Balos lagoon, Crete, Greece

Balos Lagoon is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of Crete. It lies on the north-western tip of the island, below the Gramvousa Peninsula, about 55 kilometres from Chania. Famous for its turquoise water, white-pink sand and shallow lagoon, Balos is often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, and its wild scenery makes it a must for anyone exploring Crete.

Overview and Landscape

Balos is a lagoon and beach formed between the rugged Gramvousa Peninsula and the rocky headland of Cape Tigani. The shallow water glows in shades of blue and green, while the sand often looks light pink thanks to tiny fragments of shells. Steep hills and cliffs frame the scene, making it one of the most photogenic landscapes in the Mediterranean.

Behind the lagoon, salt-tolerant plants grow among the dunes, and small coves offer quieter spots away from the main beach. Offshore lies the island of Imeri Gramvousa, crowned by a Venetian fortress built in 1579, which most boat trips visit.

How to Get There

There are three main ways to reach Balos Lagoon:

• By car:
  From the village of Kalyviani near Kissamos, a 9 km dirt track leads to a car park above the lagoon; the drive on the unpaved section takes 30–40 minutes. From the car park, a steep rocky path of about 1.5 km goes down to the beach in around 20 minutes. The walk back uphill is tiring in the heat, so bring water and good shoes.
• By boat:
  For many visitors the easiest option is a boat trip from the port of Kissamos, which usually also stops at Imeri Gramvousa. The crossing takes about 1 hour each way, and a return ticket costs roughly €20–25.
• By tour:
  Many travel agencies organise day trips to Balos, including transport from Chania or Rethymno, which is convenient for those without a car.

Water Temperature and Swimming

The lagoon is famous for its warm, shallow water, which is perfect for swimming.

• From July to September the water is around 24–28 °C, ideal for families and non-swimmers.
• The outer side of the lagoon, facing the open sea, is deeper and slightly cooler, with small waves on windy days.

Because it is so shallow, the water warms quickly in the sun, and the soft sandy bottom gives the lagoon its incredible turquoise colour.

Entrance Fee and Facilities

The beach itself is free. Visitors who come by road pay a small fee at the entrance to the Gramvousa reserve (about €1 per person), and the car park costs about €3.

Facilities are minimal:

• A small seasonal café near the beach sells drinks and snacks.
• Umbrellas and sunbeds are available for rent in limited numbers.
• There are only basic toilets near the café and no showers.

If you come by car, bring plenty of water, food and sun protection, as there are no shops or shade along the path.

Safety and Environmental Notes

Balos is part of a protected Natura 2000 area, home to rare plants and animals, including sea turtles and monk seals. Do not take sand or shells, and take all your rubbish back with you. Camping and fires are not allowed.

In summer the lagoon gets very crowded between about 11:00 and 15:00, so it is best to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon. In 2026 the local authorities proposed limiting access to 1,200 visitors per three-hour time slot, so check the current rules before you go.