Balos Beach and Lagoon

The best way to experience the natural beauty of Balos Beach, is on a boat trip, which affords stunning views of the lagoon and the Mediterranean Sea. A typical full-day tour begins at Rethymnon, Georgioupolis, Kolymbari, or Chania. Continue on to discover the caves around Kissamos Bay, the beautiful beaches of Gramvousa Island, and Imeri Gramvousa fortress, before diving in to swim in the lagoon’s turquoise waters.

• Between April and October, visitor facilities include restrooms, a beach café, and sun beds.

• Visitors arriving by road are required to pay a small entrance fee to enter the Balos Reserve and parking area.

Balos Beach is located along the Gramvousa Peninsula on the northwest coast of Crete, around 35 miles (56 kilometers) from Chania and 11 miles (17 kilometers) from Kissamos. Daily ferries run from Kissamos port to Balos, but it’s also possible to arrive by 4WD, following a dirt road from Kaliviani along Cape Gramvousa.

Summer is the most popular time to visit Balos Beach, though the small beach can get crowded—especially in July and August. For peace and quiet, make an early start and arrive before the crowds descend upon the lagoon.

The Balos Lagoon is a Natura 2000 reserve, where monk seals and loggerhead sea turtles might be spotted. It’s a prime spot for swimming and snorkeling, and scuba diving—another popular activity around the lagoon—includes the possibility of exploring the underwater wreckage of an English landing craft.

You can reach Balos Beach and Lagoon by car or boat. If 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 is no entrance fee to visit Balos Beach and Lagoon. 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 ticket 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.