Crete

15 Best Balos & Elafonisi Beach Tours

Here I’ve collected the day trips that reach Crete’s two famous western beaches, Balos lagoon and pink-sand Elafonisi, without the brutal drive. Most Balos boats leave from Kissamos port and fill fast in high summer. Elafonisi’s pink comes from crushed shell and shows in patches, so hunt along the waterline.

2.From Chania: Day Trip to Elafonisi Island

Prepare for a day of paradise on Elafonisi Island, where pink sand beaches and protected wildlife areas await - but that's just the beginning.

★ 4.5

“It was a really nice day! We started with a walk to a cave and some refreshments. We then went to Elafonissi, which was beautiful! It was hot, so bring sunscreen, hats, etc. however we were given more than enough time to enjoy and there…”

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3.Chania: Balos Gramvousa Cruise with Transfer and Boat Ticket

Discover the beauty of Crete with this full-day Balos and Gramvousa cruise, including transfers, guided commentary, and ample time to explore stunning beaches and historic sites.

★ 4.1

“This trip was the best thing I did whilst in Chania! The transport was so quick and easy. The hike and balos beach is so worth the trip! Best experience of my trip! Thank you!”

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4.Chania Areas/Kalyves:Gramvousa Island & Balos,Boat Tkt Extra

Navigate the enchanting waters of Kalyves and uncover the mystery behind the extra boat ticket that holds the key to an unforgettable experience.

★ 4.2

“Great day out. Scenery is beautiful. Had a great amount of time at both stops. It did take quite a long time to get to Balos on the ferry as the sea was quite choppy. Stella, our guide, was very amicable and funny, and JM…”

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5.From Rethymno: Elafonissi Pink Sand Beach Tour

Discover the enchanting allure of Elafonissi Pink Sand Beach from Rethymno, where nature's wonders await to mesmerize your senses and spark your curiosity.

★ 4.7

“It was very good, pick up, on time , from hotel. Good guide , good English , good knowledge . Good driver . We had an over all good day. Beach was beautiful although a bit crowded but that was to be expected this time…”

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7.From Rethymno: Day Trip to Elafonisi Island

Get ready to uncover the hidden gems that lie beyond the pink sands of Elafonisi Island, as this day trip from Rethymno promises an adventure like no other.

★ 4.4

“It was an amazing trip on the road you are astonished by majestic secenery , and the beach itself is like another world is merging with ours. Our tour guide and bus driver did an amazing job”

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8.Chania: Elafonisi Beach Day Trip with stop in Elos Village

Explore Crete’s stunning Elafonissi Beach with a full-day guided tour from Chania, including village stops, delicious local food, and plenty of beach time.

★ 4.5

“I had a nice time going to Elafonisi, it does take about an hour to pick everyone up but the stops for breakfast and to Elos for lunch were very nice! Elafonisi is what I expected, beautiful and it really has the pink hues in…”

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9.From Heraklion: Elafonisi Beach Day Tour With Pickup

Journey into the enchanting world of Elafonisi Beach, where pink sands and crystal-clear waters await - but what hidden gems lie beyond the horizon?

★ 4.5

“I do not regret the trip to the beach, the beach is really beautiful. The tour was perfectly organized, everything on time. Although the trip was long, we went in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. The guide Maria, spoke English and Polish, was pleasant and willing…”

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10.From Kissamos Port: Boat cruise to Balos lagoon

Discover the stunning natural beauty of Balos Lagoon on Crete with this boat cruise from Kissamos Port, including sea swimming and scenic views.

★ 4.2

“Cruise was very nice and well worth taking boat vs driving from Chania/Kissamos. Driving takes longer and then you have a long walk down the mountain to the beach versus a 20 min drive to Kissamos and a short walk from the pier where the…”

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14.From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon and Chania Old Town

Explore Crete's stunning west coast on a full-day cruise from Heraklion, including Balos Lagoon and Chania Old Town—great value and authentic scenery.

★ 4.4

“Great day, worth the early start, Balos is beautiful, guide was great and informative. The only thing that let it down was the bus, the seats were so uncomfortable and for such a long journey it would have been better if the seats were more…”

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15.Chania: Elafonisi Bus Trip with Free Time and Stop in Elos

Discover Crete’s famed pink sands on a comfortable, well-organized bus trip to Elafonisi, including stops in a charming mountain village, with plenty of free time to relax and explore.

★ 4.4

“Great and inexpensive way to see Elafonisi beach. The tour was very well organized and Agnes, the guide, provided lots of wonderful information about Crete on the drive through the mountains to the beach. Our bus was running early so we got to the beach…”

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4.5From Chania: Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach Day Trip w/ Elos Stop$34 4.5Elafonissi Beach Trip From Chania12 hours (approx.)$33.79 5.0Balos & Falassarna Beach – Jeep Tour With Loungers and Lunch7 to 8 hours (approx.)$199.62 4.5Chania: Elafonisi Beach Day Trip With Elos Stop and Transfer$32.75 5.0Chania: Balos 4×4 Jeep Safari Tour from Kissamos+Fruit Salad$58 4.9From Kissamos: Balos Gramvousa Sailing Cruise with Lunch7.5 hours$229 4.2From Heraklion: Balos and Gramvousa Cruise13 - 15 hours$56 5.0Elafonisi, Falasarna & Vouves Shared Tour From Chania With Snacks10 to 11 hours (approx.)$127.03 4.3Heraklion: Gramvousa Island Day Trip & Balos Beach11 - 15 hours$47 4.3From Rethymno & Chania: Elafonisi Island Day Tour by Bus10 hours - 1 day$31 5.0From Chania: Elafonisi and Falasarna Guided Tour with Snacks10 - 10.5 hours$123 4.5Elafonisi Full-Day Tour From Chania8 to 10 hours (approx.)$42.24 4.5Georgioupolis Area: Full-Day Bus Trip to Elafonisi Island11 hours$40 5.0Private Boat Trip Kissamos Balos (Price per Group – up to 10 People)3 to 6 hours (approx.)$701.71 4.4Falasarna: Jet Ski Safari to Balos Beach2 hours$287 4.9Chania: Balos and Falassarna Tour with Loungers and Lunch8 hours$194 5.0Elafonisi & Milia Mountain – Jeep Tour With Loungers and Lunch8 to 9 hours (approx.)$199.55 5.0Balos & Gramvousa Luxury Catamaran Sailing Cruise from Kissamos7 hours 30 minutes (approx.)$235.83 3.5Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon Round-Trip Transfers From Chania10 to 12 hours (approx.)$81.93 4.3Chania:Falasarna & Balos Cruise With Transfer & Boat Ticket10 hours$58 5.0Full-Day Private Custom Tour to Elafonisi the Pink Sand Beach$441.21 4.0Heraklion Area: Direct Day Trip Elafonisi Island15 hours$53 4.2From KAVROS/GEORGIOUPOLIS : Elafonisi Island Pink Sand Beach8 hours$27 4.5Elafonissi Beach Day Tour From Rethimno – Crete12 hours (approx.)$36.20