Day Trips from Crete to Balos Beach and Lagoon

See some of Crete’s most beautiful beaches on this private tour from Chania. Skip the crowded buses on a private tour and relax on the scenic drive to Balos, a stunning lagoon with white sand beaches. You’ll also visit Falassarna, a beach known for its ideal windsurfing and kite-surfing conditions.

Discover Crete’s timeless beauty and history with our self-guided tour, designed so you can explore at your own pace. Start in Heraklion at Lions Square, the city’s center, then visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to see Minoan treasures. Step into myth at Knossos Palace, where frescoes and ruins evoke Crete’s ancient civilization, before sampling local wines in the colorful village of Archanes. Take a boat to Dia Island for swimming and snorkeling, then head to the Lasithi Plateau, a landscape of windmills and mountain villages. Descend into the legendary Cave of Zeus and sail from Elounda to Spinalonga Island to explore its fortress and unique history. Relax on Matala Beach, famed for its golden sand and caves, and stroll through peaceful Pitsidia. Discover the ancient sites of Phaistos and Gortyna, then head to Chania’s old town, Venetian harbor, and the Egyptian Lighthouse. Finish your journey at Elafonissi’s pink sands, Balos Lagoon, and the tranquil village of Loutro.

Explore the spectacular Balos Lagoon on a 4x4 Jeep Safari from Kissamos! Travel through the wild landscapes of the Gramvousa Peninsula in a comfortable, air-conditioned Jeep, accompanied by an experienced local driver. Enjoy 4 hours of free time at Balos, including approximately 3 hours of beach time to swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, relax, explore the lagoon and take unforgettable photos. The experience also includes a scenic trail of moderate difficulty, taking about 1 hour in total (25 minutes downhill and 35 minutes uphill). Along the route, discover the natural beauty and wildlife of Crete, with possible encounters with wild goats and eagles, while learning about local products and traditions. • Air-conditioned 4x4 Jeep transportation • 4 hours of free time at Balos • Small groups, max. 6 people per Jeep • Experienced local driver • Minimum booking: 1 people An authentic Balos adventure — more than just a transfer!

Elevate your Cretan vacation with an experience designed for pure luxury and absolute peace of mind. unlike the standard tour, the signature private tour accompanied by our professional guide/chauffeur ensures a completely seamless VIP journey from your hotel lobby to the famous pink sands of Balos. What truly sets us apart is our zero-compromise approach to service. We do not just drop you off at Kissamos port to navigate the crowds alone. We board the cruise with you! Your guide remains by your side throughout the entire maritime adventure to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon, guaranteeing dedicated VIP attention and instant problem-solving. You will travel in absolute comfort in the flagship Black Mercedes-Benz VIP Minivan (Full Extra) featuring premium climate control, Wi-Fi, and a complimentary signature Cretan gift box. Your dedicated 24/7 Concierge pre-books your ferry tickets in advance, allowing you to bypass the stress of ticket lines. Book your exclusive VIP holiday today!

Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island are considered among Crete’s top attractions, but organizing transportation independently cuts into valuable sightseeing and sunbathing time. On this tour, reach both sites with ease by boat and discover their natural beauty. Follow winding walking routes at your leisure, soak up the rays by the lagoon, and enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off at your Chania accommodation.

On this personalized, small-group up to 6 people per vehicle. Travel in a comfortable 4WD drive vehicle to off-road locations that you wouldn’t be able to access by bus or minibus. Venture from Kaliviani village to a viewpoint above the spectacular Balos Lagoon and then on to Falassarna Beach. As an extra perk, a sunbed is reserved for you on the beach, and lunch is provided at a local restaurant.

Avoid the hassles of self-driving and set out on a customizable off-road safari across northwestern Crete to Balos Lagoon with a private driver-guide. Admire panoramic views of Kissamos Bay and Gramvousa Island before a short hike down to the white-sand beach and turquoise waters for a swim. Savor an authentic Cretan meal with local wine (at your own expense) and enjoy the relaxing coastal scenery.

Discover the westernmost tip of Crete on a scenic bus and boat trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay. Dip your toes in the soft white sand of some of the most beautiful beaches you ever have seen!Upon arrival, climb aboard a boat and cross to Balos Bay at the northernmost tip of the peninsula. Relax on the 1-hour boat trip, and get 2.5 hours at Balos Bay to enjoy the soft white sands and unique blue and green waters of the lagoon.

Balos Beach and Lagoon and Gramvousa Island hold some of Crete’s most dazzling beaches. But they can be fiddly to reach independently. Skip the self-drive hassles and relax on this small-group day trip, which includes door-to-door transfers from select hotels. Enjoy a couple of hours on the soft white sands at Balos then a slightly shorter stop on Gramvousa Island. Please note, the boat to Gramvousa is at your expense.

With its turquoise waters and pale sands, Balos Beach and Lagoon is one of Crete’s most-photographed locations. Beat the crowds and discover it and Gramvousa Island from the water on this lively catamaran cruise with an onboard entertainer, snacks, brunch, and lunch included—as well as hot drinks, soft drinks, and water. Upgrade for a VIP package, featuring a reserved sunbed and complimentary towel on the sunny upper deck, plus priority boarding.

Starting early, heading west, we reach the port of Kissamos. Here we take our boat for approximately a 1 hour pleasant sail along the coastline. Arriving in the port of the ex­-pirate island of Gramvousa we hear how, during the Turkish occupation, the residents of the island started looting passing boats thus giving the island its pirate reputation. Don’t miss out on a visit to the Venetian castle on top of a steep rock as this is one of the most impressive castles in Greece. There is plenty of time for swimming or lunch on board. Our boat then departs for the Blue Lagoon of Balos, a shallow and warm water lagoon which brings to mind similar lagoons in the Caribbean. You will be disembarked at a distance of 50 meters from the shore according to the Law , as there will be no approach pier. Balos is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. Enjoy a fantastic swim and relax for approximately 3 hours before boarding for the return sail. An experience to remember a lifetime !

Full Day PRIVATE Cruise out of Kissamos Port to BALOS beach and GRAMVOUSA island Check in: 10am embarkation in Kissamos port Check out: 5pm disembarkation in Kissamos port Description of the cruise: As soon as you embark, we will start our trip to the beautiful Balos beach for our first stop, anchoring, for swimming and relaxation. You will have enough time to swim and explore the seabed if you wish as we will provide you the necessary snorkeling equipment. Then we will sail across, to Gramvousa island, for the next stop. In this second stop you will have the opportunity to visit the old pirate fortress on the top of the hill. Included: Snacks, fruits drinks and lunch will be offered during the cruise to complete a beautiful day on the sea.

By our sailing boats "Izabela" and "Poseidon" we organise day cruises to Gramvousa and Balos. Our journey starts from Kissamos Port. After about 90 minutes of cruising, we will reach our first destination, the lagoon of Balos, one of the most beautiful beaches over the Europe. The turquoise water invites you to swimming and snorkeling. We will spend next two hours there, while you can enjoy the beach and relax. We will have a pleasure to offer you traditional and light Cretan lunch on board. Our next stop is the island of Imeri Gramvousa. There you can enjoy the beautiful beach and take a bath in the crystal clear water. On top of the island, you will find an old Venetian Castle. The views from there are really breath taking. Then we will head back. Anytime that the wind will be enough we will be experience sailing. On board you have for your disposal a cabin to rest or sleep, bathroom with shower. We provide snorkeling equipment. Ofered drinks are water, soft drinks, beer and wine.

We leave from Kolymbari port at 10:00 and go directly to Gramvousa island where you can enjoy the turquoise waters and if you wish, walk up to the castle for a beautiful panoramic view. We then move onto Balos lagoon where you have free time for swimming and relaxing. Our aim is to arrive at each place before the larger ferry boats from Kissamos, giving you the opportunity to enjoy them as less crowded as possible. We then move onto Menies beach and Choironissia for another swim and we arrive back at the port of Kolymbari around 18:00

Skip the expense of car hire and relax with this convenient transfer service for scenic Gramvousa island. Your bus will collect you at one of a range of Chania locations, and drive you to the port of Kissamos. Here, pay for your prebooked tickets and a small municipality fee, board the boat, and explore the island. Catch the boat to Balos Lagoon before returning to Chania by bus.

This exclusive private cruise offers a rare chance to explore Crete’s most stunning and secluded western coastlines with comfort and style. Unlike typical group tours, you’ll visit four extraordinary stops—two of which, Gramvousa Island and Chironisia Bay, are accessible only by boat—ensuring an intimate and untouched experience. Swim in crystal-clear lagoons, explore an ancient Venetian fortress, snorkel near a mysterious sunken shipwreck, and relax on pristine, quiet beaches far from the crowds. With personalized service from a local skipper and a curated selection of Cretan delicacies and drinks onboard, this journey combines natural beauty, history, and authentic culture for a truly unforgettable day at sea.

Embark on a 5-hour journey filled with unforgettable moments as you explore the most breathtaking beaches of Northwest Crete – Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. * Private Skippered Wellcraft Scarab Excel 31" 850Hp Powerboat for up to 5 persons * Swim in secluded bays with crystal-clear waters * Enjoy panoramic views of Chania Old Town and the North Riviera * Enjoy Balos and Gramvousa island

Our luxury catamaran is your floating paradise — spacious, elegant, and built for comfort. Whether you stretch out on a sunbed, unwind in a shaded lounge, or dance under the open sky, you’ll always find your perfect spot. A cheerful onboard entertainer keeps the energy alive, turning the journey into a day filled with fun and connection. Rich selection of Cretan snacks, a light brunch, and a delicious lunch — all included. Coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise. For adventure lovers, try (SUP), snorkeling, or simply floating on one of our inflatable noodles. Ticket Options: Comfort – Lower deck, open seating. VIP – Upper deck with reserved sunbed, towel, water, and priority boarding. Cruise Schedule 08:30 – Departure from Kissamos Port 09:30 – Swim near Balos Lagoon 12:20 – Anchor at Gramvousa Bay 13:00 – Lunch served on board 15:30 – Return to Kissamos The itinerary may change due to weather — your comfort and safety always come first.

Cruise through breathtaking seascapes, explore the stunning Balos Lagoon, and enjoy crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and unforgettable views.

Cruise through breathtaking seascapes, explore the stunning Balos Lagoon, and enjoy crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and unforgettable views.

Balos Beach is a world-famous, exotic beach located on the northwestern coast of Crete, Greece. Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, Balos is often described as a natural paradise and is considered one of the most stunning beaches iThe beach’s unique landscape features soft white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a shallow lagoon with shallow waters, which creates an otherworldly appearance. The lagoon is separated from the open sea by a small islet called Gramvousa, upon which sits an ancient Venetian fortress in Europe.