From Rethymno: Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Peninsula & Pick-up

Exploring Crete’s Hidden Gems: A Look at the Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Peninsula Tour

Travelers looking for a day of natural beauty, history, and relaxing swims will find this full-day excursion from Rethymno to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island offers a well-balanced taste of Crete’s most captivating spots. This tour, operated by Island Spy, combines bus transport, a boat cruise, and free time to explore some of the island’s most photogenic locations. It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy scenic coastlines, historical sites, and tranquil waters, all packed into an approximately 11-hour journey.

Two things I really appreciate about this experience are the knowledgeable guides, who provide insights along the way, and the beautiful views from the boat and atop Gramvousa’s Venetian fortress. The guides are praised for their helpfulness, ensuring even first-timers feel comfortable and informed. The boat ride, which offers sweeping views of the coastline and the Aegean Sea, is a highlight, giving you a true sense of Crete’s seascape.

A potential downside? Because the ferry to Balos Lagoon docks 300 meters from shore due to new restrictions, you’ll need to swim from the boat—a fun challenge, but not ideal for everyone, especially those with mobility issues or a dislike of swimming in open water. Also, the tour doesn’t include lunch, so you’ll want to plan snacks or a packed picnic if you’re hungry. Still, the overall value and natural beauty more than compensate for these considerations.

Key points / Takeaways

• Authentic scenic experience: The boat cruise offers incredible views of the Cretan coast and the blue expanse of the Aegean Sea.
• Historical highlight: Climbing up to the Venetian Fortress atop Gramvousa Island offers panoramic views and a sense of stepping back in time.
• Swim and snorkel opportunities: The stops at Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Beach provide plenty of chances to cool off and enjoy marine life.
• Balanced itinerary: The tour combines transportation, sightseeing, swimming, and leisure for a well-rounded day.
• Guides and organization: The reviews highlight the helpfulness and knowledge of the guides, which makes the experience more enjoyable and informative.
• Limited shore access at Balos: New restrictions mean you can’t land directly on Balos Beach; instead, you swim from the boat, which adds adventure but might be a concern for some.

The Journey Begins: From Rethymno to Kissamos

The tour kicks off early in Rethymno, with pickups from several locations including Sfakaki and Adelianos Kampos. The air-conditioned bus is comfortable, and the ride to Kissamos Port takes about two hours, giving you a scenic introduction to Crete’s northern coast. During this stretch, your guides—possibly in English, French, or German—set the scene with interesting facts about the island’s landscape and history.

Traveling in a small group, you’re likely to appreciate the relaxed pace and the chance to ask questions. Many reviews mention the professionalism of the drivers and guides, which makes the entire day flow smoothly. Upon arriving at Kissamos, you’ll board the ferry, ready for the first leg of your sea adventure.

The Scenic Boat Cruise: First Stops at Balos Lagoon

Approximately 75 minutes of sailing takes you to Balos Lagoon, one of Crete’s most famous photographs. Due to government restrictions, the ferry anchors about 300 meters from the shore, so you’ll need to swim to reach the sand. This might be the highlight for many, as the water is notably clear and inviting. It’s a great chance to cool down, get some sun, and enjoy the vibrant marine life.

Once on the shore, you’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore. You can relax on the soft sands or take a walk along the coast. The shallow, turquoise waters make it perfect for wading, swimming, or snorkeling. You might find the 1.5-hour window a little short if you’re planning to sunbathe or take photos—so plan accordingly.

Climbing Gramvousa: A Fortress with a View

The ferry then moves to Gramvousa Island, docking directly on the shore. Here, you’ll have around two hours to explore. Most guides recommend climbing up to the Venetian Fortress, which takes about 20 minutes on rocky terrain, so sturdy shoes are essential. The hike offers rewarding views of the island and sea, and the fortress itself evokes a sense of Crete’s history and strategic importance.

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can relax on the beaches or take a swim in the crystalline waters. Several reviews note that the guides are very helpful during this part, offering tips on the best spots for photos or swimming. It’s a relaxed yet scenic stop, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty and historical ambiance.

Return to Balos and Final Relaxation

After exploring Gramvousa, the ferry departs for Balos Beach, where you’ll again anchor away from the shore—this time for about 2.5 hours. You can walk around, take photos, or swim from the boat. Many travelers love this part for its stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere. The waters here are perfect for snorkeling, and the soft white sands are ideal for lounging.

A noteworthy point: since Balos Beach is a protected natural park with a small admission fee (1 euro), you might want to bring cash to buy your ticket before boarding. The tour doesn’t include food, so pack a picnic or buy snacks at Kissamos port—many reviews mention that there are food options onboard, but they’re mostly snacks and drinks.

The Journey Back: Kissamos to Rethymno

The return ferry trip takes about 80 minutes, offering more opportunities to enjoy the sea views and reflect on your day. Once back at Kissamos Port, the bus will be waiting to take you back to Rethymno, finishing your approximately 11-hour adventure.

The return trip grants a chance to chat with fellow travelers, swap photos, or simply enjoy the scenic coastlines that crept past your window. The bus ride back is relaxed, and many reviews mention the comfort of the coach and the professionalism of the drivers.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This full-day trip is perfect for travelers who want a mix of scenic views, a bit of adventure, and some history without overdoing it. It’s well-suited for active travelers comfortable with swimming and walking, especially if you enjoy hiking to a fortress with panoramic views. It’s also great for those who appreciate knowledgeable guides and organized logistics.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed, beach-only day or are traveling with very young children or mobility issues, this tour might be less suitable, especially since you’ll need to swim from the boat at Balos. Also, if you’re looking for a gourmet meal included in your day, this tour doesn’t cover that—bringing your own food or snacks is recommended.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

At roughly €38 for adults and €19 for children over three, the cruise ticket seems reasonable considering the transportation, guided commentary, and access to two major sites. The convenience of pickup and drop-off from multiple Rethymno locations adds value, saving you the hassle of organizing transport yourself.

The tour’s true value lies in the scenery, the unique opportunity to swim in these iconic waters, and the chance to climb to Gramvousa’s fortress for spectacular views. Many reviews, like Alicia’s, emphasize how helpful and friendly guides enhance the experience, making the cost worthwhile. Just remember that food and park admission fees are additional, so budget accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a full day of stunning vistas, historical exploration, and a refreshing dip in crystal waters, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s especially ideal if you enjoy boat rides, scenic hikes, and guided insights from knowledgeable staff. It’s a good choice for active travelers comfortable with a bit of swimming and walking, and for those who appreciate well-organized tours that skip the hassle of planning every detail.

Keep in mind the swimming aspect at Balos—if you’re not comfortable in open water or have mobility concerns, you might want to consider other options. But for those seeking an authentic, scenic adventure with plenty of natural beauty, this tour offers a memorable day in Crete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the pickup service included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off services from several Rethymno locations, making it easy to join without arranging your own transport.

How long is the boat cruise?
The boat cruise lasts about 75 minutes, with stops at Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island.

Do I need to bring cash for any fees?
Yes, there is a 1 euro administrative fee per person over 13 for the Balos Lagoon park, which you should pay in cash before boarding.

Can I swim at Balos Lagoon?
Yes, since the ferry anchors 300 meters from shore, you’ll have the chance to swim from the boat to the beach, enjoying the clear waters.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. You might want to bring snacks or buy food at Kissamos port before boarding, as onboard options are mainly snacks and drinks.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children over 3 are welcome at the lower price, but keep in mind the swimming aspect and walking involved—sturdy shoes and a willingness to swim are recommended.

This tour offers a well-rounded day of Crete’s natural beauty, history, and seaside relaxation. It’s especially good for travelers who love scenic boat trips, hiking, and swimming, with the helpful guidance of knowledgeable staff to enhance every step. For an authentic taste of Crete’s breathtaking coastlines, it’s a solid choice—just pack your sense of adventure and a picnic!