Balos Beach and Lagoon Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Balos Beach and Lagoon. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Balos & Falassarna Beach - Jeep Tour with Loungers and Lunch

• Private Boat Trip Kissamos Balos (Price Per Group - Up to 10 People)

• Balos and Gramvousa Luxury Catamaran Sailing Cruise from Kissamos

• Private Balos and Falassarna Tour – Lagoon, Beach, and Scenic Views

• Private Boat Trip Chania - Balos (Price Is Per Group-Up to 9 People)

You can visit Balos Beach and Lagoon for free. However, because the road there isn’t the best and parking is limited, many travelers arrive by boat from Kissamos. Shared cruises start at around US$150 and typically last about five hours, including a lagoon stop. Or, book a private cruise starting at around US$350 per group.

Yes, Balos Beach and Lagoon is worth visiting if you find yourself on Crete. Because it's remote and difficult to access by car, it's one of the island's most unspoiled beaches. With its dramatic limestone cliffs, calm turquoise waters, and white sandbars with a hint of pink, it's also among the most picturesque.

Per one customer who booked the Private Boat Trip Kissamos Balos (Price Per Group - Up to 10 People), "Great trip! It was fun, adventures, and beautiful. The private tour of Balos is the only way to do it. We avoided crowds, swam in clear empty bays, watched sunset from the boat, and had a great time! It was a very special part of our time in Crete!"

You can reach Balos Beach and Lagoon by car or boat. If traveling by car, be prepared for a rough dirt road for the last stretch and then a 20–30 minute hike from the parking lot. Alternatively, boat tours depart from the Kissamos port to take you directly to Balos Beach.

The best time to visit Balos Beach is from late spring to early fall (May to October). Go in the morning to avoid peak tourist crowds, get your choice of beach chairs, and take photos with fewer people in them. Later in the day, around sunset, is nice, too.

No, there are no Balos Beach tickets or entrance fees. However, there is a small fee for parking in the designated parking area, at the top of the hill overlooking the beach. Boat tours to Balos Beach will have their own varying prices, of course.

Balos Beach has basic facilities, like restrooms, beach chairs, and umbrellas. During the warmer months (May to October), a small kiosk sells snacks and drinks. Bring your own water, especially if you’re hiking to and from the parking lot. There are no lifeguards, so swimming is at your own risk.

Yes, you can hike to Balos Beach. The 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) trek down the hillside starts from the parking area and takes about 20–30 minutes. The path is rocky and uneven, so wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, especially for the hike back up.

Yes, Balos Beach is great for families with children—the water is clear and shallow for a long stretch and plenty of spots are sandy, not rocky. If you’re driving and hiking in, be mindful that the trek to and from the beach is a bit difficult for young children.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Balos Beach and Lagoon. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions on Crete:

• Plaka 

• Archanes

• Palace of Knossos

• Elafonisi Beach

• Samaria Gorge

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions on Crete.