Elafonisi, the pink beach
from €30
Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa – the pirate island
Pricefrom €54 / person
Durationapprox. 12 hours
Pick-upfrom your hotel
CruiseBalos & Gramvousa
About the tour
Balos is the face of Crete – the place you've seen on postcards and every traveller dreams of. Turquoise water, pink sand and wild nature create a breathtaking landscape. If you're on Crete, you simply have to see it!
The day starts at Kissamos port, where we board a large, comfortable boat. It stops at Imeri Gramvousa, known as “pirate island” (approx. 2 hours), and in Balos Lagoon (approx. 3 hours). The captain decides the order of the stops on the day. On Gramvousa you can climb up to the Venetian fortress for incredible views or stay on the beach under a fig tree. Balos is a true treasure: crystal-clear shallow bays, soft sand and endless blue – time to soak it all up.
There's a bar with food and drinks on board throughout the trip, so you don't need to worry about supplies.
Adult price: €54
Children under 12: €27
Children under 3: free
Approximate schedule
- Pick-up from your hotel (along the Chania–Kissamos route).
- The boat leaves Kissamos port.
- Balos (approx. 3 hrs) and Gramvousa (approx. 2 hrs) – the captain decides the order of the stops.
- Back in Kissamos and onto the coach.
- Return to your pick-up point.
Highlights
- Balos Lagoon – feel like you're in the Caribbean as you wade through warm turquoise water.
- Gramvousa island – climb up to the historic pirate fortress or relax on a wild beach.
- Scenic cruise – relax on deck and admire the rugged coast of the Gramvousa peninsula.
- Pink sand – see the lagoon's unique shores shimmer in the sun.
Price includes
- Boat ticket (Kissamos – Balos – Gramvousa cruise).
- Municipality fee.
- Air-conditioned coach to the port and back.
- A guide who helps with everything along the way.
Not included
- Food and drinks (there's a self-service restaurant on board).
- Pick-up surcharge from Kalyves and Almyrida (€6 per person).
What to bring
- Comfortable clothes and shoes (sturdy shoes if you plan to walk up to the fortress).
- Beach towel and swimwear.
- A cap and sunscreen – the sun on the lagoon is very strong.
Booking information
Once your seats are confirmed, you'll receive an email with a voucher and details about payment and the exact pick-up time.
Pick-up from Kalyves and Almyrida: available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays (extra €6 per person). Staying somewhere else (e.g. Akrotiri)? Message us and we'll check if pick-up is possible.
Changes and cancellations
Please let us know about any changes at least 24 hours before departure. That helps us plan the logistics, and your seat won't go to waste – someone else may be able to use it. Thank you for your help!
Prefer to drive?
The Balos route is in the Crete Guide app: the gravel road, parking and the path down to the lagoon.
See the Crete Guide app
