{"id":30748,"date":"2025-06-05T10:28:21","date_gmt":"2025-06-05T10:28:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/volare.volotea.com\/?post_type=inspiracion&p=30748"},"modified":"2025-06-05T13:55:05","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T13:55:05","slug":"balos-unfiltered","status":"publish","type":"inspiracion","link":"https:\/\/volare.volotea.com\/en\/cities\/heraklion\/balos-unfiltered\/","title":{"rendered":"Balos unfiltered: how to love the most spectacular lagoon in Crete"},"content":{"rendered":"
If you look for photos of Balos Lagoon on Google, you\u2019ll find thousands of images with pinkish-white sand, impossibly clear turquoise waters and a kind of beach nirvana straight out of an Instagrammer\u2019s imagination. But the reality, as always, is a bit more interesting (tastier, dustier, and yes, also more fun!).<\/h5>\n
Today, we\u2019re not going to tell you how pretty Balos is \u2014you know that already\u2014 but how to enjoy it without ending up looking like a lobster among the hordes of tourists, and how to really connect with this unique corner of Crete. Because Balos is about much more than a picturesque beach: it\u2019s about history, wild landscapes, local life\u2026 and we\u2019ll give you a couple of tips to make you feel like a genuine Cretan insider.<\/p>\n
Where is Balos and why does everyone want to go there?<\/h2>\n
Balos is on the northeast tip of the island of Crete, in the region of Chania, and forms part of a protected nature reserve. Technically, it\u2019s a lagoon formed between the Gramvousa Peninsula and Cape Tigani, giving it that distinctive shape you see in aerial photos.<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
The beauty of this spot lies in its magical combination of colours: crystal-clear waters<\/strong> ranging from electric blue to emerald green, sand banks<\/strong> that look like whipped cream, and an arid mountain<\/strong> watching over it all. Spoiler alert: you\u2019re going to want to stay for good. Or at least take a long siesta under your beach umbrella!<\/p>\n
How to get there without losing heart (or your sense of humour)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Here\u2019s where the tip comes in. There are three ways of reaching Balos:<\/p>\n
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By car<\/strong> (and a bit of a 4×4 adventure): From Kissamos, you take a rough and ready dirt track (around 7km of potholes, dust and goats with attitude). At the end of the track there\u2019s a carpark (payment required), followed by a 20-minute walk down to the lagoon. Be warned: the way back is uphill<\/em>. But the views from the path are worth every ounce of sweat. A pro tip: wear comfortable trainers; flip-flops are for the sand, not for negotiating stony ground.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/figure>\n
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By boat<\/strong> from Kissamos harbour: more comfortable, with more tourists. It usually includes a stop at the island of Imeri Gramvousa, with its Venetian castle and idyllic waters. This is ideal if you have children with you or you prefer not to drive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nGramvousa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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On foot<\/strong> from Kaliviani: only for the brave. A walk of about 10km through remote landscapes, with the smell of wild sage and absolute silence. If you choose this option, set off nice and early and take plenty of water with you, as if you\u2019re crossing the Sahara.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Avoiding the crowds (yes, it is<\/em> possible!)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
If you don\u2019t like crowds, you\u2019ll be glad to know that Balos is a whole different world before 10am or after 5pm.<\/p>\n
Most tourists arrive in boats that moor up between 11am and 3pm, so if you get up very early or you\u2019re someone who stays around until late to watch the sun go down, you\u2019ll have the lagoon practically all to yourself. Sunset from the viewpoint is out of this world. <\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
Things to do (besides floating in turquoise waters and taking photos)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Go up to the viewpoint<\/strong>: There\u2019s a viewpoint on the path from the carpark where you can take THE photo. Don\u2019t rush; savour the moment. If you take some fruit with you it\u2019s the ideal spot for a mini Cretan picnic with a view.<\/li>\n
Go snorkelling, simple but fun: <\/strong>it may not be the Great Barrier Reef, but the waters of Balos are perfect for floating and watching small fish. Ideal for beginners and children.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/figure>\n
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Explore the island of Gramvousa<\/strong>: if you\u2019re going by boat, take the opportunity to walk up to the Venetian castle. From there you\u2019ll get the best view of Balos. But do make sure you take some water with you; the climb in full sun is hard work.<\/li>\n
Pick up microplastics or litter<\/strong> if you come across any: yes, you<\/em>, the responsible tourist. Sometimes the wind blows things into the sea. If every visitor picks up one plastic bag, Balos will shine a bit more brightly. And the loggerhead sea turtle will thank you for it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Facilities and amenities (this is important)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
At Balos there are no hotels, bars or showers. Just one single, very basic beach kiosk, selling drinks and snacks. N.B.: take food, water, suncream and an umbrella with you.<\/p>\n
The organised boat trips tend to include food on board or on land, but if you\u2019re doing your own thing, it\u2019s a good idea to take a picnic. And if you want to eat really well, wait until you get back to Kissamos or Kaliviani.<\/p>\n
Where to eat after Balos (because the sea gives you an appetite)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"laguna](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/ben-ostrower-rg5qhyxcnfm-unsplash.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n![\"cabra](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/thomas-neteland-xplu-eqweoo-unsplash.jpg?resize=640%2C960&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Gramvousa\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2205069691.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1\")
![\"laguna](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2574579853.jpg?resize=640%2C357&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n![\"snorkel](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_1243038481.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Kissamos\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2251760267.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1\")
![\"panorama](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/volare.volotea.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/emanuel-antonov-nyna7opucka-unsplash.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n