Balos Lagoon Crete
A breathtaking lagoon with turquoise waters and pink sand, offering a surreal paradise experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Balos Lagoon Crete
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking lagoon with turquoise waters and pink sand, offering a surreal paradise experience.
"Balos Lagoon is by far the most unique, exotic, and naturally stunning beach on the island!"
🚗 Off-road Adventure
The road to Balos is bumpy! Consider a 4x4 or an organized tour for a smoother ride.
🚢 Boat Trip Option
Ferry tours from Kissamos offer a less strenuous way to reach Balos, often including Gramvousa.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Lagoon
Balos Lagoon
Turquoise waters, pink-tinged sand, and shallow lagoons create a surreal, postcard-perfect paradise.
Gramvousa Island Fortress
Gramvousa Island
Explore the Venetian fortress atop Gramvousa Island for panoramic views and a glimpse into history.
Pink Sand Beaches
Balos Lagoon
Discover the unique pink hues of the sand, a result of crushed shells, adding to the lagoon's charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Journey is Part of the Adventure
Pack Smart for Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Off-road Adventure
The road to Balos is bumpy! Consider a 4x4 or an organized tour for a smoother ride.
🚢 Boat Trip Option
Ferry tours from Kissamos offer a less strenuous way to reach Balos, often including Gramvousa.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated! There are limited facilities, so pack more water than you think you'll need.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for navigating the terrain, especially if you plan to explore Gramvousa.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Off-road Adventure
The road to Balos is bumpy! Consider a 4x4 or an organized tour for a smoother ride.
🚢 Boat Trip Option
Ferry tours from Kissamos offer a less strenuous way to reach Balos, often including Gramvousa.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated! There are limited facilities, so pack more water than you think you'll need.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for navigating the terrain, especially if you plan to explore Gramvousa.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must for this exposed, beautiful location.
🐐 Watch Out for Goats!
You might encounter some friendly local goats on your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Balos Lagoon is overwhelmingly praised for its breathtaking, almost surreal beauty, with visitors consistently highlighting the stunning turquoise waters and unique pink sand. The journey to reach it is often described as an adventure, with many finding the boat trip or off-road drive part of the charm. While some mention crowds, the overall consensus is that the spectacular scenery makes it a must-visit destination in Crete.
"We booked 2 nights at Omalos town, 5 minutes drive from the Samaria entrance. We started at 9 a.m. , we have thought, it was already late because the Hotel told Us start at 7-8. We eated breakfast first, At the entrace we have paid 10€ /person. We have 1,5 li water and some snacks. The 7 Hours journey is mostly descend, so we try our best to keep our Neck elivated from time to time. Anyway we were always on guard for falling stones in case. The Park is good organized , in every 3 or 4 km, station a medic personel. It has an abundant source of drinking water, so you will never get drought. The 1st half of the journey was only more on downhill rough dusty path. The best highlights are the Iron gates and the Old Samaria Village on the 2nd half of the journey. My partner's Hands became swollen because of the walking position and the Saniter told Us to cool off the Hands with cold water of Samaria. Once we reached the exit gate, We walked a bit until to the Bus stop and bought the Bus ticket to the Pier area. From the Pier we took the fastcraft boat to Sougia 40mins and from Sougia we took the Bus 1,5 hours back to the Parking area of Samaria National Park to get to our Car. At the End of the Day, we rewarded our trip to a satisfying Dinner."
Cheryl Heberling
"The four stars are for the overall duration which is at least 14 hours from your hotel and back.
It is up to you to decide if that worth your time.
Overall it is a great hike, no doubt.
Everything is well organised on the way, super safe with great, spectacular and unique views.
There is plenty of fresh free water sources, trust me you will need that.
But then you get trapped by the ferry and bus schedule and, worst of all, they are usually late at departure.
Things to know: 16 kilomtres is a lot even on flat land so be ready for a big effort.
Is getting extremely hot on the way, just be ready.
Some say no need of hiking shoes, but not having them makes the descent pretty hard and unpleasant in some places. But yes,it is still possible and safe without hiking shoes.
Last mile is a real pain due to the extreme heat. Luckily there is a small bus caring people for 2 euros, but you would pay even 20 to get to the port."
Ionel Mirea
"Endlessly spectacular scenery, a long walk and your legs might ache for a few days, but it's worth it. We got the 5am public bus from Chania, which was maybe a bit early as it's quite chilly in the mountains (take a jumper), it was a cold hour in the dark waiting for the cafe to open / park gates to open at 7am. Then it's about a 6 hour walk with many water refill stops. Not hard a hard walk, all basically down hill, we wore running trainers for the thicker soles, but saw people walking in jeans and normal trainers. Take swimming stuff to get in the sea at the end! Then the ferry to Agia Roumeli and the public bus back to Chania."
Chris Wood
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You have a few options to reach Balos Lagoon from Chania. The most popular is by car, which involves a scenic but bumpy off-road drive from Kissamos. Alternatively, you can take a boat tour from Kissamos port, which often includes a stop at Gramvousa Island. Some tours also depart directly from Chania, though these can be longer journeys.
Yes, the road to Balos Lagoon is unpaved and can be quite bumpy and rocky. Many visitors recommend a 4x4 vehicle for comfort and safety, or opting for an organized tour that handles the driving.
Boat tours typically depart from Kissamos port and often include a visit to Gramvousa Island. Reviews suggest booking in advance, especially during peak season, and checking for tours that offer a good balance of time at Balos and Gramvousa. Some travelers have noted overcrowding on certain boat tours.
There isn't a direct public bus service to Balos Lagoon. You would typically need to take a bus to Kissamos and then arrange further transport, such as a taxi or joining a tour from there.
While there are walking paths, the most common way to access Balos is by car or boat. The walk from the parking area to the lagoon viewpoint involves a descent, and the return journey is an ascent.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee for Balos Lagoon, which is typically collected at the parking area if you drive, or included in boat tour prices. This fee contributes to the conservation of the area.
Balos Lagoon is generally accessible during daylight hours. Boat tours have their own schedules, and if driving, you can typically go from sunrise to sunset. Arriving early is recommended to avoid crowds.
The entrance fee for Balos Lagoon is usually around €10 per person if you drive. Boat tours will have a higher cost, typically ranging from €25-€40 per person, which includes the boat trip and sometimes the Gramvousa entrance fee.
Absolutely! Balos Lagoon is famous for its shallow, warm, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it ideal for swimming and wading.
While generally open, access can sometimes be restricted due to weather conditions. It's always a good idea to check local conditions or your tour operator's advice before heading out.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with fewer crowds and softer shadows. The midday sun can be harsh, but the vibrant colors of the water are still stunning. 
Drone usage regulations can vary and are often restricted in protected natural areas. It's advisable to check current regulations before flying a drone in Balos Lagoon to avoid any issues.
The combination of the vibrant turquoise and blue waters, the unique pink-tinged sand, the dramatic landscape, and the iconic viewpoint make Balos incredibly photogenic.
Yes, the Venetian fortress on Gramvousa Island offers spectacular panoramic views of Balos Lagoon and the surrounding sea, providing excellent photo opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lagoon and landscape. A polarizing filter can help enhance the colors of the water and sky.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are limited facilities at Balos Lagoon itself. Some boat tours may offer food and drinks onboard, or you might find a small canteen near the parking area. It's best to pack your own snacks and water.
Bring plenty of water, sandwiches, fruits, and other snacks. This will save you money and ensure you have refreshments readily available.
Some boat tours offer food and drinks for purchase on board, but options can be limited and prices higher. It's advisable to check with your tour operator beforehand.
The nearest towns with a good selection of tavernas and restaurants are Kissamos and Chania. You can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Cretan cuisine there.
Yes, picnicking is a great option. Just be sure to take all your trash with you to help preserve the natural beauty of the lagoon.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
The soft sand, with its unique pink hues, is also perfect for building sandcastles. Consider taking a boat tour from Kissamos for a more relaxed journey, as it avoids the bumpy off-road drive. Pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and sun protection, as facilities are limited. The shallow waters mean you can easily supervise your children while they explore this natural wonder.
🚗 Adventurous Road Trippers
Renting a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended to navigate the terrain comfortably and safely. Remember to start early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the scenic drive at your own pace, stopping at viewpoints along the way. 📸 Photographers and Instagrammers
+2 Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer people. Don't forget to explore Gramvousa Island for dramatic fortress shots and panoramic vistas. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Balos: The Off-Road vs. Boat Debate
Boat tours from Kissamos are a popular alternative, providing a more relaxed journey. These tours often include a visit to the historic Gramvousa Island with its Venetian fortress, adding another layer to the day trip. While convenient, boat tours can be crowded, especially during peak season, and the schedule might feel rushed for some.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference for independence versus convenience, and your comfort level with off-road driving. Whichever you choose, the stunning destination is well worth the effort.
The Magic of Balos's Pink Sands and Turquoise Waters
+1The most distinctive feature, however, is the sand. In many areas, the sand shimmers with a delicate pink hue, a result of millions of crushed shells from marine organisms. This natural phenomenon creates a stunning contrast with the azure waters, making Balos a photographer's dream.
+1The shallow nature of the lagoon makes it exceptionally safe and enjoyable for families with young children, allowing them to splash and play in the warm, calm waters. The overall landscape, with its rugged cliffs and wild beauty, adds to the exotic allure of this Cretan gem.
Exploring Gramvousa Island: History and Views
The hike up to the fortress is steep but rewarding. From its ramparts, you're treated to unparalleled panoramic views of Balos Lagoon, the Aegean Sea, and the rugged Cretan coastline. It's a fantastic spot for photography and to appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of the area.
Don't miss the shipwreck on the western side of Gramvousa, a poignant reminder of the island's maritime history. The combination of historical exploration and stunning vistas makes Gramvousa Island a worthwhile addition to your Balos Lagoon experience.
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