Back to newsBalos Lagoon, located on the Gramvousa Peninsula in northwestern Crete near the town of Kissamos, is one of the island's most photographed natural landmarks. The lagoon is known for its shallow turquoise waters and pale pinkish-white sand, a color created by crushed coral and shells. The beach sits within a protected area and is accessible two ways: by a 4x4-friendly dirt road followed by a 20-minute walk down a steep rocky path, or by ferry from Kissamos port, with boats typically running from May through October. The ferry option takes approximately 45 minutes each way. Visitors should bring water, sun protection, and footwear suitable for rocky terrain. The site gets crowded in July and August, so early morning arrivals are recommended. No permanent facilities exist on the beach itself, though the ferry boats carry basic refreshments.
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Balos Lagoon: Crete's Most Photographed Turquoise Paradise
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Getting around Crete by bus
- Bus Agia Galini to Heraklion
- Bus Agia Galini to Matala
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- 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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