Private Balos & Falassarna Tour – Lagoon, Beach & Scenic Views
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Crete, Greece
- 8 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- Tailor the private tour to your specific interests and schedule
- Choose your start time to make the most of your time on the island
- Your experienced guide can adjust the tour and sites depending on the seasons
- Experience the natural beauty of Crete in one convenient tour
What's Included
- Fully customizable itinerary based on your interests
- Private transportation in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional local driver-guide (English speaking)
- Flexible pick-up & drop-off time from your location
- Local product tastings (olive oil, honey, raki, where available)
- Bottled water for each guest
- USB charging ports & Bluetooth access onboard
- Child seats & boosters available upon request
- Photo stops at scenic viewpoints
- VIP Access to Falasarna Beach with Direct Drop-Off (No Walking Required)
- Food & drinks at restaurants or tavernas (optional lunch stop)
- Beach amenities (sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports equipment)
- Personal expenses
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to your preferred meeting point, or request pickup.
Itinerary
1
Balos Lagoon
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
2
Falassarna Beach
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 87 reviews
Lawrence_S, Mar 2026
Leonidas was one of, if not the nicest person we met on Crete. He was supremely knowledgeable about all things Crete and it was memorable just talking with him on the ride to Balos. If you want a memorable experience to anywhere on Crete, consider using Leonidas as your driver. You won’t be disappointed, I’m sure.
Victoria_P, Sep 2025
Leonidis took on a day of adventures. This was more than we expected and unforgettable .We went to 2 beaches, met a family owned olive farm, winery and much more. He is an exceptional young man and entertained these 4 older women all day. Be sure to request Leonidis.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Dear Victoria,
Thank you so much for your wonderful words. I truly had an amazing day with all four of you—it was full of laughter, great conversations, and beautiful moments. I’m really glad the beaches, the olive farm, and the winery made the day feel special and unforgettable. You were fantastic company, and I honestly felt like I was showing Crete to friends rather than guests. Thank you for your kindness and energy—it made the day just as memorable for me. You’ll always have a place here in Crete.
Maria_V, Sep 2025
Our driver Leo was amazing…personable, flexible and made our day memorable! We changed our minds on which beach to visit when he came to pick us up and he had no problem reinventing our day taking us to places we didn’t even know about!!! Our day was above and beyond our expectations!!!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Maria,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that Leo made your day so memorable with his flexibility, friendliness, and local knowledge. It’s fantastic that he was able to adjust the itinerary on the fly and introduce you to hidden gems you hadn’t even planned to see!
Leo will be delighted to hear your kind words, and we would love to welcome you back to Crete for another unforgettable adventure.
Best regards,
The Crete Wanderer Team
Kriss_D, Aug 2025
Sometimes you start an experience with expectations. This was supposed to be a guided tour with stops at a local lagoon and then a second stop at a local beach where we were hoping to relax and do some swimming. The guide took us to a honey manufacturing shop where they were giving a tour to a different group. Somewhat interesting but suspect we stopped to fulfill an obligation for a friend at the honey shop. We bought some samples of honey and eventually suggested getting back into the van to our first location. The lagoon was only 12 miles away but took over an hour and a half to get to as there was a bumpy dirt road for the last 30 minutes at low speed ending in a dirt parking lot where we had to exit the van and walk another 30 to 45 minutes on a rugged dirt path down to the lagoon. We decided not to take the dirt path all the way down to the lagoon as this would have been over an hour walk in the hot sun and we were really looking forward to swimming at the local beach. We got back in the van for another 30 minutes of being tossed around on a dirt road. Eventually getting to the local beach which turned out to be quite lovely but because we had arrived later in the afternoon, we had to pay a little more to secure a spot underneath the umbrellas. Food was also not included but fortunately the local restaurant on the beach was quite nice. This was the best stop for the day and if I had to do it over again I would suggest going to the beach only as the honey shop and the lagoon I really not worth time and effort to get to. Our guide unfortunately was not very engaging and rarely pointed out interesting things along our trip. His driving was somewhat reckless and family members did not enjoy the high speed and concern for their safety. The driver offered to stop at another location on the way back to the cruise ship port, but by this time my family was definitely tapped out and we just wanted the day the end. Unfortunately this experience left us with some unmet expectations.
Elizabeth_O, Jul 2025
Great tour guide and flexible with our four kids under 12! Not having to worry about parking or driving the dirt road up was a relief!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Elizabet,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your tour with us was enjoyable and stress-free, especially with four kids under 12. It’s great that the guidance, flexibility, and convenience of not having to worry about parking or driving made your day even more relaxing.
We would be delighted to welcome you and your family back to Crete for more unforgettable adventures!
Best regards,
The Crete Wanderer Team
Ekaterina_L, Jul 2025
We had an amazing experience on this full-day private tour to Balos Lagoon and Falassarna! The island is incredibly beautiful and full of fascinating places. We were traveling with teenagers of different ages, and they all absolutely loved it — which says a lot!
Our local guide and his mum, who was also the driver, were incredibly kind, friendly, and helpful throughout the day. They made us feel very welcome and took great care of everyone.
We had plenty of time to explore Balos and Falassarna, and even managed to visit a few extra sights along the way. We ended the day with a refreshing swim at the stunning Falassarna beach — a perfect finish to a perfect day.
Highly recommended for families, especially if you’re looking for a mix of adventure, nature, and warm local hospitality. One of the highlights of our trip!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Ekaterina,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your full-day tour to Balos Lagoon and Falassarna was such a highlight for your whole family. It’s fantastic that everyone, including your teenagers, enjoyed the mix of adventure, nature, and extra sights along the way.
Your kind words about our guide and his mum will mean a lot to them—they take great pride in making guests feel welcome and cared for. We’re especially glad you ended the day with a refreshing swim at Falassarna Beach!
We would love to welcome you back to Crete for more unforgettable family adventures.
Best regards,
The Crete Wanderer Team
Brian_V, Jun 2025
We had a wonderful day at the beach. Sakis and Jordan knew just where to take us for the best views while also giving us discretion of how much learning we wanted to do during car time. They also were adaptable - when we said we wanted to eat earlier than planned they took us to a great Greek restaurant with a view.
All in all this was one of the best excursions we did on our cruise!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Dear Brian,
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear that your beach day with Sakis and Jordan was one of the highlights of your cruise. It’s wonderful that you enjoyed both the stunning views and the flexibility they offered, making sure your day matched exactly what you wanted.
We’re especially glad you loved the Greek restaurant stop — sometimes those spontaneous moments become the most memorable! We would be delighted to welcome you back to Crete for more adventures and hidden gems on future visits.
Best regards,
The Crete Wanderer Team
Justin_W, Apr 2025
Beautiful beaches. Spent most of our time at Balos. Wonderful views and amazing look at nature in Crete! So many goats/sheep! Amazing walk/trek to the lagoon. Definitely wear tennis shoes/Tevas/Chaco/etc… (no flip flops)!
Be prepared for the hike back! Water was cold but here in late Apri!
Excellent lunch at Gramboussa! Amazing Cretan food!
Falasarna Beach was also beautiful with cold water but amazing waves!
All in all a great experience!
Response from Host, May 2025
So happy to hear you had a great adventure! Balos and Falasarna are definitely two of Crete’s treasures, and yes—those goats are part of the charm! Thanks for the reminder about good shoes, and we’re thrilled you loved the food at Gramboussa too. Come back anytime! 👟🍽️🌿
Julie_K, Mar 2025
Amazing experience visiting two legendary beaches, even better was the company! Amazing conversation with my driver and highly recommend taking this trip! Incredible day!
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thanks a ton for the awesome review Julie! 💙 We love hearing that you not only enjoyed the legendary beaches but also had such a great time with your driver Sakis. The stories, laughs, and chats really do make the journey even more special. Hope to have you join us again soon for more good times and great views! 🌴😄
Janyka_O, Mar 2025
We had an unforgettable experience with Sakis. He was early to pick us up and kept us safe and comfortable the entire day. He even bought us some greek chocolate! He gave us time to explore Balos Lagoon (pls wear comfortable shoes, it can be challenging going down & up) and Falassarna beach on our own. He also took us to a church in a cave. Sakis was very knowledgeable and we enjoyed hearing his stories about Crete. It was a very special experience. Highly recommend this experience even during the off season!
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you so much for your awesome review! We’re thrilled that Sakis made your day unforgettable with his kindness, knowledge, and even a little Greek chocolate treat! 😍 Balos Lagoon and Falassarna Beach are such gems, and we’re so glad you got to enjoy them (yes, comfy shoes are a must!). Thanks for the recommendation, and we’d love to have you back for more adventures, no matter the season! 🚀🌊
David_D, Jul 2024
Pleasant way to make this trip by car and get personal tips and advice. The driver drove very calmly and safely along the winding roads.
Nice arrangement where we got to influence the choice of lunch restaurant ourselves.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you for your lovely review! We're pleased to hear that you enjoyed the calm and safe drive, along with the personalized tips and advice from our driver. It's great to know you appreciated having a say in the choice of lunch restaurant. We strive to make each trip unique and enjoyable, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another pleasant adventure!
Warm regards,
Leonidas
Lotta_C, Jun 2024
So glad we did this! While it is a quite the drive and the road into the lagoon is no joke our driver was very careful as well as pleasant. The view from the top is spectacular and the colors of the water amazing. The hike in and out is not easy but doable even if you are not in great shape. This was an amazing experience and I recommend doing it if you can!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear Lotta
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience visiting Balos despite its challenging road and hike. We're glad our driver ensured a safe and pleasant journey for you. The spectacular views and stunning water colors certainly make it worthwhile.
Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we appreciate your adventurous spirit! We look forward to welcoming you back for more amazing experiences in the future.
Leigh_G, May 2024
Incredible tour of Balos beach , Chania and other areas. Leonidis was an excellent host.
Even though it was the Greek Easter we had an incredible time.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you so much, Leigh, for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour of Balos Beach, Chania, and other beautiful areas. We're glad Leonidas made your experience exceptional, even during the Greek Easter. We hope to see you again on your next adventure!
Kevin_D, Nov 2023
Being on this wonderful beach with so few people was a great adventure.
George was a great guide.
I was concerned about my wife being able to climb all the stairs back to the parking lot, she just turned 80. We made it out slow, but sure. George carried her backpack.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience, Kevin! I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed the wonderful beach adventure with us. Ensuring the comfort and safety of our guests, especially those with special considerations like your wife, is always our priority. I'm glad we could assist her and make sure you both made it back to the parking lot safely. If you ever want to explore more or need assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out. Warm regards, Leonidas
Josette_R, Sep 2023
Reaching the Balos Beach! It was tough to get there on the dirt road and then a 25 minute hike. Our driver was a little late!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for your feedback, Josette! I’m glad you made it to Balos Beach despite the challenges. I apologize for the delay with our driver; we strive to ensure timely arrivals and appreciate your patience. Your feedback helps us improve, and we’re glad you got to experience the stunning beauty of Balos Beach. We hope to welcome you back for a smoother experience in the future. Safe travels!
daphne_b, Jun 2023
Excellent!! Thank you so much. We had a blast on our trip, always on time, and always let us decide where we wanted to go.
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Thank you for the review Daphne, I had a great time too!
Mylene_C, Jun 2023
It is a very long dirt road to get there and the walk on rocky terrain is very exhausting and dangerous; however, once you get to an area where the lagoon becomes visible, the beauty of the place is indescribable.
It is definitely the most beautiful beach I have even seen and my family agreed on that.
Moreover, the water was extremely clear but cold.
It is definitely very difficult to get there and back down but the beauty of the place makes it worthwhile.
It can’t be missed if you are able to walk.
One word of ADVICE, wear tennis shoes on the way there and then you can change into flip flops or water shoes once you get down to the beach area, otherwise, your walk will be twice as difficult.
That was our mistake!
Our private tour guide was Leonides. He was very nice, polite and knowledgeable about the area.
We went to eat lunch afterwards to a super nice Taberna in the area.
It was a fun day full of adrenaline and great adventure!!!
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Thank you for the review! I'm glad you had an amazing tour with beautiful views and a comfortable drive. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated. If you ever need another tour in the future, I'll be happy to assist you.
Jason_V, Jun 2023
This was an amazing day trip! Leonidas was very friendly and accommodating. The weather was not ideal and as such we really only went to the two beaches for a short while to take photos (the view of Balos was incredible and the highlight of the day!) and as such we had some extra time and Leonidas suggested that we visit a winery for a wine tasting (at no extra charge) which was really fun and the wine was fantastic. We stopped for lunch at a local tavern that tourists likely never visit. I would definitely recommend Leonidas and this tour! Note that the road to Balos is very rough so not ideal for anyone prone to motion sickness and there is a bit of a walk over uneven surfaces to access Balos.
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Thank you for the amazing review! It was a pleasure to have you on the day trip. Despite the weather, we managed to capture some incredible photos at the two beaches, especially the breathtaking view of Balos. I always strive to provide an authentic and unique tour, including stopping at local taverns that tourists rarely visit. Thank you for recommending me and the tour, I appreciate your trust in me as your guide. If you ever return to Crete, I would be delighted to show you more of our beautiful island.
Marieevebarrette, Jul 2024
Superbe journée. Nous avons été guidés par le père du propriétaire qui a nous a fourni des informations intéressantes et su répondre à nos questions. Le lagon de Balos et la vue d’en haut valent le détour, mais il faut prévoir de bons souliers et être un minimum en forme. Je recommande.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Merci beaucoup, Marie, pour votre magnifique commentaire! Nous sommes ravis d'apprendre que vous avez passé une superbe journée avec notre guide, le père du propriétaire. C'est un plaisir de savoir qu'il a pu enrichir votre expérience avec ses connaissances et ses réponses à vos questions. Le lagon de Balos est effectivement un endroit spectaculaire, et nous sommes heureux que vous ayez apprécié la vue. Merci pour vos conseils avisés concernant la préparation pour la randonnée. Nous espérons avoir l'occasion de vous accueillir à nouveau pour d'autres aventures mémorables. À bientôt!
From $479.42
per group (up to 4)up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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