Balos Lagoon Beach in Crete

Balos Lagoon Beach in Crete

Chania, Greece

Balos Lagoon is one of the most popular beaches in Greece and in the whole planet due to its crystal clear waters and its fine grained sand. It’s always listed in some of the most renowned magazines together with the Cretan Elafonissi beach.

There are two ways to reach it, by a crowded boat from Kissamos port (around 30€ round trip), or by car through a non paved road. This road is not as bad as the rental car companies would tell you, actually, you can make it even with a Fiat Punto as long as you are careful. At the end of the road (around 15 minutes), there is a dirt parking lot area (2€). From here, you will have to walk down for another 15 minutes until you reach the beach. Along the way you will pass by the popular viewpoint where the typical pictures are taken from (here).

In the dirt parking lot, besides many goats intentando refugiarse del sol debajo de los coches, encontrarás a kiosk that offers drinks and snacks. There is also a small beach bar on the beach.

At the beginning of the dirt road you will have to pay 2€ more, although if you go early in the morning there will be none there to control it. Boats start to arrive around 11, por lo que si quieres tener un poco más de privacidad ve antes. Además, en los meses de Junio,  julio y agosto la playa está very crowded.

It’s a white sand beach (pink in some parts, and rocky and with gravel in some others), and the water is crystal clear. Looking at it from the viewpoint, the left side is less deep, with some natural pools at the end. On the right side there are sunbeds and umbrellas (the only shade you will find). You can also rent kayaks or pedal boats. 

The scenery is idyllic, it looks like it comes out of a movie. However, it’s very popular so try to avoid the central hours of the day because it will be very busy. Otherwise you might be disappointed with the beach as it loses its natural beauty with so many tourists…

Some excursions from Kissamos port stop on Gramvousa. It’s a remote island where you can find the remains of a Roman town and some other beautiful beaches.

It’s a must-do. If you go to Crete you have to visit this beach. If you are ready to get up early, do it!