Crete’s stunning natural wonders await adventurous travelers on this Heraklion to Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach day trip. From ancient Venetian fortresses to crystal-clear turquoise waters, this journey offers an unforgettable glimpse into the island’s captivating history and breathtaking landscapes. While the logistics of transportation and guidance are seamlessly handled, the true allure lies in the opportunity to take in Crete’s most captivating sights – a chance to create memories that will long outlast the day’s end.
Key Points
- This day trip offers a visit to the picturesque Gramvousa Island and the stunning Balos Beach, located near Heraklion, Crete.
- The tour lasts 11-15 hours and includes bus transfers, ferry rides, and free time for activities at both locations.
- Highlights include exploring the Venetian fortress on Gramvousa Island, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and admiring the breathtaking scenery of Balos Beach.
- The tour is available in English, French, and German, and has a cancellation policy that allows for free refunds up to 24 hours in advance.
- Though the tour has received overall positive feedback, some customers have suggested that more time at Balos Beach would be preferred.
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Tour Overview
The day trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach offers an opportunity to explore some of Crete’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.
Priced from £33.72 per person, the tour lasts 11-15 hours and is available in English, French, and German.
Travelers can choose from various pickup locations across Heraklion, Crete.
The tour includes bus transfers, ferry rides, and free time to sightsee, swim, and hike at both Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach.
Travelers can also opt for additional activities like visiting the Venetian fortress or renting sun umbrellas.
With a cancellation policy that allows free refunds up to 24 hours in advance, this day trip offers a flexible and immersive way to discover Crete’s natural wonders.
Itinerary Highlights
The itinerary for this day trip begins with a 2.5-hour bus transfer from the pickup locations to Kissamos Port.
From there, visitors will take a 1-hour ferry ride to the stunning Gramvousa Island. They’ll have 3 hours to explore the island, which includes sightseeing, swimming, and the option to hike up to the Venetian fortress.
Next, a 20-minute ferry ride transports guests to the renowned Balos Beach, where they’ll have 1.5 hours to swim and wander the picturesque lagoon.
The return journey follows the same route, with a 1-hour ferry back to Kissamos and a 2.5-hour bus ride to the hotel drop-off locations.
Transportation Details
This day trip offers a seamless transportation experience, with both bus and ferry services facilitating the journey.
The itinerary begins with a 2.5-hour bus transfer from the pickup locations to Kissamos Port. From there, a 1-hour ferry ride takes visitors to the stunning Gramvousa Island, where they’ll have 3 hours to explore, swim, or hike to the Venetian fortress.
After, a 20-minute ferry journey brings them to the renowned Balos Beach, where they can spend 1.5 hours swimming and relaxing.
The return trip reverses this route, with a 1-hour ferry back to Kissamos and a 2.5-hour bus ride to the hotel drop-off points.
Activities on Gramvousa
What can visitors expect during their 3 hours on Gramvousa Island?
Travelers will have ample time to explore the island’s natural beauty and historic Venetian fortress. The island’s main attractions are its impressive cliffs, hidden caves, and the 16th-century Granvousa Castle, which sits atop a steep hill.
Visitors can hike up the castle for panoramic views of the surrounding Aegean Sea. For those seeking a refreshing break, the island’s crystal-clear waters offer excellent swimming opportunities.
With free time to sightsee, swim, and hike, the 3-hour stopover on Gramvousa provides a well-rounded experience of this picturesque Greek island.
Exploring Balos Beach
Following the 20-minute ferry ride from Gramvousa Island, travelers arrive at the stunning Balos Beach. Located in a protected lagoon, this picturesque beach is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft white sand. Visitors can spend 1.5 hours exploring the area, swimming in the inviting waters, and admiring the breathtaking scenery.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Swimming | 45 minutes |
| Exploring the Lagoon | 30 minutes |
| Relaxing on the Beach | 15 minutes |
| Taking Photos | 15 minutes |
| Walking to the Viewpoint | 15 minutes |
After their time at Balos Beach, travelers will board the ferry and begin their return journey, which includes a 1-hour ferry ride back to Kissamos and a 2.5-hour bus ride to their hotel.
Included and Optional Extras
The tour package includes several key inclusions that enhance the overall experience.
Travelers will enjoy bus tickets, transfers, hotel pickup and drop-off, a multilingual guide, and liability insurance.
The boat tickets to Gramvousa and Balos are also covered, costing €17 for adults and €8.5 for children aged 5-12.
Visitors can opt to pay an additional €1 for entry to the Venetian fortress, and €7 per person for lunch.
Sun umbrellas are available for rent as well.
Those interested can also hire a photographer on the boat for an extra fee.
Ensuring a seamless and well-rounded day trip, these inclusions and optional extras cater to diverse preferences.
What to Expect
Travelers embark on a day-long adventure, venturing first to the picturesque Gramvousa Island.
After a 2.5-hour bus transfer and 1-hour ferry ride, they’ll enjoy 3 hours of sightseeing, swimming, or hiking to the Venetian fortress.
Next, a 20-minute ferry takes them to the stunning Balos Beach, where they’ll have 1.5 hours to swim and explore.
The return journey includes a 1-hour ferry back to Kissamos and a 2.5-hour bus ride to their hotel.
Throughout the day, the tour is supported by a multilingual guide, and travelers can opt for additional activities like fortress entry or lunch.
With the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, this day trip offers an unforgettable experience.
Customer Feedback
Customers’ overall feedback on the day trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach has been positive, with a rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 128 reviews.
Reviewers highlight the breathtaking beauty of Gramvousa and Balos, though some suggest spending more time at Balos compared to the long travel duration.
Feedback is mixed on the transportation, with some noting the extended bus rides relative to the sightseeing time.
The tour provides an opportunity to explore these stunning natural wonders, with inclusions such as guided transportation, boat tickets, and free time at both locations.
Careful planning is advised to manage expectations around the day’s logistics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Purchase the Boat Tickets Separately?
The boat tickets can be purchased separately. The tour package includes the boat tickets, but customers have the option to buy them individually if they prefer to book the tour without the boat transportation.
Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?
The booking details do not specify a minimum number of participants required. The tour operates with no minimum group size, allowing individual travelers to join the excursion without any restrictions on the number of participants.
Is the Tour Available Every Day During the Season?
The tour operates daily during the season, though the frequency may vary based on demand. Travelers should check the availability for their desired dates when booking to ensure the tour is available.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on this day trip. The tour information states that you should pack snacks, water, and additional supplies like sunscreen and a towel to make the most of your time at the beaches.
Are There Any Restrictions on Activities at Gramvousa and Balos?
There are no explicit restrictions on activities at Gramvousa and Balos, allowing visitors to freely explore, swim, and hike. However, guests should be mindful of designated swimming areas and any posted safety guidelines to ensure an enjoyable and responsible visit.
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Recap
This day trip from Heraklion to Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach offers a chance to take in Crete’s stunning natural beauty. The itinerary includes bus transfers, ferry rides, and ample time to explore the historic Venetian fortress and relax on the soft sands of Balos Beach. With multilingual guidance and optional activities, this adventure provides an unforgettable experience in one of Crete’s most picturesque settings.