If you are planning a visit to the beautiful Balos Lagoon during your vacation to Crete, one of the most important decisions you will have to make concerns how to reach this natural paradise.
Having personally tested in August 2024, I can confirm with certainty that choosing to get to Balos by sea, on a cruise, is the best option. That is why with attached photos of my experience as well.
The Risks by Land to Balos
Reaching Balos by car is a popular choice for those seeking flexibility, but it brings with it a number of significant disadvantages.
The road to the lagoon is unpaved and bumpy, and most car rental agencies in Crete expressly forbid their customers to drive on it.
To give you an idea, I met two Italian couples in Crete during my trip and one of them reached Balos by car: the road is unpaved, you risk extensive damage to the car, and the descent to reach the lagoon is really exhausting: about 40 minutes to walk down and I think an hour to walk back up, certainly not the perfect idea for those with families and children. Here are some shots that they kindly passed on to me:
This prohibition is not to be taken lightly: there have been numerous cases of tourists being charged considerable sums of money when returning their cars for alleged damage caused on the way to Balos. Many cars mount GPS, and at pickup they can check whether any damage is associated with routes not covered by insurance.
I have heard stories of people having to pay up to €400 for damages that, often, they had not even caused!
Whether it is illegal or not from the car rental agencies then you go and explain to them (in English, perhaps) that these are unfounded charges and that you will not pay anything? Why do you think the agencies require the debit card? Because if you need a click to withdraw the amount for any damages!
Do you want to take a risk? I chose to enjoy the vacation without anxiety!
Moreover, even if you manage to avoid harm, the overland journey to Balos is anything but easy!
The bumpy road requires at least 30 minutes of intense driving if you're coming from Kissamos, followed by a descent and ascent on foot that can prove exhausting (and take 40 minutes to descend and at least an hour to climb back up, with umbrella, cooler bags, and various handbags), especially in the scorching Cretan summer sun.
In short, the overland journey risks turning what should be a relaxing day into a real massacre.
30€ Mini Cruise to Balos and Gramvousa
On the contrary, reaching Balos by sea is a convenient, safe, and above all, inexpensive experience.
Overland you would only pay half in gasoline to reach Balos and as much to return home (if you are based in Kissamos) in addition to the risks caused.
I chose this Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa which, for only 30€ per person, offers an unforgettable day exploring Balos and the island of Gramvousa.
Getyourguide, the site where I purchased the tickets, allows you to request a refund or cancel your purchase even up to 24 hours before departure, so should you change your mind you are always in time to cancel your purchase.
It works, in short, like Booking.
Perfect especially as a solution for families and those with children.
A fun and stress-free way to enjoy the island's heavenly places.
EU directives: do ships dock in Balos?
Yes, the EU 2024 directive lasted practically a week. Because now ships have resumed docking at the Balos pier (thankfully!) after the controversy.
Photos mini cruise to Balos Lagoon + Gramvousa Island
Before I tell you about my experience here are the shots from my hike.
Departure and journey on the ship
Balos Lagoon
Gramvousa Island
I'm describing it now because I know how important it can be to have a personal testimony to make a trip to this area.
How I got organized
I purchased tickets online from here before leaving for Crete, thus avoiding the last-minute frenzy (or worse, sold-out seats).
The day before departure I received directions via email to our ship's dock.
The cruise conveniently departs from the port of Kissamos (or La Chaina) around 11:00 am.
Being based in Kissamos, it took me less than 10 minutes to reach my destination (I went well in advance, since they advised to be there at least 30 minutes before). Port parking is free.
The first stage: Balos
The crossing to Balos takes about 40 minutes, allowing you to admire the seascape and enjoy the sea breeze. The ship also has a bar and is split over two floors, so you can choose where to sit.
When I was there it was August and there was room for everyone.
Once we arrived in Balos, we had about 3 hours to explore the lagoon, swim in its turquoise waters and relax on the white sand. The hours spent here will be much more enjoyable especially knowing that you have avoided the pitfalls of overland travel!
I know you are thinking“Only 3 hours?“, I thought that too when I bought the tickets, but I can tell you that it is more than enough calculating that you also have theisland of Gramvousa waiting for you!
Clearly, if you are looking for a full day in the lagoon you will have to choose to reach it by land, but at least in my case it was more than satisfactory.
The second stage: Gramvousa
Around 3 p.m., the cruise continues to the second stop: the island of Gramvousa.
Here, you can choose whether to enjoy the beach (not even 100 meters from the pier, many chose to go for a swim especially with children) or climb a steep staircase of about 20 minutes that will take you to the top of the island, where you can admire a breathtaking view from the Venetian fortress.
I strongly recommend, if you choose the second option as I did, to bring comfortable shoes and water (or buy it at the bar on the ship).
I do not recommend the climb for elderly people as, in the summer heat, it can be really tiring to get there. But from the top, it really is a spectacle!
You will be able to see remnants of ancient structures, and many views where you can take photos.
After about an hour and a half of exploration, we return to the port, arriving around 6:00 pm.
Why Choose the Balos Cruise
Cruising Balos and Gramvousa offers a number of advantages that make it an ideal choice for visiting this part of Crete:
- Economic choice: at 30€ you have over 7 hours of hiking, where you can freely choose what to do in the many hours provided.
- Safety and peace of mind: No risk of car damage and no unexpected costs on return.
- Convenience: A stress-free day of relaxation with organized transportation and well-defined times.
- Full Experience: Visit both Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island in one day.
There is no doubt: cruising is the safest, most comfortable and enjoyable way to discover Balos and Gramvousa.
With a cost of only 30€ per person, it is an affordable option that allows you to enjoy the wonders of Crete to the fullest, without worries.
What the excursion to Balos and Gramvousa in Crete includes
- Round-trip boat cruise
- Captain and crew
- Visit to Balos
- Visit to the island of Gramvousa (if option is selected)
- Food and drink (if option is selected)
If you want to see more photos and stories about my Crete itinerary, follow me on Instagram: Marco Livio Travels. Have a great cruise!
