Balos-Gramvousa from Hersonissos Area in Greece

Highlights:

• Board a boat and sail to Gramvousa and Balos
• Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Gramvousa
• Climb the Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island for unique views
• Enjoy relaxing moments on the exotic Balos Lagoon

Includes:

• Transportation in Air-Conditioned bus
• Pick-up and drop-off (from Malia to Ammoudara)
• Tour Guide
• Boat tickets (day cruise)
• Entrance fee to the natural park
• All the legal taxes
• Liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ

Not Included:

• Lunch
• Drinks
• Umbrellas

Please note: We offer pick-up from various points such as hotels and bus stops. As soon as you complete the booking, we will contact you in order to let you know the exact place and time of the Pick-up which is closer to your place of staying. What to bring: Back pack; Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen; Swimsuit, Beach towel; Comfortable sport shoes for hiking to the Gramvoussa fortress; Water.

Timetable Information:

Total Duration of the tour: 13- 14 hours

Start at: 6:30am

Finish at: 21:00

Itinerary:

Morning Pick up: We will start collecting participants from pick-up points in the morning.

Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus drive will differ.

Bus Drive to KasteliPort: 3.5 hours(average)

There will be a short stop on the way for restroom, toilet and snack 20 minutes

1st stop: Kasteli

The town of Kastelli at the western end of Crete. Thats where the boat sails from, to GramvoussaPeninsula and Balos lagoon.

Boat Trip: 1 hour

2nd stop: Gramvousa Peninsula, 1 hour 30 minutes

After the cruise across western Cretan sea, the boat arrives at Gramvousa.Walk up to the castle on the hill and take photos of the breathtaking panoramic view and Balos lagoon. Enjoy some time to swim and sunbathe by the coast.

Boat Trip: 15 minutes

4th stop: Balos Lagoon, 2 hours 30 minutes

After the cruise from Gramvousa, the boat will arrive at Balos lagoon. Travelers will have plenty of time to enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters of Balos, walk across the golden sand beach and explore the nature around.

Lunch: In the meantime, the restaurant of the boat will be open so clients can enjoy their meal any time between 12:00 and 17:00.

Boat Trip: 1 hour

5th stop: Kasteli

Arrival by boat back at the port of Kasteli.

End of the tour. Return to resorts:

Embarkation in the buses and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning.

Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ.

Return Bus Drive to resorts: 3.5 hours(average)

*There will be a short stop on the way back for restroom and snack 20 minutes

Balos Beach Crete And Gramvousa Boat Tour

Balos Beach Crete is one of the most striking coastal landscapes in western Crete, and this tour is designed to show it without stress or guesswork. Traveling by bus and boat cruise from the Kissamos area near Chania, you reach Balos Beach, Balos Bay, and the famous Balos Lagoon, where shallow turquoise water meets soft sandbars and gentle currents. Visiting Balos Beach means wading through crystal clear water, swimming near areas of natural pink sand, and relaxing in a protected lagoon that feels almost unreal. The boat tour continues to Gramvousa Island, where a short climb leads to the Venetian fortress overlooking the sea. Compared to arriving by rental car, this guided experience allows you to fully visit iconic landscapes of Crete without worrying about timing, parking, or rough roads.

Useful Tips Before Visiting

Before setting out to Balos Beach, prepare for a long but rewarding day.

• Wear water shoes, parts of the beach are rocky
• Bring sun protection, shade is limited
• Comfortable shoes help on Gramvousa
• Expect a full day with bus and ferry time
• Carry water and light snacks

Good preparation helps you enjoy every stop of this tour.

More Facts About This Experience

Balos Beach and the wider western Crete region have appeared in international cinema and television. Crete is famously linked to the film Zorba the Greek, while the British TV series Who Pays the Ferryman was largely filmed across western Crete, shaping the islands global image. Scenes from Shirley Valentine and The Two Faces of January were also filmed on Crete, reinforcing its cinematic reputation. Gramvousa Island frequently appears in European travel documentaries, and Balos Lagoon is often featured in National Geographic and BBC travel programs, making it one of the most recognizable natural locations in Greece.

Experiences To Combine With This Tour

After Balos Beach, many travelers continue with an Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island cruise to explore Cretes layered history. Others visit Santorini from Crete for volcanic landscapes and iconic villages. A Greek Cretan Evening nearby adds local music, dance, and food, turning this tour into a broader cultural journey.

Who This Experience Is For

This Balos Beach and Gramvousa tour suits couples, families with older children, solo travelers, and groups of friends. It is ideal for travelers who value scenery, swimming, light walking, and memorable photos over fast paced activities.