Day Trip to Gramvousa Island & Balos Bay from Rethymno

About the Activity

What to Expect

Departing from Rethymno, embark on a scenic journey along the new national road towards Crete's westernmost tip. Along the way, marvel at the picturesque bay of Souda and the historic city of Chania before reaching the charming town of Kissamos.

Upon arrival in Kissamos, board a boat bound for Balos Bay, nestled at the northernmost point of the peninsula. Relax during the scenic 1-hour boat ride and spend 2.5 hours at Balos Bay, where you can unwind on soft white sands and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing blue and green hues of the lagoon.

Next, cruise for 20 minutes to Gramvousa Island, where you will have ample time for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. For the adventurous, there is an optional 137-meter climb to the 16th-century Venetian Fortress, offering unparalleled views of the stunning surroundings. After approximately 1.5 hours of leisure on Gramvousa Island, return to Kissamos with a 1-hour boat ride. Conclude the day with a relaxed bus journey back to Rethymno, reminiscing on a day filled with natural beauty and historical exploration.

Highlights

- Comfortable pick-up from your hotel near the starting point of the tour

- Enjoy the scenic ferry ride to Gramvousa Island with onboard dining options

- Explore the historic Venetian fortress or swim in crystal-clear waters at Gramvousa

- Relax and explore the stunning Balos Lagoon for nearly 3 hours, with opportunities to rent umbrellas and enjoy local cuisine

Itinerary

• Departure from your accommodation or nearby location

• Gramvousa

• Balos beach and lagoon

• Arrival at your accommodation or nearby location

How to Get There

The boat will depart at the port of Kissamos. In case you want to join us directly there, we meet 20 min before departure. There are paid or free car parks nearby.

Pick Up

If you want to use our pick up service from around the area, please let us know after completing the booking. We will pick you up at a designated point at or very near to your accommodation at the scheduled pickup time. Note that the pick up is for free for the area of Rethymno. If you are located outside this area, a surcharge may apply and must be paid on site. At the end of the trip, we will go back to our starting point, and if you used our pick up service, you will be dropped off at the pick up point.

Characteristics of the bus

• Number of passengers: 75

• Restroom

Included Services

• Live tour guide in English

• Hotel pick up and drop-off from Rethymno area. If you are located outside this area, a surcharge may be asked to be paid in cash on-site.

Not Included

• Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon boat ticket (30€ per adult and 15€ cash per child aged 5-12, to be paid in cash on site)

• Venetian Fortress entry ticket (to be paid on site in cash)

• Lunch (7€ per person, available for purchase onboard)

• Sun umbrellas (available to rent)

• Photographer on the boat (available for a surcharge on board, to be paid in cash)

Bring Along

• Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat

• Swimwear

• Towel

• Comfortable shoes to take a small hike

• Cash and card

Good to Know

• Not accessible to wheelchairs and strollers

• Pets allowed

• Please note that depending on your pick up and dop-off location, the trip can take up to 15 hours.