It’s a bit of an adventure to get there by driving, but totally worth it. The views and the pictures we got are treasured. Note you can also arrange boat trips to the lagoon from most major ports if you don’t feel like hiking. I wanted the aerial photos and thus committed to the hike. That also means a challenging hike back up the mountain, but totally worth it from my perspective. The lagoon is beautiful with massive sandbars and dream photo locations. Crystal clear water with 360 degree views and should be on every beach lover’s list. Amenities are virtually non-existent here (a good thing to me), so bring your own supplies and prepare to stay several hours or longer. We traveled as a couple and I wouldn’t want to do the hike with a small child. Also, the wind blows constantly, so make sure you grab a beach chair with the wind at your back.

Incredible day!!! We loved our day at Balos! A couple of helpful tips to make the most epic day!!! 1. Arrive early to secure a spot under an umbrella and before the ships arrive at 11am 2. Wear shoes as the hike down is rocky and has lots of stairs 3. 20 euros to rent the umbrella and chairs for the day 4. Freeze liter water bottles to have free cold water during your stay 5. 1 euro for the bathroom and a snack bar with food. Pack a lunch as it’s cheaper

This is a view worth seeing! We had a rental car that we drove up to the parking area and it was a bumpy ride. Luckily, our rental car didn't get damaged and we didn't get charged any fees but I can see how that can happen often. I really enjoyed the view on the drive and seeing all of the goats! Just be careful of the bees on the way up and down -- there were quite a few swarming around our car. We're experienced hikers so we thought we would hike down from the parking area, but once we got to a good viewpoint we decided we would just stick with seeing the view from up top. I really don't recommend hiking up and down in the summer, it's just too steep and too hot and many people looked like they were going to faint. If we had more time I would have loved to take a boat to the lagoon, but even seeing it from up top was great!

The island of Gramvousa is located northwest of Kissamos and northwest of the famous lagoon of Balos. Gramvousa is famous for its historical Venetian fortress, which stands at a height of 137m over the beach. The day was pretty hot and I decided not to trek up the Mountain but I saw photos of our boat companions and the views were stunning. The sea is turquoise and absolutely breathtaking. Balos on the other hand is known as one of the most famous and mesmerizing beaches in Greece. It's a lagoon located on the west side of the Gramvoussa cape. Its "white sand" and turquoise waters glistening under the sun create a scenery that is truly unforgettable. Both stops in my view were mesmerizing as was the scenery along the way. Definitely recommend if visiting Crete. We bought our tickets directly at Kissamos port, easy peasy. 34€ each The 1€ additional charge per ticket is an entrance fee for outdoor projects recreational use contributory to road conservation to stay cleaned and to be preserved by the community and restoration of the protected area of the cape of Gramvousa and Balos. The boat we were on was called "Porto Gramvousa and the agent was Cretan Daily Cruises. While we packed a lunch and beverages there was really no need because there were many hot/cold options to choose from on the boat that were reasonably priced and they offered take away service. This is a tour that I would highly recommend based on my experience. It was a beautiful day. After arriving at Gramvousa we spent 2 hours swimming in the sea, it took 20 minutes to cross over to Balos Lagoon and we had 2 hours to enjoy there before returning to the port of Kissamos. Driving up the dirt road to Balos was out of the question in the rental vehicle. From the boat we watched vehicles moving at a snails pace up and down the steep inclines. Its my understanding that once you get to the top you have to park and walk down/back up from the Lagoon. No thanks, the boat ride was fun, met some good people from France and enjoyed the day. Highly recommend if visiting Crete 👌

Wow wow wow! Put this on your list, you will not regret it. I have been to A LOT of beaches. This one took my breath away. Literally stopped my in my tracks. If you chase Epic beauty in nature this is your place! Be prepared to walk, there are lots of stairs Wear proper hiking/walking shoes. Bring your own water and food. Watch out for goats if you are going to eat at the beach It’s worth it. Do IT!!

Before I say anything about the drive, let me just say whichever route you take- car or boat - it will be well worth ALL the effort Balos is absolutely stunning and even though the car park was packed, the beach was not which was pleasantly surprising. For the faint of heart, may be best if you get a boat there. We drove the rocky narrow 8km road which takes almost half an hour and you don't want to meet anyone coming in the opposite direction. Pack fluids and wear sturdy shoes as there are many steps down to the beach. I'd do it all over again!!!! Its an adventure!

Prob not for your rental car ! Watch out for goats ! 5km off road driving, charge €1 for entry to national park then €3.50 for parking at top. The goats will eat anything out of an open car ! Beautiful views, wear sensible shoes for walking on rough ground and rocky path to the beach. Long walk down and long walk back up ! Coffee drinks and snacks at top.

The beach is very beautiful, probably the most beautiful I have ever seen. The water is cristal clear and there are umbrellas and chairs you can purchase for the day. This beach is also great for young kids since the water is really shallow. That being said, the drive to this beach is far from enjoyable. You have to drive around 8 miles on the side of a cliff on a dirt road before you even get to the parking lot. Once you arrive, it’s another mile down to the beach. I would recommend bringing sneakers for the walk down, since the terrain is rocky and is a little difficult to do in flip flops. Do not bring any beach chairs with you, as you do not want to carry them back up the mountain when you are done. I would also recommend going earlier in the morning because all the chairs will fill up. If you go early enough, you can get a chair right on the water and it is very pleasant.

Definitely car!. Very beautiful paradise and very worth the visit. I thought I would help clear up some information as I really couldn't decide whether to go on the boat or by car as I had a small hire car and didn't want to damage it and read some reviews not to take the car.However , I took the car and i'm very glad I did. It's very simple, drive slow keep space in front and stay in first gear.All the way and you get there fine. It is a long dusty dirt track with sime rocks but drivable if sensible. Wgen you get to the car park there is some big rocks try and park to the right there is less rocks. There's a beautiful walk down where you get a lot of views takes twenty minute. Just take your time if you're not very fit you can do it.It's a lot of tougher walking back up.But again walk slow and take water. It s well worth the experience. Boats arrived packed full of tourists like very busy and they only stay about 2 hours.So i'm glad I didn't choose the boat option. I stayed all day as I had the car. You can hire umbrellas and sunbeds for €20.But I just took a towel.And my own umbrella. Umbrella is essential.It says, you can't have them for some reason.But everybody does and there's no problem. If you onl want 2 hours and do t mind being with lots if people then catch a boat from kissamos you can catch it cheaper from Falasalana. Definitely go,one of the best places in Crete and I've been to many.

I visited Balos as part of a longer ferry trip. Place is indeed magnificent, lagoon is surrounded by tall, rocky mountains. Those in good physical condition can try a mountain trail and enjoy view from above. However, there are some crucial steps, absolutely necessary to make this trip pleasant (and safe!). 1. There is no pier there. Ferry drops an anchor nearby lagoon. You need to disembark, walk in the water and then over rocky terrain to the lagoon. 2. It's rocky. Shoes which won't be permanently damaged by sea water (flip flops is a big no-no, the can float away, you need something which holds tight on your feet) are necessary. 3. You may want to consider putting all valuable things and electronic equipment into a water-tight container. Plastic bag will NOT suffice. I saw some people slipping on underwater rocks and falling with their backpacks into the water. Examine your container, if you are not sure whether things inside will survive immersion, you need to choose a different one.