Self-Guided Day Trip to Balos Beach, Chania

Discover one of Crete's most popular beaches with a day trip to Balos Lagoon, which draws thousands of visitors each year for its warm, turquoise waters and white-pink sand. From Chania, take a scenic drive and then a hike down to the beach to admire sweeping views of the lagoon, or take a boat to Balos, stopping at the famous pirate hideout, Gramvousa, along the way. Spend an idyllic day at the beach, which offers excellent swimming and snorkeling with a shallow lagoon that kids will love.

Enjoy a day trip to one of Greece's best beaches, Balos Lagoon. Its white and pink sand and shallow, turquoise lagoon have made the beach a prime destination for visitors to Crete. Visiting Balos from Chania is an all-day activity, whether you go by car or by boat, so it's best to begin your day early, particularly if you want to beat the crowds.

If you drive, it's about an hour and 15 minutes from Chania, with the last 4-5-mile (7-8 km) stretch covering a bumpy, unpaved one-way road. Once you reach the parking lot, it's time to hike down to the beach. It's 1-1.5 miles (2-2.5 km) and takes about 30 minutes, so bring lots of water and make sure to have your camera ready for the panoramic views of Balos that you'll enjoy on the way down. 

Alternatively, you can drive or take a bus to Kissamos and catch a ferry to Balos. Most boats include a stop at the uninhabited island of Imeri Gramvousa, about 15 minutes from Balos. If you choose this option, you can expect to spend 1.5-2 hours at Gramvousa, where you can hike 20 minutes up to a 16th-century Venetian fortress that served as a pirate hideaway in the early 19th century.

Once you arrive at Balos, get set up with an umbrella and sunbed rental, or find a spot for yourself on the sand. The shallow lagoon is ideal for children, who can play safely in its warm teal-colored waters. There are also rock pools that adults and stronger swimmers can explore on the non-lagoon side. Beach facilities include a few bathrooms and a small beach bar which can run out of snacks during summer, so it's best to bring your own picnic.