Balos Lagoon
Balos Lagoon
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
This lagoon is one of the most photographed spots on the island of Crete, with hypnotizing turquoise waters and a panoramic landscape. There are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent and snacks for sale, but you might want to pack a more substantial meal. Also, check the weather conditions in advance, as the beach can get windy.
If you’re planning to drive, bring suitable footwear for the steep trek down from the car park to the beach. Visit early in the morning to experience the lagoon at its most tranquil. Getting the ferry from Kissamos Port is a relaxing and convenient way to reach Belos.
– Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Top ways to experience Balos Lagoon
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
2 within 3 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
10,670 reviews
Excellent
7,688
Very good
1,905
Average
672
Poor
254
Terrible
153
Tomlas23
Brisbane, Australia41 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
This is a scenic destination and very popular with tourists to Crete. It’s one of the “must see” Crete destinations however it’s not for the faint hearted, particularly those who drive to the destination and need to negotiate the stairs to the beach.
We got some very good advice from the locals to get there early and leave by lunch time which is when the large passenger ferries drop off hundreds of people onto the beach. We viewed the ferries coming in first hand from a high vantage point and it looked like ants swarming the beach.
My advice is to get there early, around 9am if you’re driving. There’s a very long, bumpy, dirt road which you need to negotiate on the way in. Getting there early assures you won’t be pushed wide onto the edge of the goat track like road at times to allow oncoming vehicles through. It also ensures you will get a park in the car park closest to the stairs.
BEWARE, the stairs are difficult to descend and ascend. We are relatively fit and in our late 40’s and we found it a very solid workout to get down and particularly to get up again.
The beach itself is beautiful and worth the effort however I strongly recommend you fork out for a chair and umbrella because it gets hot.
There is a canteen which sells snacks and cold drinks at a reasonable price considering it’s location.
We got some very good advice from the locals to get there early and leave by lunch time which is when the large passenger ferries drop off hundreds of people onto the beach. We viewed the ferries coming in first hand from a high vantage point and it looked like ants swarming the beach.
My advice is to get there early, around 9am if you’re driving. There’s a very long, bumpy, dirt road which you need to negotiate on the way in. Getting there early assures you won’t be pushed wide onto the edge of the goat track like road at times to allow oncoming vehicles through. It also ensures you will get a park in the car park closest to the stairs.
BEWARE, the stairs are difficult to descend and ascend. We are relatively fit and in our late 40’s and we found it a very solid workout to get down and particularly to get up again.
The beach itself is beautiful and worth the effort however I strongly recommend you fork out for a chair and umbrella because it gets hot.
There is a canteen which sells snacks and cold drinks at a reasonable price considering it’s location.
Written August 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dorin
37 contributions
Jul 2022
We arrived at 8:00 in the morning, we were one of the first to arrive to the location, which was perfect. Parking empty, lagoon empty, we managed to get really good pictures with perfect lightning and no people behind, everything until people starting to arrive around 10:00.
We stayed on a set of sunbeds but around 10:00 a guy came and asked for 15 EUROS for an umbrella and a set of sunbeds, even though there is no sign about this anywhere. When I asked if there is any sign or where is it stated that we have to pay for this, I was told I can stay on the sand if I don't want.
We wanted to leave at 13:00, as the place was waaaay too crowded, a few ships with tourists came and invaded every space left. A lady asked us if we are leaving so she can take our sunbeds, even offered some money but we wanted to give them for free, I even gave her the bill I received in the morning for the sunbeds. The "staff" guy jumped in quickly to forbid us to do that, we said there the "rules" say that we cannot do that, not even to give them away, and she has to pay again, same ammount.
The lagoon was pretty smelly and I do not recommend to come for a swim as there were a lot of rocks, algues and fishes.
The view from above is something out of this world.
The path from the parking to the lagoon is very pretty, worth it 100%.
Bring good shoes.
The road to the parking was a pretty nice adventure too, as there were lots of goats on the road and we had fun going around them. Any car can go there, the road is all gravel and bumpy but it is usable.
When leaving, there was a queue for a few kilometers from the parking with people parking on the side of the road, which made crossing other vehicles much more complicated.
When going there, first try to find a parking spot at the actual parking, a lot of people are also leaving, as some come very early in the morning. That's the best moment to go.
We stayed on a set of sunbeds but around 10:00 a guy came and asked for 15 EUROS for an umbrella and a set of sunbeds, even though there is no sign about this anywhere. When I asked if there is any sign or where is it stated that we have to pay for this, I was told I can stay on the sand if I don't want.
We wanted to leave at 13:00, as the place was waaaay too crowded, a few ships with tourists came and invaded every space left. A lady asked us if we are leaving so she can take our sunbeds, even offered some money but we wanted to give them for free, I even gave her the bill I received in the morning for the sunbeds. The "staff" guy jumped in quickly to forbid us to do that, we said there the "rules" say that we cannot do that, not even to give them away, and she has to pay again, same ammount.
The lagoon was pretty smelly and I do not recommend to come for a swim as there were a lot of rocks, algues and fishes.
The view from above is something out of this world.
The path from the parking to the lagoon is very pretty, worth it 100%.
Bring good shoes.
The road to the parking was a pretty nice adventure too, as there were lots of goats on the road and we had fun going around them. Any car can go there, the road is all gravel and bumpy but it is usable.
When leaving, there was a queue for a few kilometers from the parking with people parking on the side of the road, which made crossing other vehicles much more complicated.
When going there, first try to find a parking spot at the actual parking, a lot of people are also leaving, as some come very early in the morning. That's the best moment to go.
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olga
Copenhagen, Denmark87 contributions
Jun 2021
We are very cautious about going to over-hyped, touristic beaches but we can confirm that this beach deserves all of the hype. It is an absolute stunner. We would recommend driving and walking down (the walk is about 15-30 minutes depending on the number of photo stops along the way!), rather than taking a boat tour, because you would miss the insane views if you take the boat. The drive to the car park is along an unpaved road so you have to go slowly and carefully. The walk down requires sturdy shoes. The beach itself has some umbrellas and a small cafe (which takes only cash). We would recommend bringing lunch with you. We were here in June so it wasn't too busy and we had a lovely day. Be aware though that at the height of summer, boats drop of loads of tourists so we would recommend coming here in the morning or afternoon if you come during high season. Highly recommended!
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ramona M
Cluj-Napoca, Romania141 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
We visited Balos Lagoon via Cretan Daily Cruises and expected to see a natural protected area. Instead we have found a very crowded place, with 500 people debarking every hour. The beach was ful with algeas and a smell of sulf could be felt in some areas. There is a narrow area with sand the rest of the beach is rocky. We were sadly surprised to see traces of fire places on the beach, large iron pieces coming out of the water. I would only recommend to visit this place early in the morning, before cruises come, or after 17.00. Probably the best option is renting a private boat. Beware of giant wasps that fly in the lagoon!
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew B
1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Couples
If you are going to do this then either hire a private boat or hire a car and drive there, get there Early and be prepared to leave between 11:00-12:00 when the cruise ships full of locusts arrive..
Me and my partner booked the excursion with sparrow travel, travelling from Malia it was 4.5hour journey on the coach each way, stopping only once mid journey for a measly 20minute break where you'd have to choose between eating or using the bathroom as the queues for either lasted longer than you had there all because they decide to pull 6 coaches into the small stop at once..
Then when you finally reach the boat which you'd expect to be a pleasant experience, think again.. they stuff 500 people into a small boat, you feel like cattle being shipped off for slaughter, toilets dont work.. they serve food but not worth the wait (take you own food)
You get an hour at one beach and two hours at another beach.. they are above average at best but not the best experience when 3 cruise ships drop off hoards of people..
The excursion lasted 16 hours.. 3 hours on the worst boat journey imaginable, 9-10 hours travel and 3-4 hours on above average at best beaches.. never again
Me and my partner booked the excursion with sparrow travel, travelling from Malia it was 4.5hour journey on the coach each way, stopping only once mid journey for a measly 20minute break where you'd have to choose between eating or using the bathroom as the queues for either lasted longer than you had there all because they decide to pull 6 coaches into the small stop at once..
Then when you finally reach the boat which you'd expect to be a pleasant experience, think again.. they stuff 500 people into a small boat, you feel like cattle being shipped off for slaughter, toilets dont work.. they serve food but not worth the wait (take you own food)
You get an hour at one beach and two hours at another beach.. they are above average at best but not the best experience when 3 cruise ships drop off hoards of people..
The excursion lasted 16 hours.. 3 hours on the worst boat journey imaginable, 9-10 hours travel and 3-4 hours on above average at best beaches.. never again
Written September 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joy S
9 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
Busy but well worth a visit by boat (wouldn't recommend driving, we could see a long queue of stationery traffic leading to the car park up above the beach). Bluest seas ever, lovely shallow warm water & pink sand. Plenty of space so even though busy did not feel crowded. We went with Blue Daily Cruises who were excellent & better than being on the huge ferry boats.
Written September 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana
2 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Dirty smelly and overrated beach. Where to start, from a far it looks like in a brochure but the reality is far from it. The road to the beach is horrible as you were travelling in a third world country, when you get there you’ll find sheep and goats on the beach alongside sewage smell as you enter the beach. The left hand side of the water is infested with the sewage smell which spoils the somewhat turquoise water. I say somewhat because as soon as you go in you realise it’s dirty and full of dead algae! You’ll also have to pay €20 for 2x sun beds and an umbrella which is an extortion considering the conditions really and sold by dodgy people which don’t even give you a receipt unless you chase them for one! The canteen on site is small, limited and expensive. Overall I would not recommend to waste your time to go to this beach as you’ll be disappointed for sure, better to visit Elafonisi instead if you’ll like the experience of a tropical beach feeling.
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PMV
Dubai, United Arab Emirates1,235 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
Even though the weather was very windy, we decided to take this full day boat excursion and really didn't regret it. You leave by 11am and return by 6pm and spend 2.5 hours on this superb blue lagoon with an amazing scenery. You can rent sun beds and umbrellas on the beach. It is better to buy food and drinks on the boat or before embarking as on site, you won't find anything. Don't forget your camera as you will take the most instagramable pics!
Written October 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raoul Rongen
Sittard, The Netherlands902 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Yes there are a lot of tourists and boat tours that are going to Balos Lagoon but it is still a beautiful place and a must do if you are on Crete. We had to drive more than 2 hours but it was worth it. We were afraid that it would be to crowded because we couldn’t arrive early on the day but is was more than doable. Be aware that if you come by car that the last 8 kilometres are an off-road gravel path and most rental cars are not insured for that. We knew that but took the risk and honestly if you drive wise and careful it is very doable even with a Fiat Panda with four passengers. Before entering the gravel path you have to pay 1 euro per person to enter the road. There is a parking at the end of the road (again 1 euro) but that is not sufficient by far for all the people that are arriving. Most cars have to park along the road and in the heat and the fact that you have a walk of 1 kilometre form the parking down to the beach that is not perfect. So, be early as possible or late on the day to park on the parking. Road closes at 8 p.m. at the parking is a toilet (1 euro) and a kiosk to buy drinks and ice. No unnecessary luxury because of the heat and the fact that you still have to walk a kilometre to the beach. If you go to the beach it is a path down. Very doable with good shoes. From there you have spectacular views on the lagoon, the beautiful water, the islands and mountains.
There are umbrellas for rental but far not sufficient for the amount of tourist. If you go down and reach the beach you can walk to the left and at the end of the beach there are trees and shrubs that provide shade for quite some people, most people don’t know. Make use of it! Also store you food well if you go in the water because sheep and cats roam the beach in search of food.
There is also a beach bar.
For the rest just enjoy the beauty of the lagoon. Even with all the tourist, it is so big you have more than enough space for yourself also in the water.
Note that you bring some water for the way back because it is 1 kilometre up again.
There are umbrellas for rental but far not sufficient for the amount of tourist. If you go down and reach the beach you can walk to the left and at the end of the beach there are trees and shrubs that provide shade for quite some people, most people don’t know. Make use of it! Also store you food well if you go in the water because sheep and cats roam the beach in search of food.
There is also a beach bar.
For the rest just enjoy the beauty of the lagoon. Even with all the tourist, it is so big you have more than enough space for yourself also in the water.
Note that you bring some water for the way back because it is 1 kilometre up again.
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marija M
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Couples
An organized trip from Rethimnon lasted 5 hours at one direction instead of 2hours. We took a boat to Balos lagoon and they left us on the beach for only 1 hour and 1 hour at Gramvousa.. The Balos beach was really dirty, full of broken glass and bottels, crowded with people. looks very nice on pictures but a very disappointing experience. a 5 hours trip is not worth 2 hours of swimming at an average beach at best. I wouldn't go again, I wouldn't recommend it
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laurencek539
Boussay, France36 contributions
Bonjour, j'ai prévu de faire l'excursion en bateau. les commentaires partent d'un accès pentu et un peu raide pour accéder à la plage. Est ce le cas par bateau ou seulement les gens qui viennent en voiture ? Merci de vos réponses
Costin
Hampshire, UK31 contributions
The boat access is from Kissamos, and it drops you at the lagoon. It is not steep, it is quite easy and accessible
Carrera
New York City, NY370 contributions
Is it possibly to get a half day boat trip to Balos? Don't want to be there all day? Thanks!
Ranu M
London, UK180 contributions
Most of those selling sightseeing were combining Balos with Granousa for full day including lunch on boat. Do check weather before booking, we were caught in a windstorm and there was no place to shelter from the winds, besides we could see the larger boat decked further down but unable to reach it. Take shoes which are strong & waterproof, on the return we couldnt cross the lagoon as water had risen, the rocks on islands were cutting into my soles.
Luciabaz99
Wales, UK122 contributions
Googling Balos beach from Chania it indicates there’s a bus option .. although we’re here in Chania and I can’t see one on the ktel timetable .. is this old cached posting and now the only way is Chania to kissamos port by bus then take the boat that does 2 island stops?
monicab
Oslo, Norway151 contributions
We took a preebooked trip. Found that fairly easier ( though crowded on the boat)
Bought @ one if the local tourist offices ( You can find them everywhere, at least in Platanias) we paid 47 Euros, (50% for children up to 12) That invluded pick up from the hotel, the buss drive & boat stopping @ Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon.
The trip in total lasted from pickup 0900 am - aprox 1900 PM back at the hotel in Platanias.
Marie C
7 contributions
Bonjour,
savez vous si il y a des horaires pour accéder au Lagon de Balos ou si on peut y aller à n'importe quelle heure?
Je souhaiterais y aller à pieds et être au lagon pour 7h30/8h (donc passage au guichet vers 5h30-6h).
Merci
GILLES V
Sanary-sur-Mer, France1,096 contributions
Bonjour. On s'y rend plutôt en voiture car à pied très longue marche. Accès gratuit sans horaire, par contre vous pouvez y aller avec un bateau mais c'est une excursion assez chère et compter la demie journée.
332patricky
13 contributions
Hi everybody, does anybody know whether it is currently possible for tourists to visit the lagoon out of Chania town given the current Corona restrictions on Crete?
Dustinho
Zurich, Switzerland61 contributions
Hi guys.
Has anyone tried to hike from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon. By feet. No cars no ships.
I went last year with the ship from Kissamos to Balos. This year I really want to try to hike by feet. From Kissamos to Balos. Or anyone tried biking from Kissamos to Balos?
If yes how long does it take with the bike or on feet?
Thanks for any advices and suggestions
👍🏽😎
Italia
Pisa232 contributions
Hi, didn’t actually hike there, we drove and then walked down to Balos beach. But.... I’m sure that you could find a way to hike there. Just google it or you could ask for information from the tourist board. Sorry that I couldn’t help you out more.
mr_dincer
Amsterdam, The Netherlands137 contributions
We are still trying to decide if we should drive there or just take the boat from Kissamos. Hertz didn’t mention anything about driving on dirt roads. So I guess it is fine. We have the super CDW but of course in the fine print it says the undercarriage damage is not covered. The car is a small car (Hyundai i10). I’m fine with driving carefully and everything. Normally I was a bit inclined to take the boat but everyone says that once the boat arrives Balos gets too crowded and loses its beauty. Do you agree with this? Also I hope it is not too crowded nowadays (due to pandemic). Is there anyone who recently visited? How would you go?
Monkeyboy45
London, UK293 contributions
I would drive and get there at 9am, otherwise it gets crowded early. Once the boat gets there it gets really packed. The drive though is tough. We had a Volkswagen Polo and it didn’t get damaged. Obviously be careful where you drive and how fast you go. Take your time. Get the car cleaned before you take it back to the Rental company as they try to scam you.
Cynthia
7 contributions
Bonjour,
Si nous venons en voiture, à quelle heure au plus tôt le matin pouvons nous arriver ?
Merci
Dustinho
Zurich, Switzerland61 contributions
Hi everyone. I have question. I plan to go to Kissamos this summer. Last year I went to Balos Lagoon by ship from Kissamos port. This year I want to try the road way. By feet/hiking. Did anyone tried it already? How long did it take you? Any suggestion? You would recommend or not?It doesnt seem to be a very very long hike (in terms of kilometers). I dont want to use if possible a rental car.
Thanks for feedback
Dustin
Robert
1 contribution
Downhill no Problem. Uphill only for sporty or at least normal weight people. Im not sporty. Im overweight. It took me 90 min up cause of many breaks. Its not many km but its high. I guess 150 m mountainclimbing over stairs. For me it felt like walking up Eiffeltower. So if u have problems walking stairs in a building and u prefer elevator, take the ship
Brenda Fiorela M
Lima, Peru1 contribution
Hola, saben si puedo movilizarme sin alquilar coche en marzo?
Silke R
Hagen, NRW167 contributions
Nein, nur mit Auto, oder Motorrad, oder Fahrrad, oder zu Fuss.
Balos Lagoon (Kissamos) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Balos Lagoon
- Balos Lagoon is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking Balos Lagoon tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 46 Balos Lagoon tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Balos Lagoon:
- Gramvousa and Balos Day Cruise from Chania (From $65.22)
- Gramvousa - Balos from Rethymno (From $29.35)
- Full-Day Guided Tour to Gramvousa Island with Hotel Pickup (From $79.35)
- Day Private Sailing Cruises to Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Island and more. (From $869.62)
- Gramvousa and Balos Private Tour (From $391.33)
- Hotels near Balos Lagoon:
- (7.05 mi) Castell Hotel
- (7.26 mi) Kavousi Resort
- (6.61 mi) Maria Beach
- (7.12 mi) Galini Beach Hotel
- (6.51 mi) Panorama Hotel
- Restaurants near Balos Lagoon:
- (0.35 mi) Beach Bar
- (4.96 mi) Kaliviani fish & Meat Taverna
- (6.92 mi) Breeze Cafe-Bar
- (5.41 mi) Erofili
- (6.64 mi) Plaka Beach Restaurant
- Attractions near Balos Lagoon:
- (0.30 mi) Valendi Daily Cruises
- (0.39 mi) Paralía Bálos
- (1.97 mi) Gramvousa Fortress
- (5.35 mi) Cretan Traditional Cooking Lessons
- (5.40 mi) Sailing In Crete - Fantasia Sailing Boat
Balos Lagoon Information
Excellent Reviews | 7,673 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 1,902 |
Balos Lagoon Photos | 13,673 |