Full-Day Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Rethymno

The Full-Day Gramvousa and Balos Tour from Rethymno offers an idyllic getaway for those seeking to explore the stunning landscapes of western Crete. Combining a scenic boat ride, historical site, and picturesque lagoon, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Travelers can hike to the top of Gramvousa Island and marvel at the castle’s impressive ruins before sailing to the turquoise waters of Balos Lagoon, perfect for swimming and relaxation. With a personalized group size and additional costs to consider, this tour may appeal to those eager to uncover the natural beauty and rich history of this remarkable region.

Key Points

• A full-day tour from Rethymno that includes a boat ride to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon for exploring the natural landscapes and swimming.
• Pickup and drop-off via air-conditioned luxury bus, with pre-recorded English and German guiding available.
• Opportunity to hike to Gramvousa Castle for stunning views, though not wheelchair accessible.
• Costs include boat tickets, municipality fees, and additional expenses like meals and tips are not included.
• Tour has received mixed reviews, with both positive feedback on the beautiful locations and criticism on additional costs and overcrowding.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour from Rethymno takes visitors to the breathtaking Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon, where they can experience the area’s beautiful azure waters.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from select spots in Rethymno via air-conditioned luxury bus. The duration of the tour covers the entire day.

Travelers will take a boat ride from Kissamoss port to Gramvousa port, then explore the island and swim in the renowned Balos Lagoon.

Along the way, they’ll observe the geological formations caused by earthquakes over 2,000 years ago, and those who wish can hike to the Gramvousa Castle.

Itinerary and Activities

Upon pickup from select spots in Rethymno, travelers board an air-conditioned luxury bus for the journey to Kissamoss port.

There, they board a boat for the ride to Gramvousa Island. Once on the island, visitors explore its rugged landscape and hike to the Gramvousa Castle, which offers stunning views.

Afterward, the group sails to the Balos Lagoon, where they can swim in the picturesque azure waters.

The tour also includes observing geological formations caused by earthquakes over 2,000 years ago.

With pre-recorded guiding in English and German, travelers learn about the history and natural wonders of this unique destination.

Inclusions and Costs

The tour package includes the boat tickets to Gramvousa, which cost €28 per adult and €13.5 per child. Plus, there is a municipality fee of €1 for adults, while children can enter for free. The tour also provides pre-recorded guiding in English and German. However, personal expenses, extra beverages, meals, and tips are not included in the package price.

Inclusions	Costs
Boat tickets to Gramvousa	€28 per adult, €13.5 per child
Municipality fee	€1 per adult, free for children
Pre-recorded guiding	English and German
Personal expenses, extra beverages, meals, and tips	Not included

Important Information

The tour has a maximum group size of 40 travelers.

It’s not wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available. Confirmation is required at the time of booking.

Guests should refrain from disposing of rubbish and removing seashells from the area.

To ensure a comfortable experience, it’s recommended to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, a swimsuit, and a beach towel.

The boat docking distance may pose challenges for non-swimmers, so guests should exercise caution when entering the water.

Reviews and Feedback

According to the available reviews, the full-day Gramvousa and Balos Tour has received a mixed response from travelers, with an overall rating of 3.0 out of 5 based on 7 total reviews.

Positive comments highlight the tour’s beautiful locations and knowledgeable guides.

However, some travelers have criticized the additional costs and overcrowded ferry conditions. Notably, non-swimmers have found the distance between the boat and shore challenging for accessing the lagoon.

Despite the mixed feedback, the tour continues to attract visitors seeking to explore the stunning natural beauty of Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon.

Booking and Reservation

To book the full-day Gramvousa and Balos Tour, travelers can make reservations online or through local tour operators.

The booking process is straightforward and includes the following steps:

1. Choose your preferred tour date and package.
2. Provide the number of adult and child travelers.
3. Select any additional options or add-ons.
4. Complete the payment securely online or over the phone.

Travelers will receive a confirmation email with all the necessary details, including pickup and drop-off locations.

It’s recommended to book in advance, as spots can fill up, especially during peak season.

With a simple booking process, travelers can look forward to an unforgettable day exploring the stunning Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Travelers’ most common inquiries regarding the full-day Gramvousa and Balos Tour often center around logistics, accessibility, and what to expect.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available. Group size is capped at 40 travelers. Visitors should bring appropriate footwear for hiking to Gramvousa Castle.

Seashell removal and littering are prohibited. Additional costs include boat tickets, municipality fees, and personal expenses.

While the tour provides pre-recorded guiding in English and German, tips for the staff aren’t included. Reviewers have noted challenges for non-swimmers due to the boat’s distance from the lagoon.

The Sum Up

The Full-Day Gramvousa and Balos Tour from Rethymno offers a chance to explore stunning landscapes and historical sites. Travelers can enjoy a scenic boat ride, hike to Gramvousa Castle, and swim in the azure waters of Balos Lagoon. While the tour includes personalized experiences, visitors should be aware of additional costs for boat tickets and municipality fees.