From Platanias : Balos Beach and Gramvousa island boat trip

From Platanias: Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island Boat Trip — An Authentic Day Out in Crete

This boat trip from Platanias offers a chance to explore two of Crete’s most iconic sights: the crystal-clear waters of Balos Beach and the historic fortress on Gramvousa Island. It’s a well-organized, full-day excursion that combines natural beauty with a touch of history, all while staying comfortably out of the sun and traffic in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how smoothly it runs — from hotel pickups to the scenic cruise — making it easy to relax and enjoy the day. The highlight for many travelers is the stunning turquoise lagoon of Balos, but the visit to the Venetian fortress and its story also adds a fascinating layer to the experience.

A possible consideration is that the boat ticket isn’t included in the initial price, costing around 25 euros per adult, paid in cash on the day. For those seeking a more leisurely pace or those with mobility concerns, the multiple stops and walking around the island might be worth thinking about.

This trip suits travelers who love a mix of beautiful scenery, history, and hassle-free logistics. It’s particularly ideal for families, couples, or groups eager to explore Crete’s coast in a relaxed, informative setting.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: The turquoise waters and white sands of Balos are a true highlight.
• Historic site: Gramvousa’s Venetian fortress provides insight into the island’s pirate past.
• Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned buses and a scenic cruise make the journey enjoyable.
• Flexible itinerary: Plenty of time at Balos and Gramvousa for swimming, photos, and exploration.
• Local expertise: An experienced guide offers interesting insights along the way.
• Value for money: Includes transport, a guide, and the chance to visit two must-see destinations.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

This tour kicks off early from your hotel, with pickups available at six convenient locations in Platanias. The journey by air-conditioned bus is comfortable, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the views of Crete’s lush northern coast. The drive to the port of Kastelli takes about an hour, during which the guide provides some context about what’s to come and shares little travel tips — like the importance of bringing towels and cash for the boat ticket.

The Scenic Cruise and First Stop: Gramvousa Island

Once at Kastelli, you’ll hop onto a boat that takes roughly 30 minutes across calm, clear waters to Gramvousa Island. The boat itself is spacious enough for everyone, with plenty of space to sit outside and soak up the views of rugged coastline and shimmering waters.

The highlight here is the Venetian fortress, built in 1579, perched high on the island. From the boat dock, you’ll have about two hours to explore the remains of the castle and learn about its storied past. The fortress once served as a pirate base and a defensive point against Ottoman attacks. Walk around the ramparts, take photos of the panoramic views, and imagine what life was like defending this strategic spot.

According to reviews, visitors loved the impressive views from the castle, describing it as worth the climb. One reviewer mentioned, “The fortress is surprisingly well-preserved, and the views are simply breathtaking — you can see miles of coastline and the open sea.”

The Main Attraction: Balos Lagoon

After exploring Gramvousa, you’ll take a short ferry ride (around 30 minutes) to Balos Beach. Here, you’ll have approximately 3.5 hours to enjoy the tropical-like paradise. Many travelers say the white sands contrasted with the shallow, transparent waters create a picture-perfect setting. The lagoon is expansive, giving plenty of space for swimming, wading, or just lounging on the soft sands.

The shallow waters are especially great for families with kids, as one reviewer pointed out, “Balos is perfect for wading and relaxing — the water is so clear, it feels like you’re swimming in an aquarium.” You might choose to bring your own towels, as they aren’t provided, and perhaps some snacks or drinks, since there’s a small ship’s restaurant serving Greek dishes at the port — perfect for a quick refresh or a traditional lunch.

The Return Journey and Practicalities

Around 17:00, the boat departs back to Kissamos, where the bus is waiting to take you back to your original pickup point. The entire day is packed but well-paced, with enough time at each stop for photos and brief explorations.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s price includes hotel pickup, transport via air-conditioned bus, and an informative guide in English, Greek, or Swedish. It’s a straightforward way to see these two spectacular sites without the hassle of organizing transportation or guides yourself.

The boat ticket isn’t included but can be purchased directly on the day for 25 euros per adult. Many reviews note that the boat ticket is a reasonable cost considering the convenience and the scenic value it adds.

Food and drinks aren’t included either, so you’ll want to bring some cash and perhaps your own snacks. Towels aren’t provided either, so packing a quick-dry towel or two is advisable, especially if you plan to swim extensively.

Why This Tour Works

This trip strikes a solid balance between relaxation, exploration, and convenience. The carefully planned itinerary allows plenty of time at each destination without feeling rushed, which is appreciated by travelers who want to truly enjoy the scenery and history.

The guides are praised for being informative and friendly, providing insights into the history of Gramvousa’s fortress and the natural features of Balos. For many, the scenic cruise is a highlight, offering a different perspective of Crete’s rugged coastline and azure waters that are often only visible from the sea.

The value here lies not only in the sights but in how smoothly everything runs — from hotel pickups to the boat transfers — making it an accessible option for visitors who prefer a well-organized day out.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for families with children, thanks to the shallow waters and gentle pace. It’s also great for couples or groups looking for a picturesque day away from the busy towns, with a blend of history and natural beauty. If you’re keen on photography, the views of Gramvousa’s fortress and the Balos lagoon are unlikely to disappoint.

Travelers who like a guided experience but want flexibility at the stops will find this tour offers a good balance. However, those seeking a very luxurious or all-inclusive experience might find the lack of included food and boat ticket a minor drawback.

Final Thoughts

This full-day tour from Platanias to Balos Beach and Gramvousa offers a well-paced, scenic, and informative experience that captures the essence of Crete’s coastal charm. The combination of natural beauty and historical interest makes it a well-rounded option for many visitors.

The stunning views of the lagoon and the fortress, combined with the ease of organized transport and a knowledgeable guide, make this a practical choice for those wanting to see the best of Crete without the stress of planning every detail.

While the additional costs for the boat ticket and lunch might seem like extra expenses, the overall experience delivers good value, especially considering the memorable sights and hassle-free logistics. This tour is best suited for those after a relaxed, scenic, and slightly educational day exploring Crete’s northwest coast.

FAQ

Is the boat ticket included in the price?
No, the boat ticket costs around 25 euros per adult and is paid in cash on the day of the trip.

What is the duration of the tour?
It’s a full day, starting with hotel pickups in the morning and returning around 17:00.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. There is a ship’s restaurant at the port of Balos where you can purchase Greek dishes.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, especially since Balos Lagoon has shallow waters ideal for kids to wade and swim.

How long do we spend at each stop?
You get about 2 hours on Gramvousa Island and approximately 3.5 hours at Balos Beach.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, transfers are by air-conditioned bus, making the journey pleasant even in warmer weather.

Are there any accessibility concerns?
While the tour is wheelchair accessible, some walking around the fortress may require moderate effort.

Can I bring my towels?
Towels are not provided, so bringing your own for swimming is recommended.

What languages are the guides available in?
Guides speak English, Greek, and Swedish.

What’s the main highlight of this trip?
The stunning turquoise waters of Balos and the historic Venetian fortress on Gramvousa are the key attractions.

This tour offers a great way to see Crete’s coastline, enjoy some history, and unwind in one of the most picturesque spots on the island. Whether you’re after breathtaking scenery, a bit of adventure, or a relaxing day by the sea, it’s a trip you’ll remember.