Kissamos Port
Kissamos Port: Your convenient departure point for stunning Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island cruises, offering parking and amenities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the midday heat
Kissamos Port
Best Time
Beat the midday heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kissamos Port: Your convenient departure point for stunning Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island cruises, offering parking and amenities.
"Clean, easy to find, and has plenty of parking. The on-site restaurant is a great bonus!"
🚢 Compare Ferry Prices
Don't buy from the first ticket office! Compare prices directly from boats; they can vary by 4 euros. :euro:
🅿️ Ample Parking Available
Kissamos Port has plenty of parking space, making it easy to start your journey. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Cruise
Departure from Kissamos Port
Embark on a scenic boat cruise to the breathtaking Balos Lagoon and historic Gramvousa Island.
On-site Restaurant
Kissamos Port
Enjoy a meal or drink at the convenient port restaurant while waiting for your ferry.
White Church & Harbor Views
Kissamos Port
Capture picturesque shots of the charming white church and the 'Black Pearl' ship against the blue sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Balos Beach Ferry Tickets
Port Amenities & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Compare Ferry Prices
Don't buy from the first ticket office! Compare prices directly from boats; they can vary by 4 euros. :euro:
🅿️ Ample Parking Available
Kissamos Port has plenty of parking space, making it easy to start your journey. :car:
⏳ Expect Ferry Delays
Ferries to Balos often depart later than scheduled. Plan accordingly! :clock1:
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Announcements may suggest buying drinks on board, but it's pricier. Bring your own! :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Compare Ferry Prices
Don't buy from the first ticket office! Compare prices directly from boats; they can vary by 4 euros. :euro:
🅿️ Ample Parking Available
Kissamos Port has plenty of parking space, making it easy to start your journey. :car:
⏳ Expect Ferry Delays
Ferries to Balos often depart later than scheduled. Plan accordingly! :clock1:
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Announcements may suggest buying drinks on board, but it's pricier. Bring your own! :droplet:
📸 Scenic Photo Ops
The port itself offers lovely views of the church and ships. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kissamos Port is generally well-regarded for its cleanliness, ample parking, and convenient on-site restaurant. Visitors appreciate the ease of access for Balos cruises. However, some travelers note that ferry departure times can be delayed, and the disembarking process at Balos can be slow.
"Kissamos Port is clean, easy to find, and has plenty of parking. The on-site restaurant is a great bonus—perfect for a meal or drink while you wait. Convenient and well-kept!"
Dana Davis
"Today i lost my friend and all the luggages in Balos. When i came back, a small girl in the 2nd floor was kind and brought me to the receptionist.
Then i must say thanks a lot and highly appreciate the young man (who was in the cashier of the main kitchen restaurant) who dropped what he was doing and helping me finding my friend.
I was panic and scared all day long after Balos. He offered me a new pair of shoes to walk on the rock to go Gramvousa and also a water bottle. He told me i can just go out and do something while waiting him finding my friend and my luggagues.
Finally when i came back to the main big ship he told me he found them. Also when my friend blamed on me for every thing today i brought him back to the ship and this young man employee was really nice and again explained calmly to my friend what happened to me. I couldnt help myself and bursted into tears in front of every one (staffs in the ship today). I would like to send him all my gratefulness. God bless him. I wish him all the best.
This company should give him a promotion and a raise in salary for his excellent job and performance. He knows how to handle the situation really well and every one should always rely on his kindness. My english is limit so i couldnt show him myself how much i highly appreciate his help."
Linh Nguyen
"This location is a terminal where ferries await you to depart to Balos and Elafonissi beach.
There is a lot of parking space. We did not plan to come here, but this was on the way by road to Falassarna beach. We ended here roaming around for one hour while taking pictures of the white church, the ship "black pearl" and the blue sea. Highly recommended!"
Sital Gurung
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kissamos Port (also known as Port Kissamos or Kissamos Harbour) is accessible by car and bus. It's located on the northwest coast of Crete. Many visitors drive here as there is ample parking available.
Yes, Kissamos Port offers plenty of parking space, which is very convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Local buses do serve Kissamos town, and from there, you can usually find local transport or a short taxi ride to the port. Check local KTEL bus schedules for routes and times.
Driving or taking a taxi directly to Kissamos Port is the most straightforward way to catch a ferry to Balos Beach.
Yes, Kissamos Port is generally easy to find, especially if you are following signs for ferries to Balos or Gramvousa.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can buy tickets directly from the boats that offer the Balos cruise from Kissamos Port. Be sure to compare prices as they can vary. Some boats cost around 24 euros, while others might be 28 euros.
Ticket prices for the boat cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa from Kissamos Port typically range from 24 to 28 euros per person. It's advisable to check directly with the boat operators for the most current pricing.
While not always mandatory, booking your Balos cruise from Kissamos in advance is recommended, especially during the busy summer months, to secure your spot.
The ticket usually covers the boat trip to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. Food and drinks on board are typically extra.
Yes, there are several boat companies operating the same trip. It's wise to compare their offerings and prices before purchasing tickets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kissamos Port has a clean, on-site restaurant perfect for meals or drinks. There are also restrooms and waiting areas for ferry passengers.
Yes, there is a restaurant at Kissamos Port that serves meals and drinks, making it a convenient spot to eat before or after your trip.
Ferries to Balos typically depart in the morning, often around 10:30 AM, but delays can occur. It's best to confirm the exact departure time with your chosen ferry operator.
The ferry ride itself to Balos Lagoon can take around an hour, but the total travel time, including delays and boarding, can extend to two hours.
The disembarking process from the ferry onto Balos beach can be poorly managed and slow. Be prepared for a potentially lengthy wait.
📸 📸 Photography
Kissamos Port offers charming photo opportunities with its white church, the 'Black Pearl' ship, and the scenic blue sea.
Late afternoon can offer beautiful golden hour light for photography around the port.
The ferry journey itself provides stunning views of the coastline and the turquoise waters, perfect for capturing memorable photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lagoon at Balos, while a standard zoom is versatile for the port and ship details. Don't forget a polarizing filter for the water. :camerawithflash:
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone at Kissamos Port or Balos. :drone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Cruises
Be prepared for potential delays in departure times, as ferries often run behind schedule. The journey to Balos is scenic, offering beautiful coastal views. Upon arrival, the disembarking process onto the beach can be slow and somewhat disorganized, so patience is key. While on board, you might be offered food and drink options, but bringing your own water and snacks is often a more budget-friendly choice.
Beyond the main cruise, Kissamos Port itself is a pleasant place to spend some time. It features a clean restaurant, ample parking, and picturesque views of a white church and a notable ship, the 'Black Pearl'. This makes it a worthwhile stop even if you're just passing through the area.
Practicalities of Kissamos Port
The port also boasts an on-site restaurant, a convenient amenity for travelers looking for a meal or a refreshing drink while waiting for their ferry. This adds to the overall ease and comfort of the departure experience.
While the port itself is well-equipped, travelers should be aware that the ferry services operating from it, especially those bound for Balos, can be subject to delays. This is a common point mentioned in reviews, so factoring in extra time is a wise precaution.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit