Figuring out how to get to Balos Beach is usually the very first thing on anyone's Crete itinerary, and intended for good reason. It's easily probably the most photographed spots in the Mediterranean, with that crazy turquoise water and white sand that looks like it belongs in the Caribbean instead of on the Greek island. But here's the thing: it's not exactly the simplest place to reach. You can't simply pull up your car right next to the water, hop out, and start tanning. There's a bit of the mission involved, irrespective of which route you choose.
Many people end upward choosing between 2 main options: using the ferry or even driving the notorious dirt road. Both have their pros plus cons, as well as your option really depends upon whether or not you value comfort and ease or if you're craving some a good adventure. Let's crack down exactly what you need to know so that you don't end up stuck or disappointed.
Taking the ferry from Kissamos
If you would like the tense-free version of this particular trip, the ferry is your best bet. Most of the particular boats leave through the port of Kissamos, which is definitely in regards to a 45-minute commute from Chania. You just appear, park your car (parking at the port is generally free and pretty easy), and visit a huge boat having a lot of other excited travelers.
The particular cool thing concerning the boat is that it doesn't simply take you to Balos. Most of these tours prevent at the isle of Gramvousa first. You get about an hr or so generally there to hike up to the old Venetian fortress. I'm not going to lie—the hike up to the fort is a bit of the lung-burner in hot weather, but the view from your top is amazing. You can see the whole lagoon from a distance, also it gives a person a great viewpoint of the shipwrecks in the water below.
After Gramvousa, the boat brain over to the lagoon itself. You'll usually have a few hours to go swimming and relax. The ferry is excellent since it has foods, drinks, and lavatories aboard. If you're traveling with children or if you just don't sense like navigating a rocky cliffside street, this is 100% the way in which to go. Just keep within mind that you'll be sharing the beach with everyone else on that boat, therefore it may feel a bit packed during peak season.
The adventurous drive to the particular lagoon
Today, if you're even more of a "do it yourself" type, you might be thinking about traveling. This is exactly where things get the little tricky. When people ask how to get to Balos Beach simply by car, they generally get warned regarding the road. It's not a paved road; it's regarding 7 or eight kilometers of gravel, rocks, and dust.
First of all, most standard rental car contracts in Crete actually forbid you from driving to Balos. They'll inform you that if a person get a set car tire or if some thing happens to the particular underside of the car on that will dirt road, you're on your own. People do it anyway—you'll see hundreds of small Fiats and Hyundais bouncing along the particular rocks—but it's some thing to keep within mind. If a person can rent the 4x4 or perhaps a little SUV, you'll possess a much better time.
The particular drive starts after you pass the particular village of Kaliviani. There's a little kiosk where you'll need to pay the tiny entrance charge (usually just a couple of euros per person) which usually goes toward the protection of the particular area. From there, you just bring it slow. You'll oftimes be sharing the road having a few dozens of goats who certainly think they have the place. Don't be surprised in case they refuse to move; just wait them out and revel in the view.
The hike lower from the parking lot
The best part regarding driving is that you aren't upon anyone else's routine. You can get there at eight: 00 AM prior to the first ferry comes and have the particular lagoon almost completely to yourself. Nevertheless, once you park your own car at the end of the particular road, your trip isn't over.
There's the trek down the mountain to get to the sand. It takes about twenty to 30 a few minutes, and while the way down is simple enough, it's quite steep. This is usually also where you get the "million-dollar see. " If you've ever seen a photo of Balos from high upward, this is where it was taken. The panoramic view from the lagoon from the trail is honestly better than the view from your beach itself.
Just the heads up: the walk regress to something easier at the particular end of the day is the real challenge. You'll be tired, salty, and probably a bit sunburned, plus suddenly that 20-minute walk seems like a good hour-long climb. Use actual shoes, not really just flip-flops, or your feet may be screaming with you by the time you reach your vehicle.
Which option is usually actually better?
It really arrives down to exactly what kind of knowledge you desire. I usually tell individuals who in the event that they want the best photos, they ought to drive. You get those high-angle shots that you just can't get from the boat. Plus, you are able to stay simply because long as you want and view the crowds depart when the ferry departs in the afternoon.
Upon the flip aspect, the boat is definitely just easy. A person don't have to worry about taking a tire or overheating your motor. You get to enjoy the sea breeze, have the beer around the floor, and see the coastline from the particular water. If you're not really a confident drivers on narrow, rocky roads, do yourself a favor plus just buy the ferry ticket. It'll help you save a lot of gray fur.
Essential items to bring with you
Regardless of how to get to Balos Beach , you need to be prepared because there is almost zero facilities when you get generally there. It's a protected Natura 2000 region, therefore you won't discover rows of beach bars or shops.
- Water and snacks: There is usually a tiny canteen near the car parking lot and sometimes a little stand upon the beach, but they are expensive and sometimes run away of stuff. Bring plenty of water.
- Sun protection: There is really little natural color at Balos. A person can sometimes lease umbrellas, but these people go fast. Provide a hat, the lot of sunscreen, and maybe even your own personal beach coverage if you're traveling.
- Comfy shoes: When i mentioned, if you're driving, a person need sneakers for the hike. Even if you take the motorboat, the terrain on Gramvousa is rugged, so don't depend solely on flimsy sandals.
- Cash: The entrance fee for that road plus some from the small vendors may not get cards, so it's always smart to have some Euros on hand.
Timing your go to
If you want to go through the magic of Balos without feeling like you're in the crowded theme recreation area, timing is almost everything. During July plus August, the area is totally packed. When you can check out in late Might, June, or September, you'll find it much more peaceful.
If you're traveling, try to get to the parking lot by 6: 30 or 9: 00 AM. By 11: 30 AM, the very first big ferry arrives, and the "peace and quiet" vibe disappears pretty quickly. Alternatively, you can arrive afterwards in the evening around 4: 00 PM when the boats start to head back to Kissamos. The light is beautiful as the sun starts to dip, plus you'll have a significantly more relaxed encounter.
Final ideas around the journey
All in all, there's no "wrong" way to do it. Whether you're bouncing along the particular dirt road within a tiny car rental or cruising over the bay on a ferry, the time you see that will water, you'll recognize it was worthy of the effort. It's one particular of those uncommon places that really seems like the post cards.
Simply remember to regard the environment whilst you're there. Period trash back with you, don't mess with the neighborhood plants, plus just enjoy the reality that places could be still exist. This might be a bit of a trek to determine how to get to Balos Beach , but that's precisely what keeps it feeling like a concealed paradise rather than just another vacation resort town. Enjoy the sand, take way too many photos, and make certain you possess a spare bottle of water waiting for you in the vehicle for your hike back again up!