Kalamaki : Balos Beach and Gramvousa island boat trip

Planning a day around Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island? This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Crete’s most eye-catching coastal sights, balanced with a little historical intrigue and plenty of sun. From pristine white sands and turquoise waters to a fortress with a story, you’re in for a memorable adventure—especially if you love scenic boat rides and photo-worthy landscapes.

What really stands out are the spectacular views of the coastline, the chance to explore a historic Venetian fortress, and the relaxing balmy waters of Balos Lagoon. Plus, the stress-free transfers and organized schedule make it appealing for travelers who prefer a comfortable, guided experience. That said, the cost of the boat ticket isn’t included**, so keep that in mind if you’re on a tight budget. This trip is ideal for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, history, and laid-back beach vibes — perfect for families, couples, or solo explorers wanting an authentic taste of Crete’s coast.

Good To Know

• Stunning natural scenery with turquoise waters and white sands
• Historic Gramvousa Fortress with panoramic views
• Relaxing time at Balos Lagoon, perfect for swimming and photos
• Comfortable transport including hotel pickup and air-conditioned bus
• Includes a boat cruise that offers scenic views and a refreshing experience
• Support a local company with over 10 years’ experience

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This full-day trip combines scenic transportation, boat cruises, and ample time at each destination. It’s designed to give you a taste of Crete’s most iconic coastal sites while keeping logistics straightforward. Expect to start your morning with hotel pickup in a spacious, air-conditioned bus, taking a scenic drive along the northern coast of Crete to the port of Kastelli. The journey itself is part of the experience, offering glimpses of Crete’s rugged landscape and charming villages.

The Boat Trip and Scenic Cruising

Once at Kastelli, you’ll board a boat that will whisk you across the crystal-clear waters to Gramvousa Island. The boat ride is around an hour long, providing a perfect chance to relax, enjoy a coffee or snack from the ship’s bar, and snap photos of towering cliffs and sea caves. The views from the deck are incredible — if you love rugged coastlines, you’ll love the scenery unfolding before your eyes.

Visiting Gramvousa Fortress

The highlight here is the imposing Venetian fortress, built in 1579 to defend against pirates and Ottoman attacks. The fortress sits atop about 137 meters of elevation, offering sweeping views of the surrounding sea and rocky coastline. The fortress played a key role during the Greek War of Independence and later as a pirate hideout, giving it a dash of historical drama. You’ll have approximately 1.5 hours to explore the fortress, take photos, and soak in the history. Reviewers mention that the climb to the fortress involves some uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are a good idea.

Relaxing at Balos Lagoon

Next is Balos Beach, often described as a tropical paradise—and it’s easy to see why. The shallow, crystal-clear waters are perfect for wading, swimming, and lounging, especially for families or those wanting a peaceful spot to unwind. The beach’s soft sands and turquoise waters create perfect photo opportunities, and many guests mention how “breathtaking” the scenery is.

While at Balos, you can enjoy a quick visit to the ship’s restaurant, which offers traditional Greek dishes. The convenience of the dockside setting means you can grab a meal or a cold drink without leaving the beach area. The total time here is about four hours, giving plenty of opportunity for sunbathing, swimming, and exploring.

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Return Journey

After a relaxed afternoon, the boat departs for the return trip around 4 pm, followed by a bus ride back to Kissamos. The entire experience wraps up around 5 pm, with convenient hotel drop-offs at multiple locations including Nesaki, Atlantica Kalliston, and Leptos Panorama.

The Itinerary in Detail

The day kicks off with your choice of five pick-up points, all conveniently located around northwest Crete. The 1.5-hour drive to the port of Kastelli sets the tone for a scenic day. The boat cruise from Kastelli to Gramvousa offers a relaxing break from the bus journey, with plenty of opportunities for photos and snacks onboard.

Once at Gramvousa, you’re given about 1.5 hours to explore the fortress, which is enough time to wander up the paths, take in panoramic views, and learn about its pirate past from local guides. We found that some reviewers appreciated the chance to climb at their own pace, especially with clear signs and a manageable trail.

The second stop at Balos Lagoon is the crown jewel. Four hours here make it feasible to swim, take photos, and enjoy a leisurely lunch or snack from the ship’s restaurant. The shallow waters and soft sands are calming, and the striking contrast of white sand and blue water is truly something to see.

The trip wraps up with a comfortable bus ride back, with the total duration of about 10 hours. The early start and late return are typical for full-day excursions, but the value of experiencing both the historic and natural highlights makes it worthwhile.

Transportation and Practical Details

The tour includes hotel pickups from five key locations, which makes logistics easier and more convenient than organizing your own transfers. The air-conditioned bus ensures you stay comfortable during the drive, and the small group size (usually around 20-30 people) keeps things intimate and manageable.

The boat ticket costs about €25 per adult, which is not included in the tour price. This is typical for such excursions, but it’s worth budgeting for if you want to avoid surprises. The boat ride itself is relaxing, with plenty of space for photos and a bar serving drinks and snacks.

It’s important to note that towels are not included, so bringing your own is recommended if you plan to swim. The tour is conducted in multiple languages, including English, Greek, and Swedish, making it accessible for diverse travelers.

Authentic Insights from Guest Reviews

Many travelers appreciated the stunning views and the ease of the organized schedule. One guest mentioned, “The boat cruise offered some of the best scenery I’ve seen in Crete, and the fortress climb was manageable with good shoes.” Others highlighted how the shallow waters at Balos made it perfect for families, with one noting, “Kids loved paddling in the calm, clear waters, and the scenery was just breathtaking.”

A common praise was the support from the local company, with travelers feeling well-guided and comfortable throughout the day. Some mentioned that the timing of stops allowed enough downtime to really enjoy each location without feeling rushed.

On the flip side, some noted that additional costs like the boat ticket can add up, so budgeting for expenses is advisable. A few reviewers also suggested arriving early at the port to secure the best spots on the boat or at the beach.

The Sum Up

This boat trip to Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island offers a well-balanced mix of history, stunning scenery, and relaxing beach time. The organized transfers, scenic cruise, and ample free time make it a convenient choice for visitors wanting to maximize their day without the hassle of planning every detail.

If you love breathtaking vistas, exploring a historic fortress, and unwinding in crystal-clear waters, this trip ticks all the boxes. It caters especially well to families, couples, or solo travelers seeking an authentic Crete experience that combines natural beauty with a touch of history.

While it’s priced to include a lot of value, remember to budget for the optional boat ticket and meals. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those wanting a comprehensive, scenic day out on Crete’s stunning coast.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from five designated locations in northwest Crete, making departure convenient.

How long is the boat trip?
The boat cruise from Kastelli to Gramvousa takes approximately one hour each way, offering plenty of scenic views.

What is the time allocated at Balos Beach?
You’ll have about four hours at Balos Lagoon, perfect for swimming, relaxing, and taking photos.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, but there are options available at the ship’s restaurant at Balos.

How much does the boat ticket cost?
The boat ticket costs around €25 per adult and is paid separately, so plan accordingly.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially since the shallow waters at Balos are safe for kids, and the pace of the trip is relaxed, but consider the walk up to Gramvousa Fortress for smaller children.

This detailed tour balances natural beauty, history, and comfort, making it a worthwhile addition to any Crete itinerary.

You can check if your dates are available here: