Back to newsBalos Lagoon, located at the northwestern tip of Crete on the Gramvousa Peninsula, is one of the island's most visited natural landmarks. The lagoon is known for its shallow turquoise waters and pale pinkish-white sand, which gets its color from crushed shells and coral fragments. The beach sits below a rugged cape and faces the uninhabited island of Gramvousa, topped by a Venetian fortress.
Visitors can reach Balos by ferry from Kissamos port, with daily departures during summer months, or by a roughly 9 km unpaved road followed by a 20-minute walk down to the shore. The site has no shade and limited facilities on the beach, so bringing water, sunscreen, and footwear for the rocky path is strongly recommended. Peak season crowds are significant; arriving early or taking a late ferry departure helps avoid the busiest hours.
tourism
Balos Lagoon: Crete's Turquoise Gem With Unique Pink-White Sandy Shores
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Getting around Crete by bus
- Bus Agia Galini to Heraklion
- Bus Agia Galini to Matala
- Bus Agia Galini to Rethymno
- Bus Agios Nikolaos to Heraklion
- Bus Agios Nikolaos to Hersonisos
- Bus Agios Nikolaos to Ierapetra
- Bus Agios Nikolaos to Siteia
- Bus Chania to Heraklion
- Bus Chania to Kissamos
- Bus Chania to Paleochora
- Bus Chania to Rethymno
- Bus Heraklion to Hersonisos
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