Post updated 04-08-2020 | Crete is well-known for its white-sanded beaches and crystal clear Mediterranean sea, Balos Beach is no different. This guide contains everything to help you visit this paradisiac stretch of beach in the best possible way.
If you’re keen on uncovering Balos Beach, you’ll surely be welcomed by one of the most charming landscapes Crete has to offer.
Think exotic white-sanded beaches, shallow turquoise waters, and an incredibly picturesque backdrop, formed by Tigani and Gramvousa in the distance.
Although situated in the very northwest of Crete, between Kissamos and Gramvousa, Balos Beach feels like a tropical paradise in the midst of the Caribbean sea.
For that reason alone, it is considered one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, and therefore an absolute must-see on any Crete trip.
If you’re preparing for a day trip to Balos Beach (which I think you should), look no further, this traveller guide includes everything you need to know, from how to get there, what to pack, and the best guided tours & boat trips – plus essential travel information.
A TRAVELLERS GUIDE TO BALOS BEACH, CRETE
WHERE IS BALOS BEACH
Balos Beach is a stunningly picturesque stretch of beach (arguably the best in Crete), situated in the very northwest of Crete, poised between Kissamos and Gramvousa.
Although Balos Beach is pretty remote, 191km of Heraklion, 116km of Rethymno, and 56km of Chania, it is clearly one of the favourite Crete beaches for travellers from all over the world.
HOW TO GET TO BALOS BEACH
Crete makes the perfect island for a banging road trip, and if you’re keen on exploring every corner of the island, renting a car is easily the best thing you could do.
If you’re planning to do so, you’ll have all the freedom to visit Balos Beach as early as possible – plus it’s significantly easier to explore other interesting places on Crete.
For car rental on Crete, I would recommend checking out Rentalcars.com. They offer excellent service, additional insurance, and a broad selection of cars, all at an affordable price.
The journey itself is pretty straightforward, as the roads on the island are in excellent condition. However, do keep in mind that the last 10 kilometres, starting at Kissamos, are off-road and bring you along a steep cliff edge.
If you drive slowly and conscious, it isn’t a big deal, yet it can be a bit challenging during the high season, when significantly more people visit Balos Beach by car.
That said, when planning to drive to Balos Beach with a rental car, check if you’re insurance is covering off-road driving. In most cases, this isn’t a problem, yet it’s better to be safe than sorry.
HOW TO HIKE TO BALOS BEACH
Once you reach the car park, and are ready to go, take a moderate 25-minute hike down, before arriving at the beach.
Along the way, you’ll pass several fascinating viewpoints, hordes of friendly-looking mountain goats, and a stall that offers donkey rides down to the beach.
If you’re following this blog a bit longer, you probably already know that I aim to travel in the most ethical way possible. For that reason, I would sincerely discourage using animals as form as transport.
We ourselves, did the hike at a slow pace, resulting in an excellent experience, with plenty of time to take some photos along the way, and I would highly encourage you to do the same!
Although the hike isn’t the most challenging, it is good to wear decent sneakers and bring extra drinking water (preferably a reusable water bottle). Additionally, I would recommend bringing something to cover your head from the sizzling Mediterranean sun.
JOIN A BALOS BEACH TOUR
If a self-driving trip isn’t your cup of tea, that’s alright, there’s a great variety of guided tours available, including full-day trips, organized boat trips, and combinations of both.
Joining a guided tour comes without the hassle of driving off-road and saves you a short hike down – plus you won’t have to drive all the way back after an afternoon of swimming and relaxing.
On top of that, most tours include a visit to the charming island of Gramvousa, which makes the trip the absolute highlight of your time on Crete.
I saved you time by doing some proper research and made a list of the best Balos Beach tours.
The Balos Beach tours I recommend include:
From Heraklion: Full-Day Balos and Gramvousa Tour | A great 12-hour day trip to Balos Beach and Gramvousa.
Balos Beach and Gramvousa Day Tour from Chania | The absolute best option to visit Balos Beach from Chania.
From Rethymno: Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island | The best full-day tour to Balos Beach from Rethymno.
SETTING FOOT ON BALOS BEACH
Following your journey, it is finally time to set foot on the incredibly appealing sands of Balos Beach, and trust me, arriving at the beach with no other being around is truly a mesmerizing experience.
Think exotic white sand, shallow turquoise waters, and stunningly beautiful scenery, with views of Tigani and Gramvousa in the distance.
Be prepared to be left in awe by the impressive colour palette of the water, and the pure beauty of the unique landscapes that surround you.
Continue reading | The best beaches in Milos, Greece
OTHER GREAT BEACHES ON CRETE
Being the largest island in Greece, Crete comes with a coastline of approximately 1.046 km, resulting in a great variety of incredibly picturesque beaches, all with impressive clear turquoise water.
Some of my favourite Crete beaches include:
Elafonissi Beach | Named one of the world’s top 25 beaches by Tripadvisor in 2014, Elafonissi Beach is a charming beach that is well known for its pink sand. Located on the southwestern part of the island, Elafonissi was only known by locals not so long ago. At present, it is one of the absolute favourite Crete beaches to travellers and locals alike.
Where | Elafonissi Beach
Falassarna Beach | Situated at only a 20-minute drive of Kissamos, Falassarna Beach is a large stretch of fine-sanded beach, that is among the best beaches in Crete. Famous for its turquoise waters, this beach is perfect for an afternoon of relaxation. On top of that, it’s great if you’re into windsurfing.
Where | Falassarna Beach
Preveli Beach | Charmed by a river that flows directly into the sea, while also dividing the coastline, Preveli Beach is a small, yet incredible beach. The real draw though, it is significantly less busy than the aforementioned beaches, making it an excellent place to enjoy some alone time under the Mediterranean sun. Next to it, you’ll find the Preveli Monastery, which is more than worthy of your visit.
Where | Preveli Beach
WHERE TO STAY ON CRETE
CHANIA
Porto Veneziano Hotel | Close to the Venetian harbour of Chania but not in the busiest part of town. With a panorama view over the sea and harbour, excellent rooms and quality service this is one of the finest places in Chania.
RETHYMNON
Ammos suites | An aparthotel that has everything you need. The design of the room looks great and each room has a balcony or sun terrace. They have an outdoor swimming pool and the beach is within 10-meter walking distance. The town centre of Rethymnon is located within 800 meters.
PLAKIAS
Kalypso Cretan village resort & spa | If you come mainly to relax this place is amazing. Located between the mountains and directly at sea, this hotel provides the most stunning scenes. With facilities like an infinity pool, a private beach where you can dive and a spa this place will help you ease your body and mind. If you stay at Kalypso it would be wise to rent a car if you want to explore the island.
HERAKLION
Abaton Island Resort & Spa | This is one of the finest looking resorts on the island. They offer luxurious guesthouses, suites and villas. The design is inspired by the surroundings and all accommodation options offer either an outdoor terrace, private pool or an outdoor hot tub.
Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Crete.
BEST TIME TO VISIT BALOS BEACH
If you’re after good weather, the summer months from July till early September will be your best bet. Do keep in mind that the prices are considerably higher, and expect way more travellers around.
In my opinion, the best time to visit Crete is during shoulder season, think May, June, September, and early October.
We visited Crete and Balos Beach in May, and had great weather throughout the entire trip – plus we had the advantage that the prices were slightly lower, as well as the fortune to escape the crowds.
BEST TIME OF THE DAY TO VISIT BALOS BEACH
Balos Beach is at its absolute best in the early morning, when the exotic white-sanded beach is not yet flooded with travellers and locals alike.
Alternatively, the afternoon is great for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing, so make sure you bring a good book and some snacks.
Do bear in mind that it will be significantly busier than in the morning, as tourists from guided tours and boat trips will set foot on the coastline of Balos. The good news though, they often stay for a short amount of time, resulting in an almost empty beach afterwards.
SAFETY IN GREECE | TRAVEL INSURANCE
While Greece is totally safe for travellers, I always aim to enter a foreign country with my travel insurance sorted out, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.
Where we prefer to assume that everything runs smoothly during our travels, the reality is often that something can go wrong at any given moment – when that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.
World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.