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Hi, we’re a married couple with a passion for travel, exploring the world and sharing our adventures with others. Having visited Crete multiple times, we can’t wait to return – join us on our journey around the world by following us on Instagram for more travel inspiration and tips!
In May 2023, we embarked on a full-day boat trip to Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island from Chania town, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. We discovered a new island, touched history by hiking up to the ancient Venetian fortress, and took in some absolutely breathtaking views. The rest of the afternoon was spent unwinding in the Balos Lagoon – swimming, soaking up the sun, and capturing plenty of photos and videos.
We’re thrilled to share our journey with you, along with a step-by-step guide to help you plan your own adventure. So, if you’re ready to dive into the azure waters, explore vibrant marine life, and enjoy the stunning scenery of Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island, keep reading!
NOTE: Please note this blog was written in May 2023, with the new measures in place, during the peak times the boats will no longer dock directly at Balos. Instead, they will anchor approximately 100 meters from the coast, allowing passengers to enjoy swimming for about 1.5 hours. Some tours may offer a small boat for passengers to disembark directly onto the beach.
We have started our journey early in the morning by taking a bus to Kissamos Port, which is about 25 km west of Chania. Kissamos Port is where we took the boat and started our journey to the magnificent Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon Beach.
In order to find out all the important information about the trip, we visited the main bus station in Chania a day before to inquire about the details. We found out that the departure from Chania is at 08:30, 11:00, and 15:30, and we need to take the boat at 10:45. This was the only available time (at least for the May month).
At the bus station, they were selling this as a full package – we bouaght the bus round trip ticket and the boat vouchers which we later have exchanged for the boat tickets at the counter at Kissamos Port. It costed us 80 euros for two people (the price for the bus ticket from Chania and the ferry ticket). You can also check the route information here.
So the next day we took the 8:30 bus and in about one hour we were at the Port. The not-so-convenient part is that we had to wait another hour before the boat departure, but it was worth the wait.
If you are planning on taking the same trip, another option would be to rent the car and get to the Port on your own. You can buy boat tickets separately, at the Kissamos Port or online in advance. The price for the boat ticket is around 30 euros per person.
At 10:45, the boat took off, heading first to Gramvousa Island. It was about an hour and a half ride, filled with breathtaking views along the way. Fortunately, the boat was equipped with all the essentials – there were toilets onboard, as well as a bar and restaurant. In case we forgot to bring water, we could easily buy some onboard, along with sodas, beers, and snacks like souvlaki. A can of beer was about 2 euros, and a pint of draft beer was around 5 euros. There was seating inside and outside, but naturally, most people, including ourselves, chose the top deck to enjoy the views.
If you’re not a fan of tours with large groups, you can opt for a private boat tour that will take you to both destinations as well.
On arrival on the island, we had about one hour and a half of free time to explore the surroundings.
One option was to take a short but challenging 10-15 minute hike up to the Venetian fortress perched on top of the cliff. Built in 1579, this old fort offered incredible panoramic views, making it a fantastic spot for capturing some amazing photos.
Another option was simply to relax on the beach and swim in the crystal-clear waters. The bay featured a rusty shipwreck that had become a local landmark, adding a touch of mystery to the scene. It is a popular spot for spearfishers and makes an ideal subject for anyone interested in photographing shipwrecks.
We definitely decided to climb up to the Venetian fortress to enjoy the view from above. It was a challenging hike, to be honest – especially considering it was only May and not yet too hot, it was still tough going uphill. But once we reached the top, it was completely worth it; we had a fantastic time and took plenty of photos.
If you’re visiting during peak season when temperatures rise above 30 degrees, we wouldn’t recommend this hike for older people or young kids. In that kind of heat, it’s safer to stay by the beach and enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea instead.
After visiting Gramvousa Island, the boat headed towards Balos Beach, where we had a 2.5-hour break. The journey took about 30 minutes, and as soon as we arrived at Balos, we were mesmerized by its beauty. The crystal-clear waters and the dazzling white and pink sand made it an unforgettable destination. We swam in the shallow waters of the lagoon, which were warm and inviting, even on cooler days. We spent the rest of our time sunbathing, swimming, and taking plenty of photos.
At around 16:00, the boat left Balos Beach and began its journey back to Kissamos Port. We made sure not to miss it! The ride was quite pleasant. We spent some time chatting with other passengers while enjoying a few drinks from the bar. The staff were incredibly friendly, ensuring everyone had a great experience on the way back. As we arrived at Kissamos Port around 17:00, it felt like no time had passed since we left in the morning—even though we had explored two stunning locations! It was truly a memorable day trip that will stay with us for years to come!
Ultimately, our full-day adventure to Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island from Chania was an experience that we would never forget. From the crystal clear waters of the lagoon at Balos Beach to the breathtaking views from the historic fortress on top of Gramvousa Island, it was truly a unique journey filled with stunning sights and unforgettable memories.