Balos Beach: The Legendary Paradise On Crete (2024)

Did you know that the island of Crete (Greece) has many beaches and each one is beautiful? If not, we have good news for you. Crete is a dreamland for beach lovers. The island has several beaches with different types of sand and water. Balos beach in particular is a gem and one of the best beaches.

This beach lies on the western coast of Crete, Greece in the Chania region and is considered one of the most picturesque spots on the island. It’s one of those places where people travel from far and wide to immerse themselves in its beauty. What makes Balos beach special is its location. It’s surrounded by mountains that are ideal for hiking, making it an ideal place for nature enthusiasts.

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What to expect at Balos Beach

Balos beach is known for its turquoise shallow water and stunning views of the sea. The beach at Balos is well-equipped with all the necessary amenities for a relaxing day by the sea. The sand is white and the water clear, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

There are plenty of beach umbrellas available to shade you from the sun's glare and also you can find comfortable sunbeds.  The beach also has a beach bar if you need food or drink, as well as showers and toilets. However, the selection of food at the Beach Bar is not perfect. It is worth considering it to bring your own snacks from home.

The hill from which you have a stunning view of the Balos lagoon makes this an ideal spot to take in the views. Balos bay is one of the best places in Crete with soft white sand under your feet.

The last time we visited Balos Beach, I was struck by the friendly goats that roamed the area. These friendly creatures were everywhere, wandering along the beach and even climbing on the cliffs. It was fascinating to watch them interact with the visitors and the natural environment. The goats seemed to be completely at ease around people, and many visitors were able to get close to them and take pictures.

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Best time to visit Balos Beach

If you're looking for warm weather and clear skies, the best time to visit Balos beach is during the summer months. June, July, and August are the warmest months on the island, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. However, it's important to note that during these months, the beach can get quite crowded, so it's best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.

Another great time to visit Balos beach is during the shoulder seasons, which are April, May, September, and October. The weather is still warm, with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius, but it's not as hot as in the summer. This time of year, the beaches are less crowded, so it's a great time to enjoy the beach in peace.

If you're looking for a unique experience, you can also visit Balos beach during the winter months. The weather is cooler, around 15 degrees Celsius, but the beach is nearly empty or expects fewer people. This is the perfect time to enjoy the beach in peace and take in the stunning views without the crowds.

How to get to Balos Beach by car

Before you start your journey, it's worth reading and remembering the following information, which will help you understand some essential knowledge about the approach.

The easiest way to get there by road is to head for Kissamos from Chania town and then take the West Crete to the village of Kaliviani. After Kaliviani, about a km along the asphalt road ends where a toll gate stands in the way. They charge one or two euros per head to keep going. The 8 km dirt road that starts after the gate is a road with no crossings with uneven surfaces and deep potholes.

Expect the road for your car and tyres can be extremely difficult, and the insurance included in the rental car policy of most car rental companies in Crete does not cover this section of the road - if any damage is done to the car here, it will be covered by the is the financial responsibility of the hirer.

Once you reach the end of the dirt road, you will find a spacious parking area, which is wide but can be full during the busy summer high-season months. If the parking lot is full, parking is available on the side of the road. The most difficult part of the adventure comes afterwards: a long walk of about a kilometre and a half from the car park, on a rocky and stony path.  

The hike to the beach is can be particularly strenuous in the summer heat, so It's worth bearing this in mind before you start it!

The beautiful Balos Lagoon, well-known from photographs, can be seen two-thirds of the way along the trail. A small terrace with stones has been constructed along the route for photography, and people take turns capturing this wonderful panorama that has captured the attention of so many visitors. (We were pleased to find that there was a guy selling drinks up next to the stone terrace. He had a small stand set up with a variety of soft drinks and water available for purchase.)

From this photo point, there are steps leading down for a while, and then a section of the route the last part of the stretch, a sandy path leads down to the beach: here everyone can decide whether to settle down on the sunshade section or to leave the built-up section.

There's really nothing left to do here but to enjoy some good sunbathing. after a well-deserved dip in the cool waters of the lagoon: welcome to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Balos!

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A Guide to Visiting Balos Beach by Boat

While some choose to hike or drive to Balos, for those who want to experience the beach from a different perspective, taking a boat trip is the way to go. Here's a guide on how to get to Balos beach by boat.

First, you'll need to make your way from Chania town to Kissamos (Municipality of Kissamos), which is the closest port to Balos beach. From Kissamos, you can take a daily boat tour to Balos beach. The tour departure point is the Kissamos port and it takes about 45 minutes to reach the beach. You can park your car for free at the Kissamos port before taking the tour to the beach.

On the boat which takes you to Balos Beach, there is a variety of hot and cold food available for purchase at reasonable prices. The menu includes a selection of sandwiches, salads, and snacks, as well as hot and cold drinks. The prices are affordable and the food is fresh and delicious. The option to purchase food on the boat is convenient for those who may not have brought their own snacks or meals. The boat staff is friendly and happy to help with any food and drink orders.

There are different companies operating the service, so it's recommended to check their schedules and prices in advance. Some companies run daily, while others only operate on certain days of the week, so plan accordingly. The boat tour also provides transportation from Balos beach to Kissamos port, so you don't have to worry about the return trip.

This is a great way to take in the views of the coast and the surrounding islands. You'll also have the opportunity to see the famous fortress of Gramvousa, which is located on the top of a hill and can only be accessed by boat.

Once you reach Balos beach, you'll have about 2 hours to explore the beach and take a swim in the crystal clear waters. It's important to note that boat tours are weather dependent, so be sure to check the weather forecast before booking your tour. Also, it's recommended to book in advance, as the boat tours can be quite popular and tend to fill up quickly.

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Boat Tour Prices to Balos Beach

The prices of the ferries vary depending on the company and the time of the year. During the low season, the prices can range from 10-15 euros per person for a return trip, while during the high season, the prices can go up to 20-25 euros per person.

Additionally, there are also organized private boat tours that include transport and guided tour, which prices can vary between 30-50 euros per person.

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Get a glimpse of the best hotels in Crete through this handy guide:

Budget: Cocoon City Hostel in Chania, Sofia Hotel in Heraklion, Michael Apartments in Rethymno, Victoria Hotel in Agios Nicolaos

Mid-range: Mosaic in Chania, 7Rizes Luxury Living in Heraklion, Archipelagos Hotel in Rethymno, Bellevue Suites in Agios Nicolaos

Luxury: The Tanneries Hotel & Spa in Chania, Legacy Gastro Suites in Heraklion, Nautilux Rethymno by Mage Hotels in Rethymno, Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas in Agios Nicolaos

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What to do on Balos Beach

Whether you choose to hike, drive or ferry to get there, here's a guide on what to do on Balos beach.

First and foremost, the main attraction of Balos beach is the crystal clear waters and the beautiful scenery. The colours of the water are simply breathtaking, varying from light blue to turquoise. The beach is surrounded by high cliffs and Imeri Gramvousa island where you can find the ancient Venetian castle is also worth a visit.  

One of the must-do activities when visiting Balos beach is to take a photo from the stone terrace on the hill. The terrace offers a panoramic view of the beach and the turquoise waters below. It's a perfect spot to take a picture to remember your visit to Balos beach.

Another popular activity on Balos beach is sunbathing. The beach is well-equipped with sun loungers and parasols, so you can relax and soak up the sun in comfort. Be sure to bring sunscreen, as the sun can be quite strong during the summer months.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also take a snorkelling or scuba diving trip to explore the underwater world of Balos. The crystal clear waters offer great visibility and a chance to see a variety of marine life, including fish and corals.

For those who prefer to stay on land, hiking is a great option. The trail that leads to Balos beach offers stunning views of the coast and the surrounding islands.

Tips for enjoying your stay at Balos beach

Whether you're planning a day trip or a longer stay, here are some tips for making the most of your time at Balos beach.

1. Plan your visit in advance. While Balos beach is a popular destination, it can also be quite remote. Be sure to research the best way to get there and make any necessary arrangements, such as renting a car or booking a boat tour, in advance.
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2. Bring the right gear. The trail to the beach is steep and rocky, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water and sunscreen. If you plan to swim or snorkel, bring your gear as well.
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3. Get there early. To avoid the crowds and the heat, it's best to start your hike or take your boat tour early in the morning. This will also give you more time to explore the beach and take in the stunning views.
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4. Take advantage of the facilities. The beach is well-equipped with sun loungers, parasols, and showers, so be sure to take advantage of these facilities to make your stay more comfortable.
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5. Explore the surroundings. If you're interested in history, you can visit the fortress of Gramvousa, which is located on the top of a hill.
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6. Respect the nature and the environment. Balos beach is a unique and fragile environment, please respect the rules and regulations, pick up your trash and leave the place as you found it or better.

Understanding the Weather at Balos Beach

The weather at Balos beach can vary depending on the time of year, here's a guide to help you understand what to expect.

Summer

(June - August) is the warmest time of year at Balos beach, with temperatures averaging around 25-30 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect time to enjoy swimming and sunbathing, but it's important to note that the beach can get quite crowded during these months.

The shoulder seasons

(April, May, September and October) are a great time to visit Balos beach. The weather is still warm, with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius, but it's not as hot as in the summer. The beaches are less crowded and it's a great time to enjoy the beach in peace.

Winter

(December - February) is the coolest time of year at Balos beach, with temperatures averaging around 15 degrees Celsius. The beach is nearly empty, and it's a great time to enjoy the beach in peace and take in the stunning views without the crowds.

It's also worth noting that Balos beach is located on the northwest coast of Crete, which can be exposed to strong winds and waves, especially during the winter months.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Elafonisi or Balos, which is better?

Both Elafonisi and Balos beaches are considered to be among the most beautiful beaches in Greece and are popular tourist destinations.

It ultimately depends on what you are looking for in a beach experience. If you're looking for a family-friendly beach with shallow waters and pink sand, Elafonisi might be the better option. If you're looking for a beach with crystal clear turquoise waters and a panoramic view, Balos might be the better option.

Both beaches are worth visiting and it's hard to say which one is better.

Is it possible to take a tour with a guide while visiting Balos beach?

Yes, it is possible to take a tour with a guide while visiting Balos beach. Many tour companies and local guides offer guided tours of the beach and the surrounding area. These tours typically include transportation to and from the beach, as well as a guided walk around the beach and the surrounding cliffs. The guides are knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area, as well as the flora and fauna. They can also provide information on the best places to swim, snorkel, and take photographs.

Is it safe to visit Balos beach?

Balos beach is a popular tourist destination and is generally considered safe to visit. The beach is well-maintained. However, as with any beach, it's important to be aware of the potential hazards such as strong currents and undertows, especially if you're planning to swim or snorkel. Additionally, it's important to be aware of the sun and heat and to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated.

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Balos beach in Google maps: