Balos Beach

Balos and Gramvoussa Day-Cruise , Chania

Discover Crete's famed beach, Balos, and the red rocky terrain of Gramvoussa on this full-day cruise.

Overview

Discover Crete's famed beach, Balos, and the red rocky terrain of Gramvoussa on this full-day cruise. The two beaches are some of the most popular in the country, offering crystal-clear, shallow water which is perfect for swimming.

You'll start your morning with a bus transfer to the port of Kissamos, where you'll board a group cruise to the small island of Gramvoussa. Enjoy the next few hours to explore Gramvoussa on your own. Here you can relax on the beach or hike the rocky red trail to the island's castle. The Venetians built the Gramvoussa Fortress strategically on top of cliffs, giving modern visitors panoramic views of the Cretan Sea.

After your time on Gramvoussa, you’ll take a short cruise to the breathtaking lagoon of Balos. Enjoy swimming and soaking in the shallow turquoise waters with the signature white and pink sand below your feet. With tall rocks surrounding the lagoon, these natural elements come together to create a blissful landscape. If you're feeling hungry, you can purchase snacks and drinks aboard the boat. In the early evening, you'll cruise back to Kissamos port where you will be transferred back to your hotel.

This cruise is family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages. To participate swimming knowledge is required.
Read more about the best beaches in Greece.

Know before you go

Duration
11 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Group tour

Start times

  • Daily
    9:00 am

Itineraries with Balos and Gramvoussa Day-Cruise

Taste of the Cyclades and Crete - 14 Days

The glittering Cyclades span hundreds of miles, with centuries of history under their belt. The two-week version of this itinerary starts in glamorous Mykonos before a stop in Naxos for beach time and a cooking class. Then, make your way to the volcanic sunsets and cliffside architecture of Santorini. End your trip on Crete, where amazing beaches, excellent cuisine, and great hospitality await.

Food Tour of Crete - 6 Days

Spend six days exploring the culture, nature, and history of Crete through a culinary lens as you eat and drink your way through olive groves, wineries, gastronomically significant villages, and farms where the night's meal was grown just an arm's length away.

Crete 101 - 9 Days

Experience the romance of Crete—Greece's largest island—with this 9-day itinerary. You'll use the coastal city of Chania, with its medieval architecture and postcard-perfect Venetian port as your base of exploration. Check out local markets, visit a traditional village, and enjoy a Cretan feast with after-dinner dancing. Then, hike the Samaria Gorge before wrapping up with relaxation on pink-sand beaches.

History, Culture & Islands: Athens, Crete & the Cyclades - 13 Days

Experience the culture and scenery of Crete—Greece's largest island—captivating Athens and the Cyclades with this 13-day itinerary. After exploring the capital, you'll use the coastal city of Chania as your base of exploration. Stroll through the local markets, visit the botanical gardens, and savor a Cretan feast. Then, head for Santorini to experience the highlights and wrap up your adventure in lesser-known Naxos before returning to Athens for one last Greek meal.

Laid-Back Athens, Tinos, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete - 19 Days

Take your time exploring Greece's beauty, history, and flavor with this relaxed itinerary. You'll start in Athens, where you'll sample local delicacies and go on a cycling tour of the sights. Then sail over to the beautiful, lesser-known island of Tinos — a popular pilgrimage site — before continuing to glamorous Mykonos. Here you'll lounge on the beaches and enjoy an authentic farm-to-table meal. Next head to Santorini for some wine tasting and a fabulous cruise around its volcanic caldera. Finally, bask in the sun and surf of Crete before ending your trip back in the capital.