Gramvousa Island: Day Trips and Tours from Rethymno

A day trip to Gramvousa Island from Rethymno is all about the beaches. These tours take in some of the dreamiest coastlines in Crete, where you can sunbathe and swim to your heart’s content.

Bask in the sun at beautiful Balos Beach, before heading to Gramvousa where the soft white sand meets the turquoise ocean. A scenic boat trip sweetens the deal, while a Venetian Fortress beckons intrepid explorers.

Here's all you need to know about visiting Gramvousa, one of the most exciting destinations for day trips from Rethymno.

How to get to Gramvousa Island from Rethymno?

Gramvousa Island sits off Crete’s northwestern coast. It makes for a popular day trip from Rethymno and is most easily accessed on a guided tour.

Guided tour to Gramvousa Island from Rethymno

By far the best way to journey to Gramvousa Island from Rethymno is on a guided group tour. Many Gramvousa excursions include hotel pickup and drop-off for slick door-to-door transfers.

Day tours to Gramvousa Island last between 10 and 14 hours, depending on the operator. You be back in Rethymno in time for dinner.

What is the typical itinerary?

Your day trip to Gramvousa Island from Rethymno begins with a land transfer from your hotel by air-conditioned bus. Departures are usually around 7:45 AM so you can make the most of your time on the island.

You’ll enjoy a scenic drive, passing the Bay of Souda and the old Cretan capital of Chania along the way. On arrival in Kissamos, it’s time to board the boat for the ride to Balos Lagoon on the northern end of the mainland peninsula. The cruise takes an hour.

At Balos Beach, you’ll have 2.5 hours of leisure time to explore, relax and swim. Next up is a 20-minute boat trip across to Gramvousa Island. Here, you can swim in the clear water or hike up to the fortress on the hill.

After 1.5 hours of fun, you will return to Kissamos by boat, before heading back to Rethymno by bus. Expect to arrive at your hotel in the evening.

What kind of tours are available to go to Gramvousa Island?

Guided tours to Gramvousa Island plus Balos Beach from Rethymno

Most excursions to Gramvousa Island are on a group basis. There can be up to 51 participants on these tours, but there’s plenty of space on the beaches so it won’t feel too crowded. Travel is by bus and boat.

Pickups and drop-offs are provided from many of Crete’s main resorts and towns, including Rethymno. There will be a guide on board to make sure your trip runs without a hitch. Once at the featured itinerary destinations, you’ll have free time to explore as you please.

These Gramvousa Island day trips from Rethymno are a cost-effective way of discovering some of Crete’s most famous landscapes. You’ll meet like-minded travelers too for a convivial experience.

How much does a day trip to Gramvousa Island from Rethymno cost?

Gramvousa Island day tours cost €20 per person. This covers land transfers by bus, hotel pickups from selected locations and a guide. You will need to pay separately for the boat tickets, which are €29 per adult and €15 per child aged between 5 and 12 years.

These Gramvousa Island excursions don’t include food, but lunch and drinks can be purchased on board the boat. If you want to visit the Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island, the entrance fee is €1. Sun umbrellas are available to rent so remember to take some cash with you.

Some boats also have a photographer on board to capture your special vacation moments. Photos can be purchased at an additional cost.

What will you see and do?

Gramvousa Island

Gramvousa is a tiny islet off the northwest coast of Crete. It’s a popular destination for day-trippers and can only be accessed by boat. Relaxation is the name of the game on this excursion, so you can take it as easy as you like.

The beach at Gramvousa was just made for swimming, which is exactly what you need to cool off on a hot summer day. Float in the blue bay, build sandcastles or explore the picturesque coastline – the choice is yours.

Another highlight of your jaunt to Gramvousa Island is visiting the 16th-century Venetian Fortress. To reach it you’ll have to scramble 137 meters up the hill, but the sweeping panoramic views make it worth the effort.

Balos Beach

A stop at Balos Beach is usually included on a Gramvousa Island day trip as the two locations aren’t far apart. Balos is probably the most photographed beach on the whole island, so don’t forget to pack your camera!

Also known as Balos Lagoon, this alluring stretch of coast on mainland Crete is famed for its turquoise sea and soft sand. The latter sometimes has a pink hue thanks to the millions of crushed shells that are found here.

This is the perfect place for soaking up the sun or taking a dip in the warm water. The bay is shallow so it’s great for families with young children. Adventurous visitors can go snorkeling in the deeper water around the rocks – monk seals and loggerhead turtles are sometimes spotted along these shores.

When is the best time to visit Gramvousa Island?

Crete enjoys warm weather from May until November, so a day trip to Gramvousa Island is best taken during this period. It does get crowded during the height of summer, so aim for the shoulder months of May or September if you can.

Are there any tours to Gramvousa Island from other cities in Crete?

Yes, there are other tours departing from other cities in Crete:

• Gramvousa Island day trips from Heraklion

Travel tips

• Take comfortable shoes, especially if you want to hike up to the fort on the island.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a sunhat are a must. Remember to take your swimwear and a towel too.
• You can buy lunch and water on board the boat or take your own snacks if you prefer.
• Book your day trip to Gramvousa Island from Rethymno online so you can easily compare prices.