About this activity
Discover Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon on this scenic cruise from Crete. Enjoy stunning views, swim in crystal-clear waters, and explore the historic Venetian Gramvousa Fortress for breathtaking panoramic vistas.
- Sail across the stunning Kissamos Bay on a scenic boat trip.
- Relax on the exotic Balos Beach, famous for its turquoise lagoon and white sand.
- Hike to the Venetian castle ruins on Gramvousa for panoramic sea views.
- Enjoy a full-day guided tour with comfortable transport.
Full description
Set off on a breathtaking island adventure to iconic locations – Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach. Your journey begins early in the morning with hotel pickup and a comfortable bus ride to Kissamos Port. Upon arrival, board a boat for a scenic cruise across Kissamos Bay, taking in the stunning coastal landscapes.
The first stop is Balos Beach, a true natural paradise with its shallow turquoise waters, white sand, and unique lagoon. Spend time swimming, sunbathing, or exploring the area before continuing your journey (a €1 Balos beach fee applies and is not included in the tour price).
Next, head to Gramvousa Island, home to the historic Venetian fortress, which offers panoramic views over the Cretan Sea. Hike up to the castle ruins and soak in the incredible scenery, or relax by the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island.
After a full day of exploring, relax on the boat as you cruise back to Kissamos Port, where your bus will be waiting to return you to your hotel.
⚠️ Note: The order of attractions may sometimes change, for example: first Gramvousa Island, then Balos Lagoon.
What's Included
- Round-trip transportation by bus
- Ferry tickets
- Professional escort throughout the tour
- Food and drinks
- Municipality fee: €1
Meeting and Pickup
Pick-up and drop-off will be at the hotel entrance or a nearby meeting point within a short walking distance. The exact time and location will be provided the evening before the tour.
Available from the following regions: Malia, Stalida, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Analipsi, Kato Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Karteros, Heraklion, Ammoudara (Heraklion), Ligaria, Agia Pelagia, Fodele, Bali, Panormo, Lavris, Skaleta, Stavromenos, Pigianos Kampos, Adelianos Kampos, Rethymno, Pirgos, Paralia Kourna, Georgioupolis.
Important Information
- The ferry departs at 10:45 AM (please note that the departure time may occasionally vary).
- Hotel pickup is between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM, depending on the distance of your hotel from the tour’s starting point.
- Return to hotels is between 7:00 PM and 10:30 PM, depending on your hotel’s location.
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, Swimwear, Towel, Sunscreen, Water, Beachwear, Cash.
- The tour is multilingual. Information on the bus may be provided in multiple languages.
- Infants must sit with their parents on the bus and will not have a separate seat.
- Not suitable for people with limited mobility (hiking to the fortress requires effort).
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 48 hours before the experience for a full refund [].
Reviews
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The trip is really nice with the Balos beach being very beautiful. This trip itself consist of you paying for transportation to the Kissamos port where you take this boat that fits 1000 people. The price of the boat is 20 euros and the ticket is included in the 59 euros paid for the trip.
The English guide is ok but the one talking in Romanian is not very good.
If you cannot get to Kissamos port and take your own ticket to the boat, this bus may be worth it.
Viskas puiku, rekomenduoju rinktis šią ekskursiją, tik būtina pasiimti batus brydimui į vandenį dėl išsilaipinimo iš laivo į Balos paplūdimį, gidai to nepasako😀
Super leuk
Het was een hele mooie Ervaring.. alleen de rotsen was iets minder in het water. Super mooi Blauwe water En onze gids Lilly was heel lief En erg behulpzaam. En kon als goed goed uitleggen over de historie Gramvousa enz
Wycieczka była super, Balos i Gramvousa musisz koniecznie zobaczyć jeśli jesteś na Krecie. Odbiór z hotelu był o dokładnie tej samej godzinie o której dostaliśmy informacje na mailu (6:25) kierowca bardzo doświadczony, miły i uprzejmy. Nasza przewodniczka LILY była bardzo miła, opowiadała nam w trakcie jazdy autokarem historie wyspy Gramvousa i ogólnie o wycieczce. Troszczyła się o nas na statku udzielając wskazówek odnośnie posiłków itp. Sam rejs promem był super, w tym czasie (29 wrzesień – było już mniej zwiedzających wiec spokojnie wystarczyło dla wszystkich miejsca, nie było sporych kolejek do jedzenia itp. Widoki były przecudowne, warto to zobaczyć na żywo. W trakcie powrotu organizator kontaktował się z naszymi hotelami i ustalał czy zdążymy na kolacje bądź prosił o przyszykowanie do pokoju. Baaardzo nam się to spodobało, czuliśmy się zaopiekowani 24/h. My wrocilismy o 21.30, ale zdążyliśmy zjeść w restauracji. Ogólne wrażenia : bardzo super ! Polecam wszystkim ❤️