and has actual roads.
Also they charge you €1pp for the privilege of driving torture. I know Greek roads can be bad but that was just silly.
There's also options to go by boat somehow, so maybe do that instead.
Locals drive along it like it's a Colin McRae track and the winner gets a free set of coils at the end.
I'm sure the beach is stunning but go to Elafonisi instead, it's the better one anyway and has actual roads.
Also they charge you €1pp for the privilege of driving torture. I know Greek roads can be bad but that was just silly.
There's also options to go by boat somehow, so maybe do that instead.
Written 19 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wookash Q
Wroclaw, Poland1,616 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
There are two options to get there. By car and by boat/ferry. Although to get by car is not so easy I don’t recommend use boat because is more expensive (25€/person) and during COVID times is hard to keep social distance, moreover you will be dependent on the schedule unless you came just to see not to spend more time. When you travel by car you are independent regarding the time, you can spend as much time as you prefer however you need to know that to get there you have to drive off-road for 8 km and then from the parking walk 1,5kn to the beach ( I managed with small kids and other people as well - no worries) the same with drive, small Opel Corsa managed so you will also do ( most of cars there are the smallest from car rentals). Beach is beautiful but there is no range for most of the time and also is just one bar where is cash only payment accepted. Be prepared for that. Beach is beautiful from one side sandy from the other (deeper) a bit rocky so water shoes are nice to have for comfort. Good luck and have fun!
Written 21 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dorin
26 contributions
Jul 2022
We arrived at 8:00 in the morning, we were one of the first to arrive to the location, which was perfect. Parking empty, lagoon empty, we managed to get really good pictures with perfect lightning and no people behind, everything until people starting to arrive around 10:00.
We stayed on a set of sunbeds but around 10:00 a guy came and asked for 15 EUROS for an umbrella and a set of sunbeds, even though there is no sign about this anywhere. When I asked if there is any sign or where is it stated that we have to pay for this, I was told I can stay on the sand if I don't want.
We wanted to leave at 13:00, as the place was waaaay too crowded, a few ships with tourists came and invaded every space left. A lady asked us if we are leaving so she can take our sunbeds, even offered some money but we wanted to give them for free, I even gave her the bill I received in the morning for the sunbeds. The "staff" guy jumped in quickly to forbid us to do that, we said there the "rules" say that we cannot do that, not even to give them away, and she has to pay again, same ammount.
The lagoon was pretty smelly and I do not recommend to come for a swim as there were a lot of rocks, algues and fishes.
The view from above is something out of this world.
The path from the parking to the lagoon is very pretty, worth it 100%.
Bring good shoes.
The road to the parking was a pretty nice adventure too, as there were lots of goats on the road and we had fun going around them. Any car can go there, the road is all gravel and bumpy but it is usable.
When leaving, there was a queue for a few kilometers from the parking with people parking on the side of the road, which made crossing other vehicles much more complicated.
When going there, first try to find a parking spot at the actual parking, a lot of people are also leaving, as some come very early in the morning. That's the best moment to go.
We stayed on a set of sunbeds but around 10:00 a guy came and asked for 15 EUROS for an umbrella and a set of sunbeds, even though there is no sign about this anywhere. When I asked if there is any sign or where is it stated that we have to pay for this, I was told I can stay on the sand if I don't want.
We wanted to leave at 13:00, as the place was waaaay too crowded, a few ships with tourists came and invaded every space left. A lady asked us if we are leaving so she can take our sunbeds, even offered some money but we wanted to give them for free, I even gave her the bill I received in the morning for the sunbeds. The "staff" guy jumped in quickly to forbid us to do that, we said there the "rules" say that we cannot do that, not even to give them away, and she has to pay again, same ammount.
The lagoon was pretty smelly and I do not recommend to come for a swim as there were a lot of rocks, algues and fishes.
The view from above is something out of this world.
The path from the parking to the lagoon is very pretty, worth it 100%.
Bring good shoes.
The road to the parking was a pretty nice adventure too, as there were lots of goats on the road and we had fun going around them. Any car can go there, the road is all gravel and bumpy but it is usable.
When leaving, there was a queue for a few kilometers from the parking with people parking on the side of the road, which made crossing other vehicles much more complicated.
When going there, first try to find a parking spot at the actual parking, a lot of people are also leaving, as some come very early in the morning. That's the best moment to go.
Written 26 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ingrid C
London, UK143 contributions
Sept 2020
About an hour and a half's drive from Chania (half the time was taken by the last few kms of the drive on a stony/gravel track, going very slowly).
There is a +/- 20 minute walk from the parking lot downhill to the beach (just remember you will have to hike back up!), and it yields spectacular views of the beach and lagoon. The beach itself has clear waters and is quite shallow, so safe for kids or poor swimmers like me! You are able to hire loungers for 10 euros for a pair. It does get crowded around lunch time - would recommend to get there early, as by the time we left, there was a very long queue of cars parked on the side of the winding road that takes you to the beach parking.
Personally, I preferred Elafonissi Beach, but this was nice as well.
There is a +/- 20 minute walk from the parking lot downhill to the beach (just remember you will have to hike back up!), and it yields spectacular views of the beach and lagoon. The beach itself has clear waters and is quite shallow, so safe for kids or poor swimmers like me! You are able to hire loungers for 10 euros for a pair. It does get crowded around lunch time - would recommend to get there early, as by the time we left, there was a very long queue of cars parked on the side of the winding road that takes you to the beach parking.
Personally, I preferred Elafonissi Beach, but this was nice as well.
Written 9 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clara V
Zutphen, The Netherlands44 contributions
Aug 2020
Balos Lagoon
Kissamos
A great way to get to Balos beach / lagoon
769014094
In August 2020 we went to Balos Beach by boat. As you can read in the many reviews it is indeed stunning. We wanted to go there by boat and had a few wishes:
1) we did not want to go on a big boat full of people and be rushed to visit both Balos and Gramvousa - as that is what most ferries from Kissamos offer
2) we wanted to find something that would not cost hundreds of euros and still be semi private
Having that said we found this awesome ride to Balos departing from Falassarna: Petalida boat to Balos. It hosts a maximum of 10 people. The boat ride to Balos takes about an hour. We were with only 6 people on the boat and the captain offered us the possibility to stay on Balos and not go to Gramvousa. And we only paid €27 per adult. It was a super relaxed way to get to Balos, beating the crowds and enjoying a nice and great visit to Balos. We highly recommend them and to us this was the best way to get to Balos. From the beach we saw the hike from high above that people need to walk down if you go there by car and we were so glad we did not opt for that way!
We can absolutely recommend going to Balos from Falassarna.
Kissamos
A great way to get to Balos beach / lagoon
769014094
In August 2020 we went to Balos Beach by boat. As you can read in the many reviews it is indeed stunning. We wanted to go there by boat and had a few wishes:
1) we did not want to go on a big boat full of people and be rushed to visit both Balos and Gramvousa - as that is what most ferries from Kissamos offer
2) we wanted to find something that would not cost hundreds of euros and still be semi private
Having that said we found this awesome ride to Balos departing from Falassarna: Petalida boat to Balos. It hosts a maximum of 10 people. The boat ride to Balos takes about an hour. We were with only 6 people on the boat and the captain offered us the possibility to stay on Balos and not go to Gramvousa. And we only paid €27 per adult. It was a super relaxed way to get to Balos, beating the crowds and enjoying a nice and great visit to Balos. We highly recommend them and to us this was the best way to get to Balos. From the beach we saw the hike from high above that people need to walk down if you go there by car and we were so glad we did not opt for that way!
We can absolutely recommend going to Balos from Falassarna.
Written 7 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Max R
London, UK129 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
Beautiful lagoon and beach in the middle of a national park. Hard to get to by car, but definitely not impossible. 30-40 minutes drive on a beaten up dirt track with large potholes, goats, and sheer drops. Just take your time and drive carefully. Worth it! Car gives you the flexibility to arrive early before the hoards on the boats get there for around 12 noon. We got there for around 8:30am and had the place to ourselves for a few hours! The big ferry that comes over from Kissamos leaves again around 2pm, so after that is quietened down a little.
The walk from the car park is around 1.2km and steep down to the lagoon. Good shoes are strongly advised. Took us around 25 mins to walk down. But don't forget to stop and take in the beautiful view. And don't forget you have to hike back up the same way you came down. Heat exhaustion is a common occurrence that the local rescue services have to deal with. So be prepared.
The beach was clean and well looked after. There is a cafe that serves a small range of snacks and water/coffee etc. Cash Only!
The water was crystal and warm, amazing to swim in.
Thoroughly recommend this amazing place!
The walk from the car park is around 1.2km and steep down to the lagoon. Good shoes are strongly advised. Took us around 25 mins to walk down. But don't forget to stop and take in the beautiful view. And don't forget you have to hike back up the same way you came down. Heat exhaustion is a common occurrence that the local rescue services have to deal with. So be prepared.
The beach was clean and well looked after. There is a cafe that serves a small range of snacks and water/coffee etc. Cash Only!
The water was crystal and warm, amazing to swim in.
Thoroughly recommend this amazing place!
Written 2 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ramona M
Cluj-Napoca, Romania148 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
We visited Balos Lagoon via Cretan Daily Cruises and expected to see a natural protected area. Instead we have found a very crowded place, with 500 people debarking every hour. The beach was ful with algeas and a smell of sulf could be felt in some areas. There is a narrow area with sand the rest of the beach is rocky. We were sadly surprised to see traces of fire places on the beach, large iron pieces coming out of the water. I would only recommend to visit this place early in the morning, before cruises come, or after 17.00. Probably the best option is renting a private boat. Beware of giant wasps that fly in the lagoon!
Written 31 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Discover736700
Lithuania3 contributions
Jul 2020
With such a unique place, it needs to be maintained, but the locals don’t do it.
There are no changing cabins, toilets. Only one toilet is high on the hill. It is too hard to climb in to it and back to the beach again. A few sunbeds and umbrellas. One kiosk with snacks, with high prices and very unpleasant staff. The road is terrible - narrow, very pitted, stony, almost everywhere without barriers. Not safe. Unlimited number of cars allowed. No one regulates the flow. It’s hard to pass up with oncoming ones when a row of cars is delivered on the road. It would be better to charge a higher fee and spend it on maintenance. The beauty of the lagoon does not redeem a lazy approach to the environmental care and human safety. Worst experience in Crete.
There are no changing cabins, toilets. Only one toilet is high on the hill. It is too hard to climb in to it and back to the beach again. A few sunbeds and umbrellas. One kiosk with snacks, with high prices and very unpleasant staff. The road is terrible - narrow, very pitted, stony, almost everywhere without barriers. Not safe. Unlimited number of cars allowed. No one regulates the flow. It’s hard to pass up with oncoming ones when a row of cars is delivered on the road. It would be better to charge a higher fee and spend it on maintenance. The beauty of the lagoon does not redeem a lazy approach to the environmental care and human safety. Worst experience in Crete.
Written 17 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
benmores
Essex, UK151 contributions
Sept 2020
We drove to Balos Lagoon from our villa in Falassarna. We decided to having read other reviews to go in the morning and we were pleased we did. You can also visit by boat which im sure is lovely. As you enter the unmade road area you come across a hut where you pay a euro per person to proceed. From here you drive about another 20 mins or so until you reach a carpark. There is a little kiosk for drinks & snacks. You need to wear proper footwear not flipflops as is quite a hike down & water. You cannot see the lagoon from the parking area. The walk starts off fairly flat for 5 mins then as you start the descent the view is breathtaking. It is very uneven & dusty probably taking around 15 minutes to get down. A large boat arrived around lunchtime & the passengers debarked. It is beautifully shallow. The climb back up was not as enjoyable in 30degree heat & I saw people really struggling indeed as did I, though my fit son didnt know what the fuss was about but seriuosly not for the fainthearted. The viewsfrom above are more spectacular then down on the beach or from a boat so take your pick. There are boatsfrom Kissamos or private hire boats and there is always someone who knows someone who can take you but for me the hike was well worth it, Elafonissi is breathtaking also without the climb, we visited there also andWestern Crete really does have beautiful beaches & scenery. Enjoy.
Written 10 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet J
New York City, NY98 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Balos is beautiful… if you’re prepared. There’s a good hike down to the beach so would recommend tennis shoes, and there’s no real food options so pack ahead. The “taverna” is more like a snack counter, and everything is cash only, including the sun beds. It’s also a long drive into the beach area along a hilly and gravel road, so be prepared to drive slowly and carefully. The beach itself was quite stunning! It’s pretty windy down there and the water is cold, though, so few people were swimming. More appropriate for sunbathing and picnicking. If you’re looking for a lazier time and pink sand (and more of it), would recommend Elafonissi beach. Easier access and we loved that the beaches felt semi-private with the sand dunes and curvy coast line.
Written 14 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonsoir! Après la journée de plage, c’est possible de ce doucher?
Written 2 September 2024
Bonjour, j'ai prévu de faire l'excursion en bateau. les commentaires partent d'un accès pentu et un peu raide pour accéder à la plage. Est ce le cas par bateau ou seulement les gens qui viennent en voiture ? Merci de vos réponses
Written 8 May 2023
The boat access is from Kissamos, and it drops you at the lagoon. It is not steep, it is quite easy and accessible
Written 10 May 2023
Is it possibly to get a half day boat trip to Balos? Don't want to be there all day? Thanks!
Written 30 August 2022
Most of those selling sightseeing were combining Balos with Granousa for full day including lunch on boat. Do check weather before booking, we were caught in a windstorm and there was no place to shelter from the winds, besides we could see the larger boat decked further down but unable to reach it. Take shoes which are strong & waterproof, on the return we couldnt cross the lagoon as water had risen, the rocks on islands were cutting into my soles.
Written 31 August 2022
Googling Balos beach from Chania it indicates there’s a bus option .. although we’re here in Chania and I can’t see one on the ktel timetable .. is this old cached posting and now the only way is Chania to kissamos port by bus then take the boat that does 2 island stops?
Written 3 July 2022
We took a preebooked trip. Found that fairly easier ( though crowded on the boat)
Bought @ one if the local tourist offices ( You can find them everywhere, at least in Platanias) we paid 47 Euros, (50% for children up to 12) That invluded pick up from the hotel, the buss drive & boat stopping @ Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon.
The trip in total lasted from pickup 0900 am - aprox 1900 PM back at the hotel in Platanias.
Written 4 July 2022
Bonjour,
savez vous si il y a des horaires pour accéder au Lagon de Balos ou si on peut y aller à n'importe quelle heure?
Je souhaiterais y aller à pieds et être au lagon pour 7h30/8h (donc passage au guichet vers 5h30-6h).
Merci
Written 22 February 2022
Bonjour. On s'y rend plutôt en voiture car à pied très longue marche. Accès gratuit sans horaire, par contre vous pouvez y aller avec un bateau mais c'est une excursion assez chère et compter la demie journée.
Written 23 February 2022
Hi everybody, does anybody know whether it is currently possible for tourists to visit the lagoon out of Chania town given the current Corona restrictions on Crete?
Written 4 May 2021
Hi guys.
Has anyone tried to hike from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon. By feet. No cars no ships.
I went last year with the ship from Kissamos to Balos. This year I really want to try to hike by feet. From Kissamos to Balos. Or anyone tried biking from Kissamos to Balos?
If yes how long does it take with the bike or on feet?
Thanks for any advices and suggestions
👍🏽😎
Written 3 April 2021
Hi, didn’t actually hike there, we drove and then walked down to Balos beach. But.... I’m sure that you could find a way to hike there. Just google it or you could ask for information from the tourist board. Sorry that I couldn’t help you out more.
Written 29 April 2021
We are still trying to decide if we should drive there or just take the boat from Kissamos. Hertz didn’t mention anything about driving on dirt roads. So I guess it is fine. We have the super CDW but of course in the fine print it says the undercarriage damage is not covered. The car is a small car (Hyundai i10). I’m fine with driving carefully and everything. Normally I was a bit inclined to take the boat but everyone says that once the boat arrives Balos gets too crowded and loses its beauty. Do you agree with this? Also I hope it is not too crowded nowadays (due to pandemic). Is there anyone who recently visited? How would you go?
Written 13 September 2020
I would drive and get there at 9am, otherwise it gets crowded early. Once the boat gets there it gets really packed. The drive though is tough. We had a Volkswagen Polo and it didn’t get damaged. Obviously be careful where you drive and how fast you go. Take your time. Get the car cleaned before you take it back to the Rental company as they try to scam you.
Written 13 September 2020
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