Why You Should Visit Balos Beach (+ Tips to Get There, Things to Do, and Best Balos Cruises)
This post brings you all the information you need to explore the stunning Balos Beach and Lagoon. Discover how to visit Balos with a day cruise or a private Balos tour. Check out the best things to do in Balos Beach and what places to visit nearby.
Balos Beach and Lagoon is one of Crete’s most famous sights. It is a dreamy beach and a very popular destination on the island, famous for its unique turquoise sea and white sand. Despite being rather difficult to access, everyone visits Balos, making it busy and overcrowded during summer. To enjoy your day trip to Balos Beach, this guide will tell you everything you should know to plan the visit.
📍 Must-do: Balos Cruise 📍 Knossos Palace 📍 Check rental car rates for Crete 🚗
If you’ve checked my Insider’s Guide to Elafonisi, you already know my beach guides are thorough and trustworthy. All the guides on this blog are written by me, a Crete resident, and I always tell you more than just a few secrets! So… are you ready? Let’s explore Balos Beach and Lagoon!
Balos is in the Chania region (West Crete) and is often described as one of the best beaches in the world. It features an impressive turquoise sea, white-pinkish sand, and a glorious unspoiled landscape that gives the lagoon an exotic feel. Balos Lagoon is formed by the proximity between the Gramvousa Peninsula and Cape Tigani, a big squarish portion of land opposite the beach.
Map of Balos Beach and Lagoon
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Before you Go: Essential Things to Know About Balos Beach
📍 35.587590 N, 23.685170 E, Chania region, Crete’s northern coast
Balos is located…
- 248 km from Agios Nikolaos (Lasithi), about 4 hours by car.
- 190 km from Heraklion, about 3.5 hours by car.
- 114 km from Rethymnon, about 2.5 hours by car,
- 52 km from Chania, about 1 hour by car.
Public transport: Public buses for Kissamos Port leave from Chania Bus Station. You can also travel to Kissamos and get a taxi to the port of Kavonisi (about 2.5 km from the town center) to get the cruise to Balos.
- BUS TO KISSAMOS PORT: You can get to Kissamos from Chania by bus (from Chania Public Bus Station). The journey is about 70 minutes. The bus takes you to the port of Kissamos and stops opposite the docking area. Buses leave at 8.30, 9.30, 11 a.m., 12 and 3.30 p.m.
- BUS BACK TO CHANIA: Buses back to Chania will wait for the ships to arrive at the port from Balos. Daily departures are available at 7:45 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- BUS TICKET: €6.70
>> It is a good idea to stay nearby to visit Balos spending less time on the road.
Falasarna is a great seaside area about 30 minutes (by boat) from Balos. Kissamos is another place to stay near the port to reach Balos Beach.
– You can find accommodation in Falasarna, or
– Check out this guide to the best places to stay in Kissamos.
Getting to Balos from 2024
➡️ Please note that as of May 2024, ALL BOATS AND DAILY CRUISES that get to Balos are not allowed to dock at the jetty that existed until the summer of 2023 on the beach, which was removed for environmental reasons. Now, boats will anchor 300 to 400 meters from the beach, and those who wish to approach can only do it by SWIMMING.
Balos, Falasarna or Elafonisi, Which One to Visit?
These three beaches are in the same region (Chania) and are considered among the top 5 beaches of Crete. They are heavenly spots, and choosing one over the other is hard. As usual, it all depends on the type of holiday you prefer. If you don’t enjoy walking or hiking, consider alternatives to Balos.
A visit to Balos (by car) requires at least 20 minutes of hiking. The walk can be tiring, especially on the way back since you’ll be climbing up a rather steep hill.
Also, consider that carrying a cooler, an umbrella, and beach toys in the heat of summer might be too much. If you suffer from vertigo or cliffs are not your piece of cake, you’ll be more relaxed in Falasarna. Even the breathtaking road to Elafonisi doesn’t imply driving on a dirt road.
If crowds are not for you, Falasarna might be the solution. Despite being very popular among tourists, the beach is so wide that you can easily find an isolated spot to spend the day.
RELATED ARTICLE:
– Best Balos Beach Cruises and Day Trips
How to Reach Balos
Balos Beach is located on the Gramvousa Peninsula, a place with difficult access, yet thousands of tourists venture on this road every year to visit this spectacular beach. Two are the popular ways to get there, driving or by boat.
However, you can also go to Balos in many other ways. Here, I will tell you about all the options available at the time of writing.
Getting to Balos by Car
To get to Balos, you have to drive past the city of Kissamos and the port of Kavonisi. After about 1.5 km after the port, turn right towards Kaliviani village and continue through Kalyviani to the road to Balos (follow the signs). At the end of the village, you will arrive at the infamous dirt road to Balos.
You don’t need to worry about getting lost; you will find frequent signs indicating the right road to take.
After the entrance post and paying the €1 fee to access the peninsula (cash only), you’re officially on the road to Balos.
What’s Driving to Balos Like?
First and foremost, this infamous road is not as bad as reviews claim! I took the cruise to Balos twice, but it became my favorite way to go once I tried driving. You do not need an exceptional off-road vehicle if you drive carefully and pay enough attention to the road.
There are a few narrow spots along the way, but they’re not so narrow or so many. You’ll usually find enough space for two (sometimes even three) cars. There are also areas where you can easily maneuver and turn back.
The road gets narrower close to the parking entrance, but that’s because when the parking area is full, people leave their cars on the road itself. You can avoid this by arriving very early or later in the afternoon.
Besides, if you decide to return at that point, you can still access the parking lot to turn back. Second, the real reason driving these eight kilometers can take you so long is not the size of the road but its conditions.
Most tourists drive a rental car to avoid damage to the tires (which is not normally covered by insurance). However, most car rental companies will warn you that your car won’t be insured if you take the road to Balos. Tourists don’t care much because everyone goes to Balos with a rental car!
>> Although there have been rumors of this road being closed to traffic in season 2024 due to the impressive number of daytrippers, it is still possible to get to Balos by car.
The same goes for the locals driving their cars…. who wants a broken suspension? That’s the main reason why the trip tends to feel long. It’s a slow drive.
This brings me to the third consideration: the road to Balos is not always dirt. It combines big stones, dirt, and old concrete, not asphalt. The track is in a pitiful condition and produces a lot of dust. There are also big potholes you will want to avoid.
As you can see, those are the real reasons that make the trip long and shaky. And then, there are the goats; they might slow you down a bit more, but the goats are fun… and friendly!
Hiking to Balos Beach
Once you’ve left the car in the parking area, you must hike towards the beach for 20 to 30 minutes and go down about 850 steps.
The first part of the walk is pretty easy, while the last is irregular and riskier. I’ve seen people fall—nothing serious, but be careful, especially on your way back.
As you follow the path down to the beach, you’re surrounded by the landscape of the Cretan mountains, maquis, and reddish soil. After walking for a while, you’ll descend towards the lagoon and step on high rocky steps. The first sight of the beach will leave you in awe.
The same hike will take you back to the car park. However, it is usually more exhausting since, this time, you’ll be climbing up.
Take all the time you need, carry abundant water, and don’t be ashamed to stop to catch your breath… or the last sight of the lagoon.
Many people choose to ride a donkey or a horse up and down. We don’t support this practice, but you have that option. It’s better to carry your flip-flops in a bag and walk in comfortable shoes.
Remember to look out for this famous Balos view as you reach the beach. Stop here for photos and to enjoy the breathtaking landscape.
A pair of tennis or hiking sandals would be enough. Make sure you have enough water to cover both ways. You can stock up on water for the way back at the beach bar.
Remember, the last hundred meters of your hike down to the beach are steep and on very soft sand. Be careful and avoid running.
From Heraklion to Balos Beach
After years of living in Crete and many trips on the island, I advocate seeing Crete one place at a time. Slow travel on Crete can be a rewarding experience. We have always enjoyed stopping in different cities and changing accommodations every 2-3 days. That being said, if you’re wondering whether reaching Balos from a remote location is worth the effort, yes, it is!
Traveling to Balos is always worth it. However, driving the long route of Heraklion-Balos as a day trip can be very tiring. For that reason, booking an organized tour like this one with transfers included is a better idea.
Some readers have asked me if this trip is possible by taxi from Heraklion… I guess it is if you’re ok with spending a lot of money! The best solution in such a case is to set aside a few days and make a few stops to see other areas.
You can plan a stop to visit the Rethymno. Take a second break near Lake Kournas, Georgioupoli, or Chania Old Town. Adding at least one night stop in the middle of the road is always better.
From Rethymno to Balos Beach
Rethymno is not as far from Balos as Agios Nikolaos or Heraklion. However, if you intend to make your Rethymno-Balos a day trip, you must get up early to avoid the crowds. Likewise, if you’re traveling back to Rethymno on the same day, you might want to get back on the road early to avoid the dirt road in the dark and the traffic.
Or you can join a Rethymnon-Balos day trip with a transfer and avoid getting on the road after a long day on the beach. Remember that the same highway also takes tourists to Falasarna and the famous beaches of Elafonisi and Paleochora.
An early departure will reduce your time on the beach. You might also have to leave before the beautiful sunset on the west coast. Otherwise, book a stay nearby (in Kaliviani or Kissamos) and leave early the next day. Let’s say that the Rethymno-Balos route is a doable day trip. Just be aware you might feel limited… and very tired at the end of the day!
From Chania to Balos Beach
It’s fairly easy to reach Balos from Chania, a significant departure point for visiting the western coast. I recommend staying in Chania instead of Kissamos because Chania offers more things to do during your holiday.
There are many other beautiful beaches in the region besides Balos, such as Stavros or Kalathas in the north and Paleochora or Sougia in the south. However, Kissamos is still a great place to stay for those who want a relaxing holiday.
From Kissamos to Balos Beach
Staying in Kissamos is a great way to save driving time and make the most of a day in Balos. Once you depart from Kissamos, you quickly reach the village of Kaliviani, and from there, you keep driving to the Gramvousa peninsula.
Other good places to stay close to Balos include Falasarna, Drapanias, and Kolymbari if you want to stay by the sea. Otherwise, if you prefer a quiet, inland town, the village of Platanos is a good place to stay.
Getting to Balos if You Don’t Want to Drive
Balos Boat Trip
A popular way to get to Balos is on a Day Cruise. You get to see Balos Beach and visit Imeri Gramvousa island. The advantage of this trip is that you don’t have to drive. Therefore, it’s a great solution if you don’t rent a car in Crete.
All you need to do is be at the port of Kissamos on time to get the ticket or—better—buy the ticket online beforehand. You can also rent an umbrella from them. The trip is a good compromise, and the prices are relatively reasonable. In my personal experience, the cruise was not bad, but if I could choose, I would prefer to drive to Balos.
Day Cruise to Balos
The cruise to Balos officially includes a stop on the island of Imeri Gramvousa. This beach gets crowded when the daily cruises arrive. You can hike to the highest point of Imeri Gramvousa (137 meters) to explore the ancient 1579 Venetian castle. Gramvousa played an essential role during the Venetian resistance against the Ottomans.
The steep hike to the castle takes about 25 minutes. But it repays with stunning views. If you plan to hike, leave the flip-flops for later and wear comfortable shoes.
The next stop is Balos Beach and Lagoon, where you will have 2-3 hours to swim and explore. If you intend to take the famous photo of the peninsula and the beach from above, you must hike up and down the mountain for about 45 minutes. Take that into account!
HOW TO BOOK A BALOS CRUISE
The best way to get hold of a Balos Daily Cruise ticket is to book online at least a couple of days in advance during the high season (July – August). You can often get tickets at the port on the departure day, early June and late September.
I have written this >>guide reviewing the best Balos Tours<< (including cruises and drives). I vividly suggest you check it out before booking a trip to Balos.
These are some of the most convenient alternatives to visit Balos with a daily cruise:
- Cruise to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa from the Port of Kissamos ~ Balos best-selling cruise.
>> BOOK HERE
- Balos Gramvousa Cruise with Transfer and Boat Ticket ~ If you want to join the daily cruise but don’t want to take the bus or drive to Kissamos port, this tour includes the transfer from Chania.
>> BOOK HERE
- Sailing Cruise to Balos and Gramvousa with Lunch ~ This is a more private experience on a classic sailing yacht.
>> BOOK HERE
You can find more Balos Cruises and other day trip options to visit Balos Lagoon here.
Reaching Balos On Foot
If you enjoy hiking, different trails can take you to Balos. The most common (and shortest) one connects Kalyviani to Balos Beach.
HIKING (OR CYCLING) FROM KALYVIANI
Those keen on hiking and outdoor adventures can walk (and even cycle) to Balos from Kalyviani village. However, car traffic is heavy in summer, and you might swallow an undesired amount of dust from the road.
If you are going for this experience, remember to bring enough water for the trail, which is about eight kilometers long. In summer, wear a hat and lots of sunscreen protection. During the walk, you’ll encounter goats and will be able to enjoy the magnificent landscape.
Keep your eyes on the ground for eventual rocks and terrain irregularities, but don’t forget to look up occasionally. You will undoubtedly spot some of the local vultures up in the sky.
One place worth a stop is the chapel of Agia Irini, a somewhat isolated little church on the edge of the cliff that overlooks the bay of Kissamos.
HIKING FROM FALASARNA BEACH
Avoid this hike if you’re not an experienced hiker or plan to do this alone. This alternative road is only for those facing extreme and dangerous adventures. The hike from Falasarna to Balos goes along the rugged western coast of the Gramvousa peninsula, with cliffs plummetting right into the sea.
It’s a very dangerous trail, and the whole hike can last up to 8 hours. You should not venture on this path without the required resources: excellent hiking shoes, hiking poles, and plenty of water.
My instinct advises you to avoid the experience altogether unless you’re a very experienced hiker.
On the other hand, both locals and experts recommend facing this adventure only in groups and never as solo travelers.
Cape Vouxa Hike
Cape Vouxa is the extreme tip of the Gramvousa Peninsula, and it’s possible to reach the area after a 1-2 hour walk along the eastern coast of the cape.
It’s not a dangerous trail, but it’s long and on irregular terrain, which can be tiring in the heat of the Cretan summer. The path also starts in the parking area. Where the hike to the beach begins, there’s a second signpost with information about the path to Cape Vouxa. The trail is never too crowded, and it’s well-marked.
Upon arrival, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the channel between the peninsula and the island of Agria Gramvousa.
Balos Beach: Is it Worth Visiting?
The impressive shallow turquoise lagoon and the pristine sand beach have made Balos one of the must-visit places on Crete and a worth visiting destination on the island. At sunset, the area feels abandoned once every ship is gone, which is the most beautiful moment on the beach.
Balos Lagoon is one of the best-known pictures of Crete that you can find online. It has been published and shared so often that it has become one of the island’s most popular and overcrowded tourist spots.
The lagoon is usually shallow, very clear, and warm. However, some black spots are on the sand and in the water near the shore. When I asked, locals told me that the black stains were from coal tar (they’re very slippery indeed). Some people have described them as organic material that remains in the lagoon (and sometimes gets smelly).
When it’s windy, a combination of algae and the endemic sea species known as Neptune grass gathers on the sea bottom.
Cape Tigani
Once on the beach, you can wade to the Tigani Peninsula and visit the small chapel of Agios Giorgos and a giant cave nearby. This cave has a tragic story dating back to the Ottoman invasion.
During this period, many women and children sought refuge from the invaders in the cave, but they were found and killed by the Turks. You can also hike to the top of the formation in Tigani; it’s a relatively easy walk. If you’re into photography, this is a great place for panoramic and unusual shots of Balos Lagoon.
Natural Landscape
The protected biotope Balos-Gramvousa includes more than 400 different plants and shrubs, some of which are endemic to the island. The Anthemis glaberrima is one species that only grows in the area.
In the shallow waters, Neptune grass (Posidonia oceanic) shelters different varieties of marine life. Snorkeling is an excellent way to discover this habitat. Plenty of birds, such as the bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), also populate Balos.
Balos is another of Crete’s refuges for the Caretta Caretta turtle and the Mediterranean seal Monachus Monachus.
Facilities on Balos Beach
From mid-April until the end of October, a canteen sells water and snacks at the parking spot. There’s also a small bar on the beach. Food options are limited and sell fast, so lunch packing is a good idea. You can rent umbrellas and sunbeds, hire boats, and use public toilets.
SPORTS: Unless you book a tour to Balos on a private luxury yacht, including jet skis or other amenities, no water sports facilities are available on the beach. There are just a few pedal boats with water slides.
Restaurants Near Balos Beach
There’s just a tiny beach bar trying to serve all the visitors to the area. Options are restricted, and prices are what they are when there’s just one bar available. The best thing you can do is to bring all you need to spend the day. Include fruit and a lot of water, and have your picnic!
Another option is to buy a few sandwiches in one of the many bakery shops in Kissamos and bring fruit from home. On your way back, stop for an early dinner in Kaliviani village. My favorite place there is Aragathos.
Where to Stay Near Balos
If you plan to spend a couple of days in the area or want to avoid a long drive to Rethymnon or Heraklion, these are some hotels you can book near the road to Balos. Remember that there are no beach hotels, so most people stay in Chania and visit Balos on a day trip. Alternatively, you can stay in Falasarna, Kalyviani, or Kissamos.
- Kaliviani Traditional Hotel
📍 9 km from Balos Beach and 4 km from Kissamos.
This guest house is in Kalyviani, almost where the road for Balos begins. It offers basic accommodation with views of the bay of Kissamos Gulf. If you’re getting ready to hike, they serve a traditional homemade breakfast that will fill you with the needed energy for the long walk!
>> BOOK HERE
- Balos Beach
📍 9 km from Balos Beach.
This 3-star hotel has excellent ratings. It offers self-catering rooms overlooking the bay of Kissamos or the mountains. The hotel has a swimming pool, a bar, and a fitness room.
>> BOOK HERE
- Seaside Villa Balos
📍 1.9 km from the port of Kissamos.
The villa is in Kissamos, only meters from the shore. It is great for a family with kids and larger groups. It has three bedrooms, a seating and dining area, a beachfront patio, and a fully equipped kitchen.
>> BOOK HERE
Camping in Balos Beach
Greek laws forbid camping in areas other than officially designated camping sites. We do not encourage breaking the law in Greece or anywhere else! However, for the sake of precision, it’s fair to report that camping outdoors in Crete is a reality.
There are several beaches on the island (we’ve discussed the case of Kedrodasos here) where people spend the night illegally.
Remember that if you choose to stay overnight and want to avoid a fine, the only way to do so is with just a sleeping bag. If, during a police control, you’re sleeping overnight on the beach but do not have a tent, you won’t be fined.
It’s vital to know that if you camp in Balos, you should not leave traces behind you, collect your waste, even if organic, and not damage any species. Lighting a fire is also forbidden.
Best Time to Visit Balos Beach, Crete
Balos is a must-visit place on Crete during the summer. Overall, the best weather to sail and enjoy a beach day in Balos is from late May until the end of September. However, I believe Balos is also fascinating off-season. Without the crowds, there’s a unique atmosphere that’s worth experiencing. Most of the photos in this post are from a visit in October. During that month, though, you will have to visit by car or hiking, since cruises end around the middle of the month.
Balos boasts a privileged position as it is often protected by the winds. However, it can occasionally be windy, mostly in late spring and early fall. The wind won’t be blowing as much as it does in Falasarna or Elafonisi, but there’s not much you can do if it happens. One mild solution is to seek a protected location to spend the day. The best-repaired spots are close to the shore on the Tigani peninsula.
Balos is mostly a lagoon. There’s little (sometimes none) water exchange with the sea. Therefore, it’s sometimes smelly when close to the shore.
This is because organic material gathers on the spot. Because the lagoon is so shallow and has a muddy structure, the sea bottom allows the proliferation of microorganisms. That explains the rather unpleasant smell on some days and in some areas. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do. Try leaving the lagoon and getting closer to the open sea. This can reduce the perception of unpleasant smells.
Nearby Places to Visit
If you spend some days near Balos to make the most of the beach, you can also enjoy a few day trips in the immediate area. These include the following places:
Imeri Gramvousa Island
Imeri Gramvousa, together with Spinalonga and Souda islands (also known as Aptera Island), was the last Venetian outpost when Crete fell in the hands of the Ottoman Empire. Years later, while the rest of Crete was freed from the Ottomans in 1898, Gramvousa was already free as early as 1825. The castle is a wonderful example of a Venetian fortification dating from the 16th century.
Falasarna Beach
Falasarna is one of the top beaches on the island and it’s quite close to Balos. The area features excellent wind conditions for water sports. Known as one of the best spots to enjoy the sunset, Falasarna is famous for its laid-back atmosphere.
RELATED ARTICLE:
– Things to Do in Falasarna.
Ancient Falasarna
Ancient Falasarna was once a major trading center and important harbor, the city saw its greatest moment in the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C. A few meters before the site’s entrance is the Throne of Falasarna, a structure resembling a chair, probably used as a podium for public speeches.
RELATED ARTICLE:
– Archaeological Sites in Crete.
Sfinari Beach
Sfinari is a quiet seaside village about 30 km from Kissamos and 14 km south of Falasarna. It’s a great place for a day trip or to stop when reaching the southern beach of Elafonisi. The shore is a mix of sand and pebbles, with several trees for shade. When it’s not windy, it’s good for swimming and snorkeling. For a great meal, I strongly recommend a stop at Captain Fidias.
🏕️ Finding accommodation in Sfinari is possible if you’re looking to relax. Camping is also possible in the village.
You can also visit the secluded nearby Platanakia, another beach south of Sfinari. To get there, you need to hike across Cape Korakas. Platanakia is one of the nudist-friendly beaches in West Crete
Bus Schedule: Chania – Sfinari
– You can reach Sfinari following the coastal road from Falassarna, but buses depart from Chania with Ktel, the local bus company.
– Routes Chania-Kastelli and Kastelli-Kampos have the following departure times:
11 a.m., 12, 1 pm, 2.30, 3.30, 4.30, 5.30, 6:30, 8, 9.45 p.m.
The journey is about 50 minutes. Learn more about bus travel in Crete.
Kissamos
Kissamos is a seaside city about 43 km from Chania and one of West Crete’s main towns. It has several beaches, hotels and rooms to rent, tavernas, and shops. In Kissamos, you can visit the important Archaeological Museum.
⛴️ Kissamos port (Kavonisi) has weekly ferries to the Peloponnese, including Kalamata and the island of Kythera.
Polyrrenia
Known also as Polirrinia or Polyrrhenia, this fortified ancient city was a key Hellenistic center engaged in permanent fights with the naval settlement of Falasarna. It was also a rival of Kydonia (today Chania) and Knossos. You can see most of Polyrrinea’s fortifications and a former early Christian basilica.
You can visit churches from several historical periods and an ancient temple from the 4th century BC, probably dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis. The most impressive remains are the Roman towers, aqueduct tunnels, and cisterns used to collect water and distribute it to public fountains.
The archaeological site of Polyrrenia is about 8 km inland from Kissamos, and it can be accessed for free. The local bus from Kissamos will take you to Polyrrenia.
Beyond Crete: Kythera and Antikythera from Kissamos Port
Even with so much to do and see in Crete, you can plan an addition to the itinerary by visiting these two islands that belong to the Peloponnese. The smallest of them, Antikythera, is located halfway between Crete and Kythera. Antikythera can be seen from the coast of Balos on a clear day.
I hope this guide to Balos Beach is a helpful tool to plan your visit to this unique Cretan beach. Either on a day trip from Chania or a visit from any other town on the island, Balos is truly worth your time on the road!
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A Local’s Guide to Balos Beach
Gabi, the Crete Insider
Hi, I’m Gabi — your go-to local expert in Crete! I’ve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and I’ve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion — guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.
I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.
