Balos Beach: A lifetime experience of fairytale waters in Crete

It looks like it has come out of the pages of a fantasy world, a fairy tale. It is Balos beach, the famous location of Crete which is located 55 km northwest of Chania city and 17 km northwest of Kissamos. Blue-green waters and white sand - this is the central image in this exotic setting, so much photographed that it has been included in most internationally renowned tourist guides, a Secluded Balos Beach Experience. It is characteristic that one in three tourists who had Chania airport as an exit gate had visited the lagoon of Balos, according to a survey by the Technical University of Crete, they did a Balos Beach Vacation Planning.

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Balos: How to get to the enchanting beach

The warm waters and the shallow sea make Balos an ideal proposal for families with young children, but also the older ones will be compensated if they get a little further away beyond the rocks. And if you notice in many places the sand has a special pink color, it is due to the crushed shells! You should also know that Balos Beach is a Natura-protected area, but on the other hand, how protected can an area be that thousands of people visit every year?

In fact, on the beach, there are a canteen and umbrella chairs, as well as space to lay your towel. And as with all beautiful coastal places in Greece, the best time to visit is as early as possible and of course the months of June and September.

The easiest way is by sea. From Kissamos several companies will take you back to Balos and it is not at all a bad idea to do a market research, because prices may, even slightly, vary. The other way is by road and remember that caution is needed when driving, as the dirt road is relatively narrow, with a cliff underneath.

At the end of the road, always coming from Kissamos, there is municipal parking (you will also pay something symbolic to go down to the beach) and a canteen. Of course, due to the crowds, cars park along the dirt road and if you arrive at noon you may see a huge queue! From the municipal parking to the beach, you will follow a path, about one kilometer long, which is easy to descend but on the way back it is uphill and if it is hot, it can be a little difficult, especially if you have small children, many things, etc. with you. In any case, remember to wear a hat and it is advisable to sneak or at least close shoes.

Balos: What else can you see near the beach?

Coming by boat from Kissamos to Balos you will see the wild shores of Gramvousa, which were raised up to 9 meters after the earthquake of 365 AD. You will also take a dip in the exotic beach of Imeri Gramvousa, where you will see both the old fortress and the wreck of a ship. You can also visit the picturesque church of All Saints, at Cape Tigani, where many women and children who had found refuge there tragically died in 1825, as well as the ruins of the small Roman town of Agneio, north of Balos, at Cape Korykon, where there is also the picturesque chapel of Agios Sostis. If you sit down to eat at any restaurant, keep in mind the Famous chef's advice about the mistake we all make with bread.

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