Balos Beach Crete, Walking Tour [4K] Greece

Balos Beach Crete
The famous lagoon of Balos is located approximately 56km northwest of Chania and 17km northwest of Kissamos, formed between the Cape Gramvousa and the small Cape Tigani and below the range of Platiskinos. Balos is surely the mostly photographed beach in Crete, a very favorite subject of all tourist guides for Greece. It is no coincidence that Prince Charles and Princess Diana visited Balos with their private yacht many years ago.

Balos is famous for its turquoise waters, the wild natural beauty and the beautiful exotic scenery. During the summer, it is visited by thousands of people, who arrive mostly by the ferries running from Kissamos port. If you do not like crowds, you’d better avoid to visit the beach in July and August. Also, a perfect idea is to arrive at Balos in the morning, before the boats arrive from Kissamos. These few hours of remoteness in such a heavenly place will remain etched in your memory forever.

The lagoon of Balos has white sand and exotic white, vivid blue and turquoise waters. The sea is very shallow and warm, ideal for young children. In many places the sand has a lovely pinkish color, because of millions of crushed shells. Beyond the rocks at the boundaries of the lagoon, the water is deeper and colder, ideal for a snorkeling. The lagoon and the wider area, with rare species of flora and fauna, are protected under the Natura 2000 program. Eleonora falcons, shags and cormorants nest in the caves of the area. Moreover, the area is a shelter for the protected monk seal and the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Despite the protection, some canteens and umbrellas have appeared on the beach in recent years. You can buy water from there and from the bars of the ferries.

Some drawbacks of the lagoon is that the seabed is muddy and the shallow waters facilitate the growth of microorganisms, which sometimes cause an unpleasant smell. Lastly, the locals say that the sea currents transfer rubbish or tar to Balos.

[johnhaime]

We found Balos to be the most beautiful, unique beach in Greece. We drove - the road is not great - very bumpy in parts - but it's part of the journey. Views from the top walking to the beach are incredible and worth the drive. We arrived in the morning about 10:00 a.m. and brought our great, Greek lunch. There were plenty of chairs and umbrellas at the sand bar and there is a snack bar for water and snacks. Chairs and umbrella were 20 Euros. It is needed in the hot sun if you stay for a number of hours. FYI - the Ferry does not arrive at Balos until about 2:30 or 3:00 p.m. We chose not to drive to Kissamos and take a crowded ferry to Balos. The crowded ferry experience is enough going from island to island. We had a great day at Balos - got exercise walking up and down to the beach. Perfect. Also - there is the option of a private boat to Balos where you have control of the time of arrival etc. - but it was going to be about $500 Euros for two of us to do that.

[hannashe]

Amazing! I love it, every time I admire Greece

[georgevola]

Beautiful Pictures in order to enjoy the rewards of Balos u have to persevere

[jesloucruz]

So nice beach would definitely visit this place .

[krisztian]

Very nice video.
Down to earth, no bullshit.
Well done
👏👏👏🙌✌️

[roomrentchiangmai]

Thanks for the nice vdo. Which month did you go there ?

[leemartintlc]

Lovely beach but I think I will take the boat

[worldpeacemaker]

Hi Zameer, I am from Germany and will on the Island Crete on the 9th May 2023 to 16 May 2023! Do you know how the weather is in May to mid May? Bathing weather? Great Video! Thank you

[m.meulmeester]

What is the best time to arrive there? Early in the morning? Around 11 oclock? After lunch? We are on Crete from 8th-17th of May