Chania: Gramvoussa Island & Balos Lagoon

Nestled along the northwestern coast of Crete, Chania’s Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon offer visitors a chance to enjoy breathtaking natural beauty. From exploring the historic "Pirate Castle" to swimming in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, this full-day excursion promises an unforgettable adventure. However, travelers should prepare for potential challenges, such as crowded conditions and limited time at each site. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a day of relaxation, this captivating destination could prove to be a highlight of your Cretan experience.

Good To Know

• This full-day excursion offers a chance to explore the stunning Gramvousa Island and relax at the picturesque Balos Lagoon near Chania.
• Highlights include climbing the "Pirate Castle" on Gramvousa, swimming in the refreshing waters, and enjoying the serene atmosphere of Balos Lagoon.
• The tour provides transportation, ferry tickets, and free time for independent exploration, though some fees and overcrowding may be a concern.
• Visitors should come prepared with proper footwear, sun protection, and cash for mandatory fees, as well as be aware of the short duration at each attraction.
• Customer reviews mention the stunning scenery and swimming opportunities, but also note potential challenges with overcrowding and the uphill walk to the Venetian fortress.

Activity Overview

The activity offers visitors the opportunity to explore Gramvousa Island and the renowned Balos Lagoon, a full-day excursion with a duration of approximately 11 hours.

Priced from $31.28 per person, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option.

Highlights include climbing to the "Pirate Castle" for scenic views, swimming in the refreshing waters off Gramvousa Island, and relaxing on the sandy beach of Balos Lagoon.

While not suitable for wheelchair users, the activity promises an engaging experience, with the possibility of observing geological phenomena from ancient earthquakes.

Transportation and Itinerary

Pickup for the tour is offered at 39 locations in Chania, including hotels and cafes.

From there, you’ll be transported by air-conditioned bus or coach for an 80-minute ride to Kissamos Port.

At the port, you’ll board a ferry for a 70-minute journey to Gramvousa Island.

Once there, you’ll have 2 hours of free time to explore, including the option to hike up to the "Pirate Castle" for scenic views.

Afterward, you’ll spend 2.5 hours at the stunning Balos Beach.

The tour concludes with a bus ride back to Chania after the cruise.

Island Exploration

Upon arriving at Gramvousa Island, visitors can take advantage of the 2 hours of free time to explore the area.

They can climb to the "Pirate Castle" for stunning views over the island and the Aegean Sea. The uphill walk to the castle takes about 20 minutes. Once at the top, visitors can observe the geological phenomena from ancient earthquakes that have shaped the island’s landscape.

After the castle visit, travelers can cool off by swimming in the refreshing waters off Gramvousa’s shores.

The sandy beach of Balos Lagoon also provides an opportunity to relax and soak up the sun during the 2.5 hours allotted there.

Lagoon Experience

After exploring Gramvousa Island, visitors head to the stunning Balos Lagoon. This coastal paradise is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and dramatic geological formations.

Visitors can:

1. Relax on the soft, sandy beach and soak up the sun.
2. Swim in the refreshing lagoon waters, which are typically warmer than the open sea.
3. Observe the unique geological phenomena left behind by ancient earthquakes, such as the exposed seabed and rock formations.

With 2.5 hours to spend at Balos, travelers can truly enjoy the natural beauty of this enchanting destination.

Costs and Fees

For the Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon tour, visitors can expect to pay a boat ticket fee of €20 per adult and €10 per child, payable in cash only.

Plus, there’s a mandatory municipality fee of €1 per person, also payable in cash.

Visitors have the option to purchase entry to the Venetian Fortress and rent sun umbrellas, as well as purchase lunch onboard the ferry.

Guests should come prepared with the necessary cash, as these fees aren’t included in the overall tour price.

Recommendations

Visitors are recommended to bring essential items like sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, and sunscreen to fully enjoy their time on Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon.

The walk to the "Pirate Castle" on Gramvousa Island takes about 20 minutes uphill, so wearing proper footwear is advisable.

Bring cash for the boat ticket (€20 per adult, €10 per child) and the municipality fee (€1 per person), as these can only be paid in cash.

While umbrellas are available for rent, packing a beach umbrella or parasol can provide additional protection from the sun.

Customer Feedback

The experience at Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon has garnered mixed reviews from customers.

While many have praised the stunning scenery and opportunity to swim in the refreshing waters, some have noted issues with overcrowding and the relatively short duration of the visit.

Some feedback suggests the 2-hour stay on Gramvousa and 2.5-hour visit to Balos Beach may feel rushed, leaving little time to fully explore.

Plus, a few customers have commented on the challenging uphill walk to the Venetian fortress.

The Sum Up

Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon offer a captivating day of exploration and relaxation. The scenic ferry ride sets the stage for discovering Gramvousa’s historic castle and swimming in its refreshing waters, followed by unwinding on Balos Lagoon’s soft sands and turquoise waters. While crowded conditions and limited time may pose challenges, this excursion provides a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts.