Full-day tour from Heraklion area to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island

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Full-day excursion by bus and boat to one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece: Balos Lagoon. There will be plenty of free time for swimming and snorkelling as well as a stopover on the fortress island of Gramvousa. Bus transfer from the north around Heraklion to the port of Kissamos included. Boat ticket and Gramvousa fee exclusive.

  • Tour / activity duration: full day
  • Languages: English, Italian, French, Polish
  • Transfer: from north area between Agia Pelagia and Malia
  • The best insider tips
  • English-speaking service
  • Hassle-free booking change or cancellation
  • Usually cheaper than at site

West Crete: full day Balos & Gramvousa excursion from Heraklion

The Balos Lagoon in the west of Crete is a wild beauty - a visit should not be missed during your island holiday!

Booking option: By coach and boat from Heraklion to Balos & Gramvousa

Get to know the beautiful west of Crete on our day tour from Heraklion to Balos and Gramvousa. After pick-up, which is included from all towns between Malia and Agia Pelagia, we make our first stop in Skaleta just before Rethimnon, where we will have some time for a coffee or breakfast. In Kissamos we board the Balos ferry and marvel at a huge cave during the boat trip. An hour later we reach the pirate island of Gramvousa, one of the most important wetlands of the eastern Mediterranean with more than 100 bird species and far more than 400 plant species.

Gramvousa is famous for its Venetian fortress, which was built on a rock in 1579 and offers a fantastic view. Here you can also enjoy the beautiful beach with its wonderful colours or have lunch on board (not included). Afterwards we start to the lagoon of Balos, one of the most beautiful places in Greece. The view reminds us of the longing beaches of the Caribbean. We will stay here for about 3 hours before taking the ferry back to Kissamos and the bus to the starting point of the day's tour.

Overview

  • Duration: around 15 hours (pick-up starting at 5:30 a.m., depending on the region)
  • Days: Wednesday
  • Months: May - October
  • Languages: English, Italian, French, Polish
  • Starting points: Heraklion City
  • Pick-up included in the price from: along the main road, partly from the exit of the hotels of Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Chani, Kateros, Heraklion (outside the centre), Ammoudara

Included

  • Experienced driver, professional guide, air-conditioned bus

Not included

  • Ticket for the boat (22€ adults, 11€ children from 4 to 11 years), food (11€), entrance fee (1€)

Price overview

  • Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island from Heraklion (full day) - per person (age 13+) 45.-€
  • Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island from Heraklion (full day) - per child (ages 4-12) 22.50€
  • Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island from Heraklion (full day) - per child (ages 0-3) 0.-€

Miscellaneous

Please note the additional costs for the boat trip (adults 22€ / children 11€) and the entrance fee to Gramvousa Island (1€) - payable on site (cash only).

Well organised day trip to Balos Beach
Important information

Please note that depending on how many boats are on site in the bay, it is also possible that we visit Balos first and then Gramvousa.

Please bring

Passport, swimwear, towel, sunglasses, sun blocker, at least 1.5 l drinking water, snacks, backpack, camera, snorkeling equipment

From Heraklion: Day Trip to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island

The journey from Heraklion to Balos in the north-westernmost tip of Crete is worth it just for the wild beauty of this Greek dream bay. Everything about this place is reminiscent of exotic Caribbean beaches: the jade-coloured water, the fine, sometimes slightly pink shell sand and the impressive natural scenery. Balos is a nature reserve and largely protected against development. The water in the bay is shallow and makes it the perfect bathing place for families with children, but also for sand walkers.

Enjoy this day trip by bus and boat from Heraklion to Balos as well as to the pirate island of Gramvousa, which is mainly known for two things: the Venetian fortress high on the rocks and the shipwreck in the southern bay. We start our day trip with a pick-up along the holiday road between Malia and Agia Pelagia. On the way to the port of Kissamos we stop in Skaleta, just before Rethimnon, for a coffee or a small breakfast (not included).

In Kissamos we board the ferry that first takes us to Gramvousa. Here you can climb up to the fortress or take a first beach break. The pirate island not only has a significant historical past, but also one of the most important and species-rich wetlands in the entire Mediterranean. In order to protect this gem, a fee is charged for the day visit (currently 1 €, payable on site). Those who wish can also stay on board the excursion boat for lunch (lunch not included in the price, must be ordered in advance).

After the sightseeing stop we say goodbye to Gramvousa and continue our Balos day tour heading for the beautiful lagoon. More than 3 hours of free time can be spent swimming and snorkelling or simply sunbathing in this Greek paradise. Balos Beach is a delight for the eyes and you may like to lie down in the warm sand or even the warm water and just let your eyes wander. The Heraklion-Balos day trip lets us take home wonderful impressions of this hotspot.

Conditions

Valid on the reserved day or for 12 months after date of purchase if no date has been selected. You will receive the tour operator's details with the purchased ticket. Attention: reservation is required! The reservation can be made through sunbonoo as part of the booking process or later by contacting the tour operator directly via phone or email.

Customer Reviews West Crete: full day Balos & Gramvousa excursion from Heraklion

4.0  /5
based on 1 Review
Vadmin wrote on Sep 12, 2024
Overall rating
4 von 5

absolutely stunning trip but some costs

Wow, what an epic day out! 🏖️ The Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island tour was absolutely stunning. The views were out of this world, like something from a postcard. The lagoon’s water was so clear and perfect for a swim, felt like I was in the Caribbean! 🌊 The fortress on Gramvousa – totally worth the climb for that view! But hey, heads up: watch out for those extra costs for the boat and island fee. 💸 Also, lunch ain't included, so pack some snacks! Our guide was ace, super friendly and informative. The trip was long but every minute was worth it. Just remember to bring sunscreen, water, and your best vibes! 😎 Definitely recommend this if you're in Crete during summer. Enjoy! 🌞

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