Balos Beach is one of Crete’s most spectacular and well-known landmarks. It’s a paradise of swirling turquoise water, white sand, and unspoiled natural beauty. Located on the island’s north-western tip, this iconic lagoon is a must-visit for travellers seeking breathtaking scenery and a touch of adventure.
The remote location of Balos Beach adds to its charm but getting there requires a bit of planning. If you’re based in Chania, you have several options to reach Balos Beach, whether you prefer the convenience of a guided tour, the freedom of driving, or the unique experience of arriving by boat.
After stopping at Balos Beach during my Crete road trip, I wrote this guide to share all the details about how to get to Balos Beach from Chania or Kissamos. I’ve included insights into travel times, costs, and tips to make the journey as smooth as possible. Along the way, you’ll discover how to navigate the rugged terrain, what to expect at the beach, and essential items to bring to make the most of your visit!
Whether you’re seeking a day of relaxation, hiking, or unforgettable views, a visit to Balos Beach is a bucket list adventure. Read on to find all the information you need on how to get to Balos Beach from Chania, and prepare to be mesmerized by its otherworldly beauty.
Unreal scenery at Balos Beach, Crete
Table of Contents
How to get to Balos Beach from Chania
Balos Beach Information
One of the most famous and photographed beaches in all of Greece, Balos Beach is Crete’s most popular destination. When tourists visit Chania and only have a few days to spare, Balos Beach is certain to be on the itinerary. It’s definitely the most popular day trip from Chania.
It’s easy to see why this place has gained such recognition; crystal-clear turquoise water, soft white and pink sand, and a backdrop of vertical cliffs, it’s a true piece of paradise. It’s easily one of the most striking beaches I’ve seen in my life, and I’ve seen hundreds all over the world!
With calm, shallow water that is safe for children to play in and adults to float peacefully, Balos Beach is perfect for families. The beach is part of the protected Natura 2000 area with 400 different species of rare plants and 100 species of birds. As you drive toward Balos Beach along the Gramvousa Peninsula, you’ll get a feel for how remote this place really is.
Swimming in the turquoise lagoon of Balos Beach
Most people visit Balos Beach on a day trip from Chania however you could also base yourself in the town of Kissamos for easier access. In this guide, I’ve covered the logistics of how to get to Balos Beach from both locations.
I had seen hundreds of photos of Balos Beach online but nothing prepared me for the moment when I first saw it real life. It’s one of those places where photos don’t do it justice, you’ll understand exactly what I mean when you get there.
A different perspective at Balos Beach
How to Get to Balos Beach by Boat
Taking a boat trip to Balos Beach from Chania makes for an awesome day filled with adventure and incredible views. This option is the best choice for those who prefer to sit back, relax and enjoy a day of sightseeing without having to plan anything.
The other bonus about booking the boat trip is that it’s the only way you can visit Gramvousa Island which has some fascinating landmarks and gorgeous views.
This 12 hour day trip to Balos Beach begins with being picked up from a central location of Chania in an air-conditioned bus and then driving 1.5 hours to Kissamos Port. You will enjoy a scenic boat cruise, admiring views of majestic caves and unique rock formations on the way to the first stop, Balos Beach.
With 2.5 hours to spend at Balos Beach, you’ll have plenty of time for swimming, sightseeing and taking in the unbelievable scenery. Be sure to walk up to the Balos Viewpoint, this was easily my favourite view on the island of Crete!
I flew my drone near the Balos Beach viewpoint and this was the result!
Next up on the itinerary is a stop at Gramvousa Island where you’ll get the chance to hike up to the 16th century Venetian Castle, a historic gem boasting epic views of Balos Beach. See the famous Gramvousa shipwreck before returning to Kissamos Port and catching the bus back to Chania.
This popular day trip includes everything except for food/drinks, sunbeds on the beach and the €1 environmental fee for entering Balos and Gramvousa. Overall this tour offers fantastic value for money and an unforgettable experience during your holiday on Crete.
If you have a rental car and want to drive to Kissamos Port to join the boat trip, book this tour. If you want to get picked up in Chania and taken to the port, see the link below.
➤Find Balos Beach & Gramvousa Island boat tour prices and availability here
Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island
How to Get to Balos Beach by Bus
If you don’t plan to rent a car during your trip to Crete, you also have the option to take the public bus to Kissamos Port from Chania. You can book this tour which only includes the boat trip to Balos Beach and not the transfer to/from Chania.
The public bus departs from Chania to Kissamos Port once per day at 8:30am and takes 60 minutes. You can catch the bus from the central KTEL bus station in Chania, just outside of the Old Town. Tickets cost around €2.50 per person at the time of writing.
If you book this boat trip, the bus will arrive at the port in time for the tour’s 10:30am departure. Once the tour is finished, you can easily get a bus back to Chania from Kissamos Port at 5:30pm or 7:00pm.
➤Find prices and book your Balos Beach boat trip online here
Stop to take in the panoramic view at Balos Beach Viewpoint
How to Get to Balos Beach by Car
Getting to Balos Beach from Chania by car offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy Crete’s scenic landscapes at your own pace. Renting a car in Chania is easy, affordable and if you have more time to spare I would highly recommend doing a Crete road trip! The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your starting point in Chania.
From Chania, follow the highway west toward Kissamos. From Kissamos, follow the signs for Kaliviani village, where the road transitions to a rugged, unpaved gravel road leading toward Balos. This gravel track stretches for around 8 km (around 30 mins), so driving cautiously is important, especially for rental cars!
Although the last part of this drive is fairly rough, I had no issues driving to Balos Beach in my rental car and noticed many other tourists doing the same thing. Just take it easy and watch out for goats on the road! See driving directions from Chania to Balos Beach on Google Maps here.
➤Find prices and book your car rental online here
Goats seeking shade under some rocks at Balos Beach
Balos Beach Parking, Beach Access & Amenities
As you enter the Gramvousa Peninsula, you will stop at a small booth to buy your ticket for €1/person to enter the protected nature reserve. At the end of the gravel road, you’ll find a parking area where you can leave your car for €3/car. Keep in mind that this parking lot fills up quickly, aim to get there early in the day.
From there, a short hike of around 20-30 minutes will take you down to Balos Beach. The trail is steep and rocky but offers stunning views of the lagoon along the way. Be sure to stop at the Balos Beach Viewpoint! You’re bound to encounter some of the friendly goats who call the area home.
Wearing sturdy walking shoes for the hike is essential due to rough terrain, you’ll want to save the flip flops for the beach. I visited Balos in June and the heat during the day became quite intense so be sure to bring a sun hat, sunscreen and enough water for the walk down/back up. Another reason to arrive early in the day is to beat the heat!
My friend had to stop and pet a goat on the walk down to Balos Beach
Drinks and basic snacks can be purchased from kiosks on the beach, be sure to carry cash. If you plan to stay for the day, I would recommend packing some sandwiches in your day bag.
Sun beds and umbrellas can be rented for 10-15 euros per day, they do fill up quite fast during peak season. Public toilets and change rooms are available on the beach for a small fee but there are no showers. The toilets may run out of toilet paper on busy days so bring your own just in case.
While it’s certainly not the easiest beach to access, the reward of arriving at Balos Beach, one of Crete’s most beautiful and iconic spots, is well worth the effort!
Enjoying a perfect day at Balos Beach
What to Pack for your Balos Beach Day Trip
- Good walking shoes
- Sun hat/Sunglasses/Sunscreen
- Swimsuit
- Fast-drying beach towel
- Travel tripod
- Portable phone charger
- Day pack
- Snacks/water
- Toilet paper/hand sanitizer
- Cash for entrance/parking/food/toilets
Stunning scenery comes into view as you approach the beach
Where to Stay in Chania
Most people who are taking a day trip to Balos Beach will be based in Chania so I recommend staying somewhere near the centre of the Old Town. This way you will be able to easily access all the shops, restaurants and cafes by foot.
Centro Storico – Located in the heart of the old town, these cozy apartments are reasonably priced and well equipped for the perfect stay in Chania. A delicious breakfast is included in your stay.
►Browse more accommodation options in Chania◄
Beautiful streets of Chania Old Town
Where to Stay Near Balos Beach
If you want to be based closer to Balos Beach for easier access and cheaper accommodation then I would suggest staying in the town of Kissamos. I stayed in this area during my Crete road trip and was able to easily access a number of stunning beaches in addition to Balos Beach.
This area is the best place to stay while exploring the western attractions of Crete such as Elafonisi Beach, Falasarna Beach and various towns and villages. If you are planning a road trip around the island, read my blog post to plan your trip: the ultimate 10 day Crete road trip itinerary.
EvaEle Luxury Apartments – I can recommend this lovely apartment which has free parking and a host that goes above and beyond to make you feel welcomed and comfortable. This is the ideal place to be based for several nights in Kissamos, it’s located within walking distance to the town’s beach and restaurants/shops.
►Browse more accommodation options in Kissamos◄
Watching the sunset at a cute waterfront taverna in Kissamos
Must-See Beaches Near Balos Beach
If you’re planning to stay in the area for a few days, it’s worth mentioning several other bucket list beaches of Crete that you must visit. Crete is full of spectacular beaches that are totally different from the beaches on other popular Greek islands.
After island hopping all over Greece during the summer of 2024, the beaches of Crete stood out to me as being the most unique and spectacular by far! Here are some additional Crete beaches near Balos that you can’t miss.
Seitan Limania – This is yet another super unique beach that makes for an easy half-day trip from Chania. It’s only a 30 minute drive northeast of Chania and just like Balos Beach, the scenery here is certain to take your breath away.
Nestled within a gorge, the vibrant turquoise water is framed by rugged cliffs, creating a secluded and serene setting for a swim. Getting down to the beach is an adventure in itself which involves navigating a steep, rocky path and dodging goats on the way down. Is it worth the effort, you might be wondering? I think the photo below speaks for itself!
Seitan Limania Beach
Falasarna Beach – Located on Crete’s west coast, Falasarna is an absolutely stunning beach an easy 20 minute drive from Kissamos or one hour from Chania. The long stretch of golden sand and sparkling turquoise water creates an idyllic setting for the ideal beach day. This is also a fantastic place to stay and watch the sunset.
Elafonisi Beach – Also known as the “pink sand beach”, Elafonisi has gained fame in recent years for its pink-tinted sands and gorgeous clear water. Slightly more out of the way, Elafonisi takes around 1 hour to reach from Kissamos or 1.5 hrs from Chania. Keep in mind the pink colour varies from day to day depending on weather, current conditions and time of day.
The scenery of this beach is out of this world and it’s definitely worth the journey if you have time for it. Save yourself the hassle and easily book a tour to Elafonisi Beach to maximise your day and avoid navigating bus schedules. See the link below for the best tour to book from Chania.
➤Book your day trip from Chania to Elafonisi Beach online here
Pink sand and crystal clear water at Elafonisi Beach
How to Get to Balos Beach from Kissamos
If you’re staying in or around Kissamos, getting to Balos Beach is very straightforward. The Kissamos Port is an easy 5 minute trip by car or taxi from town.
If you’re looking to drive to Balos Beach from Kissamos, the driving time is cut down to 40 minutes instead of 2 hours from Chania. See the link below for the top-rated Balos Beach boat tour that departs from Kissamos Port.
➤Find prices and book your Balos Beach boat trip online
The Best Travel Insurance for Greece
Are you travelling to Greece from overseas? If you are, then you’ll need to get travel insurance before you go.
Travelling to any country without insurance is never a good idea. The reality of travelling overseas is that unexpected things can happen at anytime so the best thing you can do is be prepared.
For peace of mind while abroad, Heymondo is one of the most reputable companies that will provide you with simple and flexible coverage. Whether you are into adventurous activities or simply looking for trip cancellation and medical insurance, Heymondo has you covered!
As a reader of The Road Is Life, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance by using the link below!
►Get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance◄
Incredible scenery at Falasarna Beach
Final Thoughts on Getting to Balos Beach from Chania
Balos Beach in Crete is a unique and jaw-dropping landscape that lives up to its popular reputation. Even if it’s peak season and super busy when you go, it is still well worth a visit. It makes for an easy and memorable day trip from Chania or Kissamos and its beauty will leave a lasting impression long after your holiday in Crete comes to an end!
Let me know your thoughts about your day trip to Balos Beach in the comments below and don’t forget to read my 10 day Crete road trip itinerary before you visit the island. Happy travels
Read More Crete Travel Guides
Enjoy this Balos Beach Guide? Pin it for later!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may receive a small commission on purchases made through these links. By making any purchase, you are directly supporting The Road Is Life Travel Blog which allows me to continue providing you with free high-quality travel guides. I only recommend products/services I have tried/love!
