Balos & Gramvousa Boat Trip from Chania

The Balos Gramvousa tour offers a captivating exploration of two stunning destinations located on the northwest coast of Crete, Greece. 

Here is some informative content about the Balos and Gramvousa tour:

• Booking the tour: This escorted tour includes a comfortable transportation to and from your hotel for the first stop Kissamos, boat transfers, and any necessary permits. You will not have to worry about navigating the routes, buying tickets, or organizing transportation, as everything is arranged for you, ensuring a smooth, relaxing and hassle-free experience.

• Balos Beach: Balos Beach is located on the northwestern coast of Crete and is famous for its stunning natural beauty.The adventure boat ride takes you to the unique bay of Balos which is simply stunning and is one of the most iconic pictures of western Crete. During the trip you will have the chance to take your lunch on board in a buffet self-service style which is included in the price. It is often referred to as a tropical paradise due to its exotic turquoise waters, fine white sand, and unique rock formations. The beach is situated in a protected area and is known for its shallow lagoon, which creates beautiful shades of blue and green. Balos Beach is an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and taking postcard-perfect photographs.

•  Balos Peninsula: Our next visit will be the lagoon of Balos Peninsula where you can stay 2h and 45 minutes. Reaching the area you will be astonished by the beautiful sandy beach, the turquoise crystal water and the stunning natural surroundings which have been awarded with the environmental prize NATURA 2000. The sea there is like a lagoon and the water usually is very shallow and warm. You can also visit the peninsula of Tigani. You can either wade through a little bit of water (sometimes there is no need to cross water, this changes from season to season and from year to year) or follow a line of rocks on the south-western side of the lagoon to reach the peninsula of Tigani. Apart from a small chapel there is not much on it but you can walk to the flat top (head for the chapel and carry on upwards along the north-eastern slope) where you will get excellent views of the area.

• Gramvousa Island: Gramvousa Island is a small island located opposite Balos Beach. After 1.5 hour sailing you reach the fabled pirate island of Gramvousa  It is accessible by boat and is home to the magnificent Gramvousa Castle. The island has a rich history and was used as a strategic fortress by various civilizations throughout the centuries. The Venetians built the castle in the 16th century, and its ruins still stand proudly on top of a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding sea and landscapes. There is a 3-hour stop over where you can either have an optional climb to the top of the Venetian castle or walk along the beautiful beach. Exploring the castle and learning about its historical significance is a major highlight of the Gramvousa tour.

• Boat Excursion: The Balos and Gramvousa tour typically involves a boat excursion departing from the nearby ports of Kissamos or Chania. The boat journey itself is an enjoyable experience, as it allows you to admire the rugged coastline, picturesque landscapes, and the clear blue waters of the Cretan Sea. During the boat ride, you may also spot local wildlife such as dolphins, which often swim alongside the boat, creating a memorable encounter.

• Return Journey: Finally our comfortable bus will return us back to the hotel, late in the afternoon.

The Balos and Gramvousa tour is a remarkable experience that allows you to discover two extraordinary destinations in Crete, immersing yourself in their natural splendor, historical significance, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Enjoy the tour with Discover D1.