Balos

Balos

The famous lagoon of Balos is formed by a massive rock situated in the sea and connected to the mainland by a sandy peninsula, thus creating a huge beach. It is located about 56 km northwest of Chania between the Cape Gramvousa and the small Cape Tigani. Balos is famous for its shallow, warm waters with a bright turquoise color, the wild natural beauty and the beautiful exotic scenery. In many places the sand is pinkish, due to millions of broken shells. Balos is surely the most photographed beach in Crete, a genuine piece of paradise; even Prince Charles and Princess Diana are rumored to have visited it with their private yacht on their honeymoon. The lagoon is included in the Natura 2000 programme as it has many rare species of flora and fauna, such as the turtles Caretta caretta, cormorants and falcons.

Highlights

• Swim in the shallow turquoise sea of Balos, the most photographed beach in Crete.
• Visit the tiny uninhabited island of Gramvousa with its famous Venetian castle and its blue crystal clear waters.
• Reach Balos by boat from Falasarna or from Kissamos port.
• Follow by car the bumpy road that starts from Kalyviani and reaches to the edge of the mountain above Balos. Enjoy the fascinating view and walk down the stone path to the beach.
• Try snorkelling at the boundaries of the lagoon, where the water is deeper and colder.
• Get snacks, water or coffee from the canteens on the beach.
• Rent a donkey taxi to transfer you or your baggage down the path.
• See Anthemis glaberrima, Allium platakisi and Silene litegripetala, very rare endemic flowers found only in this area.