Laguna Balos in Crete. The most beautiful beach, turquoise water and Gramvousa pirate island

The Balos beach, together with the surrounding area, is considered to be the most beautiful placeinCrete. The largest island of Greece. I strongly agree with this opinion. Laguna Balos is the most beautiful beach on the island, at least the ones we managed to see, and there were quite a few of them. Balos is a hit of Crete and a must-see! The easiest way to get here is by boat from Kissamos. It is true that there is a gravel road from this village, but it is difficult to overcome and arouses many emotions, not necessarily pleasant.

Location and access to Balos

This place is amazing. It lies on the Gramvousa Peninsula, at the western end of Crete, in its northern part. It is quite inaccessible, and the number of people is limited at the peak of the season. Pets are not allowed here, so as not to disturb the peace of the local fauna. 

Access by car

You can reach Balos from Kissamos by a gravel road, through the town of Kaliviani, which lies at the foot of the promontory. This is where the road bounces north and turns into the famous gravel. For years, it was a public road. Exposed, narrow, among the rocks, directly above the sea. It certainly guarantees an adrenaline rush. They advise against it at the car rental company and the insurance does not cover it. Currently, a large car park is being built in Kaliviani, from which only special minibuses will be able to reach Balos, where previously there was a public car park.

Boat trip from Kissamos

That's why we chose another option, I think much more interesting, safer and more pleasant. An organized excursion combined with a ferry cruise from the port of Kissamos. Balos is a little over an hour away, with tourists from all over the world. This is the best way to get to Balos beach, which is very popular with tourists.

It is definitely nicer and nicer on the upper deck, which is not covered. It is better to take your place earlier, because the later, the harder it is to find free space. It's windy on the upper deck at times, so you might want to bring something besides summer clothes. It does not necessarily have to be a warm sweatshirt, pareo also worked quite well.

Laguna Balos - the most beautiful beach of Crete

You enter the bay and suddenly a paradise lagoon appears to your eyes, heavenly beautiful! It's definitely a Cretan hit and a paradise on earth. Balos is a wonderful lagoon, with amazing turquoise water, crystal clear and bright sands. Although there are more sharp rocks here than soft sand, as it is, it is wonderful. Tiny, applied by sea currents from the Sahara itself! And just like on Elafonisi, you will find pink particles here, which looks extremely charming and original.

Here you can lie on the beach, walk or take a bath. Sun loungers with umbrellas are waiting on site. Probably diving would be just as great, but we haven't tried and we have no experience in this matter.

There are toilets on the beach, but I do not recommend, Queues and smells were scaring away. Toilets and catering are available on the ferry. As part of the purchased trip, there is also a meal while sailing to Balos. 

From the deck, you can also notice a curiosity that the western shore of Crete emerges from the sea sinking, like the Titanic. This is the darker part, about 4 meters high. It is also known that every year the whole island comes a little closer to Africa. It is even said that with the larger earthquake that has already occurred here in the past, the island may break into 2 parts and sink its eastern part.

Entrance to the viewpoint

Instead of lying on the sand for a long time, I also recommend going through a shallow bay (you won't get your panties wet) and climbing stone stairs to the viewpoint. The sea and bay views are breathtaking, really! The color of the water is enchanting. A lot of tourists choose this option because it's worth it! Especially if you don't have a drone with you. We did, but it's still worth seeing this view with your own eyes!

Gramvousa - island of pirates

As part of the trip to Balos, you also visit the uninhabited island of Gramvousa. It can be seen from Balos, because it takes only 15 minutes to get there. It was not always deserted. In the 16th century, the Venetians built an unconquered Venetian fortress here, the ruins of which can be seen for free to this day. The beautiful views from the former stronghold are a real fairy tale! It is best to stand under the waving Greek flag!

But did you know that Gramvousa is a real pirate island? In the 19th century, pirates actually robbed and imprisoned sailors. More than 150 vessels fell prey to them. Interestingly, they built a church here and named it after the Mother of God the Thief. It's a fact, not a fairy tale, although it's hard to believe. It is worth visiting this place.

Beach wreck

It is also true that the surrounding waters have absorbed many ships. Legends say that it was impossible to reach Gramvousa. As it turns out, there is a grain of truth in them. Studies have shown that the waters of the three seas mix here and, in fact, ships have melted here every winter when the currents are stronger. The last one sank in the 1970s. Of the twentieth century. Its troubled wreck can be seen at the shore. The kids say it's a pirate ship. A romantic addition to the wonderful beach, although it is said that every year it delves deeper into the sea. So use it while there is time, because the landscape of this place is amazing. It is memorable for a long time.

Nature Conservation

Today, this corner is protected by Natura 2000. Here, nature is protected by a valuable, undamaged civilization. Interesting vegetation grows here, including pistachio, thyme, heather, juniper or wild onion. The vegetation, as in many places in Crete, is stunted and sharp. In addition, numerous bird species relax on Gramvousa during the annual migration to warm countries. Maybe even our Polish storks sometimes fly here.

Also read our guide to Venice attractions!

Gramvousa's Imeri is usually empty, but when a full ferry hits the shore, it immediately gets crowded. Therefore, if you fail to reach the shore as one of the first (you would have to be on the lower, covered deck), let it go for a while and wait until all the tourists rush to the fortress. You can approach the wreckage first. When the first wave has passed, only go to the top with the fortress to admire the views in greater peace. Comfortable shoes are useful, but fastened sandals, not necessarily trainers, will suffice. I do not recommend flip-flops.

All in all, Balos is a great place to spend the day. For us living in a hotel near Chania, it was a day trip organized. We left the hotel early in the morning by coach and returned late in the afternoon. It is one of the most beautiful days in our lives. This is a wonderful place in its entirety and this beautiful beach is certainly one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Everyone comes back from Balos enchanted!

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