When you Google “Crete”, the first result is… Balos Beach. 

I mean, the famous lagoon is on all websites and leaflets and everything that promotes Crete. 

On a serious note now, this place is pure paradise. Its white sand (in some places even pink), the shallow turquoise waters and its remoteness make Balos the most beautiful place in Crete. Also, it’s the most instagrammed place in Greece, after the Acropolis in Athens, of course.

The best way to enjoy this little paradise is to arrive there as early as possible, before the boats. Keep in mind that it is a protected area under Natura 2000 program, as it is home to endemic species and the protected monk seal and caretta caretta turtles. 

The waters are very shallow, hence the splendid colours, which make it suitable for small children. 

The pink sand is the result of crushed shells and the shade depends on the natural light. 

Balos is also a beautiful place for sunset lovers, as it is located in the western part of the island. It is a must see in Crete, a once in a lifetime experience. I had as phone wallpaper a picture I took here and it was the reason for my many comebacks to the island and also for creating this blog 😊 

How to get there:

1. By car – the best way, as you can stay here for as long as you want and you can take that panoramic picture of the lagoon. There is a parking lot at the top, which can be really crowded in the peak months. 

IMPORTANT!

a. Make sure you have a SUV or at least a big car. The road to Balos is unpaved, most car rental companies specify in the contract that you are NOT ALLOWED to go to Balos with their car. The insurance they have DO NOT cover the damages from offroad – this is exactly how the road is. Some local companies exchange your Fiat Panda with a SUV in Kissamos, but only if they are based in Chania-Kissamos area.

b. You will have to descend from the parking lot and then go up. It is a 30 minutes hike and it is not suitable for people with mobility issues, health conditions and for pregnant women. In the summer it can be extremely hot, there is no shadow on the way, make sure you wear hat, a lot of sunscreen and comfortable shoes (no flip-flops) and have enough water for the way.

2. By boat – this is how we got there. There are daily ferries from Kissamos port, the trip is about 25E for an adult and it also includes the island of Gramvoussa.

You can rent umbrellas and snorkelling equipment from the ferry and you can also buy snacks or cold drinks. The usual time is around 1h30mins-2hrs at Gramvoussa and around 3hrs at Balos – which is more than enough. Or you can rent a boat (with or without skipper) and you can enjoy the place at your own pace.

3. By organized day trip – there is no local agency in Crete or tour operator that doesn’t have a trip to Balos in their portfolio. The bus will pick you up from your hotel, take you to Kissamos port and from there you take the ferry, same as the above point. The downside is that pick-up times can be very early, especially if you stay in Heraklion area, as there is an approx. 3hrs drive to Kissamos and the boats usually depart around 10 am.

4. By trekking – the trail starts at Kaliviani and it goes through the scorched landscape of Gramvoussa peninsula

Things to know before you go:

· As it is a protected area, make sure you don’t leave trash behind. There are trash bins on the beach, please use them.

· Due to the shallowness of the waters, the seabed is the perfect place for microorganisms to grow, therefore making it muddy, slippery and sometimes can cause an unpleasant smell. Wearing water shoes is highly recommended.

· There are sunbeds and umbrellas, but you have to arrive very early to catch one

· It can be extremely crowded in peak months, as it is a very popular tourist attraction

· There is a beach bar where you can buy snacks or cold drinks, but expect overpricing and poor quality of food

· There are no bus services to Balos, because of the road conditions

· Boat services can be suspended due to weather conditions – high wind, waves, rain, etc

· Even during the summer months, for a limited time, local authorities do not allow big boats to dock in the lagoon. 

· Do not take sand, shells or rocks as souvenirs. Remember, it’s a protected area, unique in the world.

· Better bring your own snacks if you arrive by car. Avoid food that can spoil easily, if you don’t catch an umbrella. It is recommended to bring your own umbrella, a lot of sunscreen, a hat and water shoes

Welcome to the paradise!