Discovering the Balos Lagoon: A Practical Guide
Balos Lagoon in Crete is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with shimmering shades of blue, fine sand, and unique pink hues from crushed shells along the shore. This breathtaking spot is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, drawing countless visitors each year. However, reaching this picturesque destination requires some effort and planning.
Location and Access
Balos Lagoon, sometimes referred to as Gramvousa, is located at the westernmost tip of Crete, on the Gramvousa Peninsula. To visit Balos, you can either stay in the western part of Crete near Chania or be prepared for a lengthy journey if you’re based in Rethymno, Heraklion, or their nearby resorts.
The drive from Chania to Gramvousa takes about an hour, from Rethymno approximately two hours, and from Heraklion around three hours each way. For those staying near Heraklion, consider whether it’s worth spending 5-6 hours in a car just to visit Balos.
For travelers staying in eastern resorts like Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Istron, Sitia, or Ierapetra, Balos is quite far. Due to the distance, none of the local tourism agencies offer one-day excursions to Balos from these locations.
Road to Balos
From Kissamos port, a road leads through the Gramvousa Peninsula, but most of it, after passing Kaliviani village, is unpaved. This rocky mountain road is challenging even for 4×4 vehicles. Driving the 8 km stretch to the Balos parking lot typically takes 30-40 minutes with a jeep. Rental car companies in Crete often advise against driving on this road, as it can damage vehicles not suited for rough terrain. Some even include clauses in their contracts voiding insurance for damage sustained on unpaved roads.
Additionally, more car rental companies are equipping their vehicles with GPS tracking systems to monitor where their cars are driven. Some companies have installed systems that disable the car if it detects extended driving on unpaved roads.
Walking to the Lagoon
After driving through the Gramvousa Peninsula, you still need to walk to the lagoon. From the parking lot, it’s about a 1.5 km hike to the beach. During peak summer months, when the parking lot is full, you might have to park along the roadside, extending the walk to up to 4 km each way under the hot Cretan sun with no shade.
The parking area is situated on a hill about 150 meters above sea level. This means you need to descend and later ascend about 50 floors worth of height with no shade on the path.
Alternative: Boat Cruises
Given the rough road conditions, next time I visit Balos, I plan to take a boat instead.
Boat cruises offer a stress-free and scenic way to reach Balos. Daily cruises run from April to October from Kissamos port. These cruises not only bring you to Balos but often include a stop at Imeri Gramvousa island, where you can explore a historic pirate fort and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding seas—the Libyan, Ionian, and Cretan. The fort sits 137 meters high, providing breathtaking views. After exploring, you can cool off in the turquoise waters of Imeri Gramvousa’s beach.
Practical Tips
A boat cruise to Balos is both convenient and enjoyable. You don’t have to worry about your rental car’s insurance, and you get to experience the beauty of Imeri Gramvousa island. Plus, the cruise itself is a delightful and memorable experience.
In 2021, a boat cruise ticket from Kissamos port to Balos and back costs 29 Euros per person, 14 Euros for children aged 2-12, and is free for children under 2. Private boat and yacht trips are also available but are more expensive, with prices depending on the number of passengers and the route.
Conclusion
To maximize your vacation experience with minimal stress, I recommend taking a boat, catamaran, or yacht to Balos Lagoon. This way, you avoid the rough road and enjoy a leisurely cruise with stunning views and unique stops along the way.