Balos: Day Trips and Tours from Heraklion

Balos Beach is a stunning blue lagoon located on the western tip of the island of Crete. The beautiful destination is known for its exotic scenery, and most notably its turquoise-blue water. The beach is considered one of the most charming in all of Greece and is well worth the visit.

Take a day tour from Heraklion to Balos Beach to be immersed in Crete's wild natural environment.

Here's all you need to know about Balos, one of the most exciting day trips from Heraklion.

How to get to Balos from Heraklion?

Heraklion is the port city of Crete and is centrally located north on the island. Balos is nearly 3 hours from the capital, at the northwesternmost tip of the ancient place.

From Heraklion to Balos by car

The drive to Balos from Heraklion is just under 3 hours and travels along the northern coastline of the island. Begin on the Vorios Odikos Axonas Kritis/E75 where you’ll ride for 2.5 hours and the majority of the trip. From there, you’ll merge onto the E65 and follow that route for the final 30 minutes out onto the Gramvousa Peninsula.

Guided tour to Balos from Heraklion

Book a guided tour to Balos to benefit from the ease of a professional tour guide to lead the navigation. Most day trips last between 10 and 15 hours and visit multiple destinations on the way to the lagoon. Some tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in the ticket price.

How much does the entrance ticket to Balos cost?

Balos Beach charges a €1 per person entry fee at the front of the park.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical day trip to Balos from Heraklion begins with either a hotel or meeting point pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle. From there, you’ll begin the nearly 3-hour drive west to the port of Kissamos Kasteli. Upon arrival, most excursions transfer to a ferry that takes visitors out to Gramvousa Island.

Tours that include a ferry ride pay a visit to the island of Gramvousa, passing by breathtaking cliff ledges in the wildest and most uninhabited portion of Crete. While on the cruise you’ll also learn about the fascinating history of the island that dates back to the Paleolithic age.

Tours that visit Gramvousa typically include a swim in the water and a hiking tour to the Venetian fortress before heading to Balos Beach. The lagoon is just a short 20-minute distance from Gramvousa, leaving around 3 hours of exploration time upon arrival. You can walk the area or simply relax on the stunning sandy beaches with views of the one-of-a-kind turquoise water before starting the journey back.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Balos?

Guided tours to Balos from Heraklion

Take a guided tour to Balos from Heraklion for a relaxing and fun day in the sun. You’ll begin with either a hotel or designated meeting spot pickup in the capital city of Crete. From there, you’ll begin the 3-hour drive out to the west side of the island.

Many tours stop in the village of Skaleta where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast and coffee mid-journey. Finally, you’ll arrive at the port of Kissamos where you’ll board a cruise to Gramvousa and Balos.

As you ride through the crystal clear waters you’ll spot the incredible marine life that inhabits the area, such as sea turtles and dolphins. You’ll pass by a large cave that was once an ancient shipyard.

Once you arrive in Gramvousa, enjoy a hike up to the 16th-century Venetian Castle, passing by over 100 bird and 400 plant species along the way. Enjoy panoramic views of the vast ocean beyond, and even go for a swim once back down on sea level.

Afterward, you’ll head back to the boat to indulge in an included lunch while you cruise to the lagoon of Balos. This beach is considered one of the nicest in all of Greece, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and warm golden sand.

Enjoy plenty of free time to swim before heading to the boat to cruise back to the port. From Kissamos you’ll return to your bus for the 3-hour ride back to Heraklion.

How much does a day trip to Balos from Heraklion cost?

A day trip to Balos from Heraklion costs between €45 and €100 per person. The more expensive tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, while the less pricey excursions provide a convenient meet-up spot.

What will you see and do?

Gramvousa

Gramvousa consists of two small uninhabited islands on the western coast of Crete. The area was once called “pirate’s island” and has a rich history as it was a pivotal place in the liberation of Crete from the Ottoman Empire.

The ruins of a Venetian Castle, built in 1579, remain on the islands overlooking the entire northeast of Crete.

When is the best time to visit Balos?

Balos Lagoon is best visited from May to early November due to the beautiful weather. July and August are considered high seasons and are also the hottest months of the year.

Plan your day trip to Balos from Heraklion toward the middle of your trip to add an exciting excursion to your itinerary.

Travel tips

• Bring additional money with you as tickets for the boat ride from Kissamos to Balos and Gramvousa are typically not included in the tour price.
• This tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old, so plan accordingly.
• Prepare for the hot sun of Crete with sunscreen, sunglasses and a sunhat.