Category Elafonisi & Balos Beach Trips

Greece · ELAFONISI & BALOS BEACH TRIPS

The 15 Best Balos and Elafonisi Trips in Crete

16 tours

Two of the best beaches in Europe sit at opposite ends of western Crete, and neither is a casual drive. These are the best Balos and Elafonisi trips: the Kissamos boat cruise that stops at Gramvousa castle first, the road transfers from Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion, and which ones include the separate boat ticket. Pack shade; there is almost none at either.

From Kissamos Port: Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa

From Kissamos Port: Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa - Getting There From Kissamos Port (And Avoiding the Usual Stress)

1.From Kissamos Port: Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 6,755 reviews · 7 hours · from $47Our pick

Sail from Kissamos to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa for emerald swimming, a Venetian castle hike, and big Cretan cliff views in 7 hours.

“We had SUCH a fun day on this trip, the boat crew were super nice & the beaches we visited were stunning. I took my 3year old & we did take a pram for her, but just be aware, you can't really take the prams onto the beaches as they're really stony. We left ours near the boat which was totally fine. Also make sure you have your ticket barcode ready for the boat beforehand as there is no wifi & queues can be long to get them at the ticket office. This was the best day of our trip by far & I got a fantastic tan ;)”

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From Chania: Day Trip to Elafonisi Island Pink Sand Beach

From Chania: Day Trip to Elafonisi Island Pink Sand Beach - Riding through Topolia Gorge: the scenic warm-up

Chania Areas/Kalyves:Gramvousa Island & Balos,Boat Tkt Extra

Chania Areas/Kalyves:Gramvousa Island & Balos,Boat Tkt Extra - Price and Value, What’s Included, What Costs Extra

3.Chania Areas/Kalyves:Gramvousa Island & Balos,Boat Tkt Extra

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 992 reviews · 10 - 12 hours · from $23

Western Crete day trip to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island, with included coach pickup, a guided ferry, and optional fortress entry.

“Balos and Gramvousa are the most amazing place on earth! The sea is full of color and fish and the water was really clear and perfect! The day was well organized but I would have liked to stay one more hour on Gramvousa Island. The boat was really big and there was a seat for almost everyone! The guide and the autist were nice and informed us well”

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Chania: Balos Gramvousa Cruise with Transfer and Boat Ticket

Chania: Balos Gramvousa Cruise with Transfer and Boat Ticket - Boarding at Kissamos: Boat Comfort, Seating, and On-Board Food

From Rethymno/Kavros: Elafonisi Island Pink Sand Beach Tour

From Rethymno/Kavros: Elafonisi Island Pink Sand Beach Tour - Topolia Gorge Drive: When the Scenic Road Is Part of the Point

6.From Rethymno/Kavros: Elafonisi Island Pink Sand Beach Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 799 reviews · 9 - 10 hours · from $28

Elafonisi pink sand beach day trip from Rethymno. Pink sands, swim time, gorge views, and planned breaks for about $28.

“It was an amazing trip on the road you are astonished by majestic secenery , and the beach itself is like another world is merging with ours. Our tour guide and bus driver did an amazing job”

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Elafonissi Beach Day Trip from Chania -Stop in Elos Village

Elafonissi Beach Day Trip from Chania -Stop in Elos Village - Bus Ride From Chania: Smooth, Scenic, and a Little Cautious

7.Elafonissi Beach Day Trip from Chania -Stop in Elos Village

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 744 reviews · 10 hours · from $37

A full-day bus trip from Chania to Elafonissi’s pink sands and turquoise shallows, with time to explore lagoons and an Elos village stop.

“Elafonisi Beach is a beautiful location and we enjoyed almost 4 hours there. The outbound journey included a stop where there was a cafe and a sacred cave for those who chose to climb the steps up to it (no charge for the cave). If you have good mobility don't miss out on the cave as it's stunning. The meal we had on the way back in Elos village was tasty and good value.”

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From Heraklion: Elafonisi Beach Day Tour with Pickup

From Heraklion: Elafonisi Beach Day Tour with Pickup - The Drive Out: Scenic Canyons, Hidden Villages, and Narrow Roads

Rethymno Area: Gramvousa Island & Balos, Boat Ticket Extra

Rethymno Area: Gramvousa Island & Balos, Boat Ticket Extra - Rethymno to Kisamos port: the bus ride that sets your whole day

Chania/Almyrida: Balos Gramvousa Day Trip with Boat Ticket

Chania/Almyrida: Balos Gramvousa Day Trip with Boat Ticket - The ferry and skip-the-line ticket: what you gain (and what you still can’t)

10.Chania/Almyrida: Balos Gramvousa Day Trip with Boat Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 590 reviews · 12 hours · from $64

Chania day trip to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Venetian castle with bus and ferry tickets, skip-the-line boat boarding, swim time.

“Balos was absolutely gorgeous, mild weather in June, interesting rock formations, and fewer tourists than in Elafonissi. Gramvous was lovely! I didn’t go for a swim and chose to hike up to the fortress. Gorgeous views! Pre pick up communication was clear, bus ride to the port was comfortable, and our guide Vicky was so sweet. The ferry ride was smooth, plenty of seats, and food for purchase. Disembarking the ferry was easy. There’s a plank directly from the ferry to the beach. We didn’t have to get into the water. That issue last year was solved. Highly recommended!!”

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Limeniskos: Gramvousa and Balos Speedboat Tour with Drinks

Limeniskos: Gramvousa and Balos Speedboat Tour with Drinks - Meeting point at Falassarna Fishing Port, and the 15-minute rule

11.Limeniskos: Gramvousa and Balos Speedboat Tour with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 577 reviews · 3 hours · from $99

Speedboat hop between Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon from Falassarna, with 1 hour each stop and drinks on board for $99.

“We had so much fun! The speed boat took us to Balos Lagoon earlier than the ferry, so we could enjoy it without the huge crowds. Gramvoussa Bay was absolutely beautiful! Our skipper was also really fun and played great music!”

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From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon and Chania Old Town

From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon and Chania Old Town - Getting to Kasteli Port from Heraklion (and why the bus time matters)

12.From Heraklion: Cruise to Balos Lagoon and Chania Old Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 526 reviews · 14.5 - 16 hours · from $88

Cruise from Heraklion to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa, swim in clear water, then explore Chania Old Town on a long day.

“I dont know where to start Balos is a truly incredible place. If you think its looking pretty from the photos, you dont even know how pretty it is in person. You will remember it for life! Breathtaking panorama of Balos is something you must visit in this lifetime. It is very crowded but, but there is enough place for everyone. Crystal clear water. It is worth the hype!! 10/10 worth every penny and even more!”

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Kissamos: Balos & Gramvousa Luxury Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Kissamos: Balos & Gramvousa Luxury Catamaran Sailing Cruise - Kissamos pickup and the first hour at sea

Chania: Elafonisi Bus Trip with Free Time and Stop in Elos

Chania: Elafonisi Bus Trip with Free Time and Stop in Elos - Pickup, comfort, and the driver you hope you get (you usually do)

Elafonissi Beach Trip from Chania

Elafonissi Beach Trip from Chania - Elafonissi Beach: pink sand photos, a 900-meter walk, and that lagoon moment

15.Elafonissi Beach Trip from Chania

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 355 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $33

A/C bus day trip from Chania to Elafonissi pink-sand beach, Agia Sofia Cave, and a stop in Elos for food. Family lagoon too.

“The actual tour was amazing! Would be nice if there was an option to skip out in stopping for food on the way home. Also pick up stated on my voucher at 8am and did not arrive until 8:30. Not the drivers fault, I guess the tour started in Chania and we were 1/2 hour away. Should have stated that on the voucher/website”

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