Crete: Balos & Gramvousa Excursion

This Crete tour promises a full day of exploration, combining the allure of Balos Lagoon’s tropical waters with the historic charm of Gramvousa’s Venetian fortress. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, countless travelers have shared their experiences, giving us a clear picture of what to expect from this 12-hour adventure.

What keeps people coming back? For many, it’s the stunning views of the turquoise waters and pinkish-white sands, the sense of history on the Venetian fortress, and the fun of cruising across Crete’s waters. A possible consideration? The early start (around 07:00) might be a challenge for late risers or those looking for a more relaxed morning.

This tour is a fantastic fit for nature lovers, photographers, and history buffs eager to see Crete’s most iconic spots in one day. If you want a mix of beach bliss, panoramic views, and a touch of past, this could be your ideal outing.

Good To Know

Stunning scenery: The tour offers some of the most photogenic spots in Crete, especially Balos Lagoon’s turquoise waters.
Historic site visits: The Venetian fortress on Gramvousa provides a glimpse into the island’s past, with breathtaking views from the top.
Well-organized itinerary: The schedule includes generous free times—2 hours at Gramvousa and 2.5 hours at Balos—so you’re not rushed.
Inclusion of boat trip: The boat ride across the waters is a highlight, offering scenic views and a sense of adventure.
Affordable price point: At $69 per person, the experience offers great value considering the transportation, sightseeing, and free time.
Practical tips: Bring essentials like sunscreen, swimwear, and a hat—plus cash for personal expenses, as not all places accept cards.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting the Day: Early Morning Pick-Ups and Journey to Kissamos

The adventure begins bright and early, with hotel pickups scheduled around 07:00. Depending on your accommodation’s location, you might be among a group of fellow travelers eager for a day of discovery. The bus ride to Kissamos Port is smooth, and it’s a good opportunity to get excited about the day ahead.

The journey offers a chance to relax and enjoy views of Crete’s rugged landscape. Being picked up early does mean sacrificing a lazy morning, but most travelers agree that the early start is worth it for the full experience.

The Boat Ride: Cruising Across Crete’s Waters

Once at Kissamos Port, you’ll board a boat operated by Cretan Daily Cruises. This part of the trip is often described as magical, with many reviewers noting the crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery visible from the vessel. The boat ride itself sets a leisurely tone and allows for ample photo opportunities—be sure to bring your camera.

Travel time between the stops is roughly 30-45 minutes, giving you a chance to relax, chat, or simply enjoy the views of the Cretan Sea. The boat’s punctuality and comfort are generally well-reviewed, making this segment of the trip a highlight for most.

First Stop: Gramvousa, the Pirate Island

The first destination is Gramvousa, a small yet striking island famous for its Venetian fortress perched high above the sea. You’ll get approximately 2 hours of free time here.

Most visitors spend part of this time exploring the fortress, which offers panoramic vistas and a sense of stepping back in time. A reviewer mentioned, “Climbing up to the castle was definitely worth it—the views over the sea are unforgettable.”

Others prefer to relax on the golden sandy beaches or take a quick swim in the fresh waters. The island’s history combined with natural beauty makes it a fascinating stop. Note, the fortress involves some walking on uneven terrain, so wearing comfortable shoes is recommended.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Next Stop: Balos Lagoon, a Tropical Paradise

After Gramvousa, the boat glides to Balos Lagoon, often called one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. With its shallow, turquoise waters, soft white-pink sands, and untouched scenery, it’s a picture-perfect escape.

You’ll have about 2.5 hours here, which is ample time for a swim, sunbathing, or just wandering along the landscape where the sea and sky seem to merge. Several travelers mention that Balos is “like a slice of paradise”—the shallow waters make it ideal for wading or relaxing without worrying about deep water.

Some reviews highlight that the wild, natural beauty of Balos makes it feel very remote, despite being one of Crete’s most photographed locations. Remember to bring plenty of sunscreen and water to stay comfortable under the sun.

Returning to Rethymno

The boat departs Balos around late afternoon, with the return journey taking roughly 1.5 hours. You’ll arrive back at Kissamos Port around 20:30, concluding a day packed with spectacular scenery, history, and relaxation.

What’s Included, What’s Not

The ticket price of $69 covers the boat trip, free time at both Gramvousa and Balos, and the boat transfers. It doesn’t include hotel pick-up or drop-off, so you’ll need to organize your own transportation to the meeting point.

Meals and drinks are also not included, so bringing snacks, water, and perhaps some cash for quick purchases is wise. Entrance fees for the fortress and other attractions are not covered, but most visitors find the overall value outweighs this minor cost.

Practical Tips for the Day

• Dress comfortably, especially for exploring Gramvousa’s fortress (be prepared for some walking).
• Pack a hat, sunscreen, towel, and swimwear.
• Bring a camera—these views are truly memorable.
• Carry snacks and cash, as not all vendors accept cards.
• Remember to wear sturdy shoes for the fortress climb.

Who Might Not Love This Tour?

If you’re prone to seasickness, non-swimmers, or have mobility issues, this may not be ideal, given the boat travel and walking involved. Also, late risers or those seeking a leisurely morning might find the early start disruptive.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This full-day excursion offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty, history, and fun on the water. For those who appreciate a well-organized trip that maximizes sightseeing with minimal hassle, it delivers excellent value at around $69. The scenic boat ride, the chance to explore Gramvousa’s fortress, and the picture-perfect waters of Balos make it a memorable day.

If you’re an adventurous spirit who enjoys beach days combined with historic exploration, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s especially appealing for travelers who want to tick off Crete’s iconic sights without spending multiple days on the road or in the water.

However, if you prefer a relaxed morning or have mobility concerns, you might want to consider alternative options or be prepared for a brisk, activity-packed day.

FAQ

What time does the tour start? The tour begins around 07:00 in the morning, depending on your hotel pickup.

How long do we stay at each location? You get about 2 hours at Gramvousa and 2.5 hours at Balos Lagoon, giving enough time for sightseeing, swimming, or relaxing.

Is transportation included from my hotel? No, hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included; you need to make your way to the first pickup point.

What should I bring? Pack a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water for a comfortable day in the sun.

Are meals included? No, meals and drinks are not provided, so bring your own or plan to buy something at the stops.

Is there an entrance fee for the fortress? Entrance fees are not included in the ticket price, so you’ll need some cash if you wish to explore the Venetian fortress.

Can non-swimmers participate? Non-swimmers might want to skip swimming, but they can enjoy exploring the fortress and scenic views on land.

To sum it up, the Crete: Balos & Gramvousa Excursion is an excellent way to experience some of the island’s most photogenic beaches and historic highlights in one day. It balances adventure, relaxation, and culture, making it ideal for travelers eager to see Crete’s iconic sights without multiple days of organizing. Just remember to prepare for an early start and bring your best sunglasses—those views are truly worth it.

You can check if your dates are available here: