Balos Lagoon
A breathtaking lagoon with turquoise waters and white sands, accessible by boat or a scenic hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Balos Lagoon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking lagoon with turquoise waters and white sands, accessible by boat or a scenic hike.
"The views are simply incredible and totally worth the effort!"
🚗 Drive with Caution
The dirt road to Balos is rough. Drive slowly, and consider a sturdy car.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll need sturdy shoes for the hike down from the parking lot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Turquoise Lagoon
Main lagoon area
Shallow, warm turquoise waters perfect for wading and relaxing. A true paradise.
Gramvousa Island Fortress
Gramvousa Island
Explore the Venetian fortress for panoramic views and a glimpse into history.
Vast Sandy Expanse
Main beach area
Expansive white sand beach with crystal-clear waters, ideal for sunbathing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Balos Lagoon: Boat vs. Car
Beat the Crowds and Wind
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
The dirt road to Balos is rough. Drive slowly, and consider a sturdy car.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll need sturdy shoes for the hike down from the parking lot.
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
There's very little natural shade. Pack hats, sunscreen, and consider an umbrella.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during the hike and on the beach.
How do you get to Balos beach?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
The dirt road to Balos is rough. Drive slowly, and consider a sturdy car.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll need sturdy shoes for the hike down from the parking lot.
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
There's very little natural shade. Pack hats, sunscreen, and consider an umbrella.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during the hike and on the beach.
🌬️ Brace for the Wind
Balos can be very windy. Secure your belongings and be prepared for blowing sand.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Balos Lagoon is overwhelmingly praised for its stunning, almost surreal beauty with incredibly turquoise waters and white sands. Visitors find the views breathtaking and the lagoon perfect for wading. However, many note the strong winds can be disruptive, and the journey, whether by rough road or hike, requires effort. Limited facilities and potential crowds are also common considerations.
"Stunning large beach that can be quite windy and visited by quite a few boats.
The views and water are truly stunning. One area (lagoon) was separate from the main water and quite shallow so seemed good for kids.
The beach is quite large so though there are loads of people, you can find your own little space which makes it feel more relaxing. Boats also seemed a little staggered so some were leaving when we arrived, and more coming when we left.
It’s around a 5 minute walk from where larger boats dock, depending on how far you want to go.
Wind: It’s quite windy, so sand did blow into our faces frequently. It also blew a few people’s umbrellas far into the water. (Wind was quite loud - watch registered at 95+ decibels.)
Shade: There is essentially no shade. Umbrellas can be brought or rented, though may be difficult to mount given rocks and wind. Most placed rocks around the umbrella bases to hold in place.
Snacks: We didn’t visit but understand there was a snack shack near the cliffs.
Toilets: we didn’t visit but understand there is one near the cliffs, that may cost money. We just used our ship’s instead."
Becky T
"Absolutely stunning beach – for me, the most beautiful one on Crete. Getting there is not easy: about 6 km on a rough, rocky road that takes 30–40 minutes by car, and then another 30-minute walk down to the beach. But once you arrive, the view is simply incredible and totally worth the effort! Thanks to the difficult access, it never feels overcrowded, which makes it even more special. Just note there’s only one small restaurant available, so plan accordingly. A truly unforgettable place."
Andrej Bradac
"If you have the patience to drive on a rocky road and walk from the parking lot to the beach for at least 30 minutes, this is the right beach for you. Unreal and different from all the beaches you've been to in Greece. It's tiring, but I'm sure you can't miss this adventure. It is better to leave as early as possible, around 12:00 the boats with tourists arrive, so there is a huge crowd. Sunbeds and parasol 20 euros."
Slavko Vuckovic
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way to reach Balos Lagoon is by taking a boat trip from Kissamos port. These typically include a stop at Gramvousa Island. Alternatively, you can drive to a parking area and hike down, but the road is rough and the hike is steep.
Boat trips are generally easier and more common, offering a full-day experience with Gramvousa. Driving offers more flexibility and potentially fewer crowds, but requires a confident driver and good footwear for the hike.
The road to Balos is a unpaved, rocky dirt track for about 8 km. It's slow going, with an average speed of around 15 km/h, and can be challenging for some rental cars.
The hike from the parking lot down to Balos Lagoon takes approximately 30 minutes. The return journey uphill can be more strenuous.
There are no direct public buses to Balos Lagoon. You'll need to arrange transport to Kissamos port for boat trips or drive yourself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
If you take a boat trip, your ticket will cover entry to the lagoon and Gramvousa. If you drive, there might be a small environmental fee or parking charge.
Balos Lagoon doesn't have official opening hours as it's a natural attraction. However, boat trips operate during daylight hours, and access via car is possible when the road is open.
Prices for boat trips vary, but expect to pay around €25-€35 per person for a day cruise from Kissamos, often including Gramvousa.
Yes, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas at Balos Lagoon, typically for around €20. However, due to the wind, they can be difficult to secure.
While the lagoon itself is free to access, boat tours usually include a fee, and there might be a small charge for parking if you drive.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The water is famously turquoise and crystal-clear. The lagoon area is shallow and warm, ideal for families, while the main beach has deeper, cooler waters.
Yes, the lagoon is excellent for swimming due to its shallow and calm waters. The main beach is also great for swimming, though can be windier.
There are limited facilities. You'll find a small snack bar selling basic items like sandwiches and beer, and a toilet near the cliffs, which may have a small fee.
Balos can get very crowded, especially between 12 PM and 3 PM when most tourist boats arrive. Visiting early or late can help avoid the peak crowds.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and comfortable walking shoes for the hike. An umbrella is also recommended for shade.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful colors. Avoid midday when the sun is harsh and crowds are at their peak.
The panoramic view from the hiking trail overlooking the lagoon is iconic. The contrast of the turquoise water against the white sand is also a must-capture.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas or at certain times, especially when tourist boats are present. Check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive scenery. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water and enhance colors.
The hike down from the parking lot provides stunning elevated views of the entire lagoon and surrounding coastline.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting with children, consider taking the boat trip as it's less physically demanding than the drive and hike. Pack plenty of snacks, water, and sun protection, as shade is scarce. Be mindful of the wind, which can sometimes be strong, and ensure children have appropriate footwear if you opt for the drive and hike.
🚗 Adventurous Drivers
Ensure your rental car is suitable for rough terrain, or consider a 4x4 if available. Be prepared for a slow drive and potential bumps. The hike down is steep and rocky, so sturdy walking shoes are essential. This option is best for confident drivers who are comfortable with unpaved roads and a moderate hike.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Journey to Balos
For the more adventurous, driving to Balos is an option. This involves navigating approximately 8 kilometers of unpaved, rocky dirt road that requires slow and careful driving. Many rental car agreements may prohibit driving on such roads, so it's crucial to check your policy. Once you reach the designated parking area, a 30-minute hike down a steep, rocky path leads you to the lagoon. While challenging, this route offers a sense of accomplishment and the potential for fewer crowds compared to the boat tours.
Regardless of your chosen method, be prepared for the journey. If driving, ensure your vehicle is suitable and you are comfortable with off-road conditions. If taking a boat, book in advance, especially during peak season, and be aware of the departure and return times.
Experiencing Balos Lagoon: What to Expect
However, Balos can also be quite windy, a factor that visitors should be prepared for. The wind can make the sand blow, and umbrellas can be difficult to keep in place. Despite the potential for wind, the sheer beauty of the landscape often makes it a worthwhile experience. There are limited facilities on-site, including a small snack bar and a toilet, so it's advisable to bring your own food and drinks.
To truly appreciate Balos, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or opting for an early morning or late afternoon arrival to avoid the midday crowds that arrive with the tourist boats. This will allow you to soak in the magical atmosphere and capture stunning photographs without feeling overwhelmed.
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