Balos Beach and Lagoon
- 5 out of 5 (1 reviews)
Beach description
The famous Balos beach is a well-known lagoon found approximately 56km northwest of Chania and 17km northwest of Kissamos, situated between Cape Gramvousa and Cape Tigani below the range of Platiskinos. It is highly photographed and a popular subject for tourist guides in Greece. It was also visited by Prince Charles and Princess Diana on their private yacht many years ago.
Balos is renowned for its striking turquoise waters, picturesque natural scenery, and stunning exotic beauty. During summer, thousands of visitors arrive mostly by ferry from Kissamos port. However, it can be overcrowded, especially in July and August, so it is advisable to visit in the morning before the boats arrive, to enjoy a few hours of isolation in this breathtaking paradise.
The lagoon’s white-pink sandy beaches feature vivid blue and turquoise waters, which are very shallow and warm, ideal for young children. The sand has a lovely pinkish hue in many areas due to millions of crushed shells. The water beyond the lagoon’s rocky boundaries is deeper and colder, perfect for snorkelling. The wider area, including the lagoon, has rare flora and fauna species and is protected under the Natura 2000 program. Eleonora falcons, shags, and cormorants nest in the caves of the area, while the monk seal and the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), which are protected species, also find refuge there.
Beach details
Most frequent asked questions
What is the best time to visit Balos Beach and Lagoon?
The best time to visit Balos Beach and Lagoon is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.
Is Balos Beach and Lagoon suitable for families with children?
Yes, Balos Beach and Lagoon is suitable for families with children. However, parents should keep an eye on their children as the water can be deep in some areas.
Are there any water sports activities available at Balos Beach and Lagoon?
Yes, visitors can hire kayaks and paddleboats. You can also enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Can I bring my own food and drinks to Balos Beach and Lagoon?
Yes, visitors are allowed to bring their own food and drinks to Balos Beach and Lagoon. However, there are no facilities available for cooking or grilling.
Is there any accommodation available near Balos Beach and Lagoon?
No, there is no accommodation available near Balos Beach and Lagoon. Visitors can stay in nearby towns such as Kissamos or Chania.
What is the water colour of the Balos beach?
The water colour of the Balos beach is turquoise.
What type of sand is found on the Balos beach?
The Balos beach has white sand with a lovely pinkish hue in many areas due to millions of crushed shells.
How deep is the water at the Balos beach?
The water at the Balos Beach and Lagoon is shallow.
What is the surface of the sea like at the Balos beach?
The sea surface at the Balos Beach and Lagoon is usually calm.
Is the Balos beach usually crowded?
Yes, the Balos Beach and Lagoon is a crowded place.
What facilities are available at the Balos Beach and Lagoon?
Food and water are available nearby, and umbrellas and beds are also provided.
How do you get to Balos Beach?
You can get to Balos beach by car or by boat. The boat leaves from the port of Kissamos Port daily.
How much is the boat to Balos Beach?
The boat to Balos costs around 29€.
Is there any other important information about the Balos Beach and Lagoon?
Yes, the Balos Beach and Lagoon is a seaturtle nesting point.
Review stats
Balos Beach and Lagoon has received 1 reviews with an average rating of 5 out of 5
User reviews
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Things to do near Balos Beach and Lagoon
Stays near Balos Beach and Lagoon
- 9.1 / 10
- Kaliviani
Surrounded by a well-tended garden, Agarathos Traditional Rooms with Pool is located in the medieval village of Kaliviani, around 1 km from the nearest beach. It offers spacious rooms and studios, and a restaurant serving local dishes and breakfast. Free WiFi is available.
Located on the ground floor, all rooms and apartments at Agarathos Traditional Rooms with Pool open to a patio with garden and mountain views. Each includes air conditioning a and a TV. Some units come with a separate bedroom and a seating area.
Guests can easily explore the surroundings, such as the famous Elafonisi Beach (50 km), Balos lagoon (9 km) and Falasarna Beach (10 km). The scenic Town of Chania with its Venetian Port is at a distance of 40 km. Free, private parking is available on site.
from
€63
/night
- 8.0 km
- 8.7 / 10
- Nikou Revelaki
Set in Kalivianí, 1.2 km from Beach Kaliviani and 1.6 km from Trachilos Beach, Trigonaki Studio – Kaliviani village offers air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. The property has city views and is 1.6 km from Meri Pigadi Beach and 4.1 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port.
The holiday home has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a terrace with mountain views.
Ancient Falassarna is 13 km from the holiday home, while Agios Dimitrios Church is 33 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 57 km from Trigonaki Studio – Kaliviani village.
- 8.0 km
- 9.4 / 10
- Kaliviani Main road
Situated 1.2 km from Beach Kaliviani, Agarathos Deluxe Homes offers a garden, and air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi.
Featuring a kitchen with an oven and a fridge, each unit also comes with a safety deposit box, a satellite flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, wardrobe and a seating area with a sofa. There is a private bathroom with shower in all units, along with a hair dryer and free toiletries.
The restaurant at the holiday home specialises in Greek, Mediterranean and grill bbq cuisine.
A car rental service is available at Agarathos Deluxe Homes.
Trachilos Beach is 1.6 km from the accommodation, while Meri Pigadi Beach is 1.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 57 km from Agarathos Deluxe Homes, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€72
/night
- 8.1 km
- 9.6 / 10
- Stylianou Koutsaftaki
Set in Kalivianí and only 1.2 km from Beach Kaliviani, Sokaki House offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This holiday home provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The holiday home with a terrace and sea views features 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 2 bathrooms with a shower.
A bicycle rental service is available at the holiday home.
Trachilos Beach is 1.6 km from Sokaki House, while Meri Pigadi Beach is 1.6 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 57 km from the accommodation.
from
€98
/night
- 8.1 km
- 9.8 / 10
- Kalyviani
Located in scenic Kalyviani Village, 800 metres from the beach, Arhontariki is a traditional, self-catered villa with a private heated swimming pool and free Wi-Fi. It features furnished verandas overlooking Kissamos Bay.
The fully air-conditioned Villa Arhontariki is furnished with antiques and features wooden ceilings and stone walls. It includes a fully equipped kitchen and dining room. Each bedroom features en suite facilities.
There is lots of seating space in the living room where guests can watch TV by the fireplace. A small gym and playroom with table tennis facilities are available. The heated swimming pool area is surrounded by a well-tended garden with lemon trees, palm trees and bougainvilleas. Free bicycles are offered to the guests.
Kalyviani Village is lively and has cafés and taverns serving Cretan dishes. The Port of Kasteli is just 800 metres away while the city of Chania is at 35 km. Free private parking is offered on our premises the Arhontariki Villa.
from
€65
/night
- 8.1 km
- 9.3 / 10
- Kaliviani
This traditional guest house, located at the tip of cape Gramvoussa, in the traditional village Kaliviani Traditional Hotel, offers accommodation with a satellite TV and unobstructed views of Kissamos Gulf. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
This 2 storey building features a spacious lounge on the ground floor and bedroom on the first floor with balcony enjoying views of both the sea and the plain.
Traditional homemade breakfast is served daily.
Kaliviani Traditional Hotel is located in the northwest of Crete, just a 5 kilometres distance from Kissamos and 35 kilometres from Chania.
Hotel Kaliviani Traditional Hotel can serve as the ideal starting point to visit the lagoon of Balos, Falassarna beach and Elafonisi.
from
€91
/night
- 8.2 km
