One-day cruise to the island with the pirate castle and the blue lagoon with crystal turquoise waters. The Caribbean of Europe!
Balos beach in Chania captures your heart twice over: Once with a heart-stopping view and then from up close as a dream swimming spot on the northwestern tip of Crete.
We travel through the most beautiful and greenest part of Crete to the westernmost port of Kissamos (Kastelli).
We sail for an hour into the bay to the small island of Gramvoussa. On our arrival we can take a short walk up, about 15 minutes, to the Venetian fortress of the 16th century, built on top of a steep, 137 meters high rock, which once belonged to Pirates and was used as a refuge for Cretans during the Greek War of Independence against the ottoman conquerors. You will be impressed by its size and by the beautiful view of the three seas that meet at that point. Apart from the visit to the fortress, you can also swim or lay on the beach.
After sailing for 15 more minutes, we reach the famous lagoon of Ballos, where we stay for about three hours.
It’s hard to know what’s more impressive: The magical blend of colours that greets you as you approach Balos beach from above, or the experience of wading into the still waters of the lagoon, surrounded by white sand with shimmering flecks of pink from crushed shells. One way or another, Balos is a beach that has rightly become a landmark of Europe as much as it has of Crete.
Situated by the northwestern Gramvousa peninsula, Balos should be inked in on everyone’s wish-list when they visit Crete.
The exotic greens and blues of the water, the sweeping sandbanks and backdrop of Cape Tigani, and all the wild beauty of a Natura 2000-protected area… It’s an Instagrammer’s dream – especially from the viewpoint on your way down to the beach.
The water is perfect for snorkelling at the boundaries of the lagoon, where it gets a bit deeper. And don’t forget to explore. You can stroll across the peninsula to the shrub-covered Cape Tigani, narrowly connected to the mainland, and climb to the chapel of Agios Pantes. The sunset view from here is fantastic.
The area supports rare species of flora and fauna, including birds such as Eleonora falcons, shags and cormorants nesting in nearby caves. Just please tread carefully so as not to disrupt the animals. The wider area also offers shelter to the Mediterranean monk seal and the caretta caretta sea turtle.
On board, we can have a snack or a complete meal as well as drinks (not included in the price of the excursion).
Gramvoussa – Ballos: The excursion combines: bus trip, nice cruise, striking landscapes, Venetian fortress and swimming.
Panormo Village & Bali Village.
Also, we pick up from the hotels of area Panormo village: Europa Resort, Stella beach, The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Curio Collection by Hilton, The Royal Blue Resort, Grecotel Marine Palace & Aqua Park, Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare, Iberostar Creta Marine, Creta Royal, Akontio, Panorama SeaFront, Lameriana Secret Village and from all Panormo’s Villas, Apartments, Studios and Suites.
From the area Bali – Vlichada village also we pick up from the hotels: Ormos Atalia, Filion Suites Resort & Spa, Evita Beach, Stone Village, Valentino Apartments and Studios, T- hotel Premium Suites, Pantheon Villas & Suites and from all Bali – Vlichada Villas, Apartments, Studios and Suites.
08:00-20:00
By our express mini & midi buses, we drive directly to the destination, without tedious passenger pick-ups, saving up to two hours on journey time.
The above excursion or more destinations could be offered also for private groups.
