Day Trip to Gramvousa Island & Balos Bay from Heraklion

About the Activity

What to Expect

Embark on an unforgettable day exploring the stunning island of Gramvousa and the enchanting Balos lagoon. Journey towards the picturesque west side of Crete aboard a comfortable bus destined for Kissamos Kasteli port. Here, your dedicated escort will provide comprehensive details about the upcoming cruise and efficiently manage payment for your Gramvousa boat tickets, ensuring a hassle-free start to your adventure.

Set off around 10:30 AM aboard the ferry to Gramvousa, where you can unwind on deck or in the lounge during the scenic 45-minute journey. Admire the rugged cliffs of Crete's wildest terrain and absorb fascinating insights into the island's history through onboard commentary broadcast in multiple languages. Upon arrival at Gramvousa, choose to swim or hike to the Venetian fortress, enjoying ample time, 2.5 hours, to explore this historic site.

Continue your journey to the enchanting Balos lagoon, just a brief 20-minute boat ride away. Spend nearly 3 hours at Balos lagoon, marveling at its breathtaking beauty. Feel free to return to the boat for refreshments or rent umbrellas for shade as needed. As the early evening approaches, board the boat for a relaxing return trip to Kissamos port. A waiting bus will then transport you back to your hotel area, ensuring a perfect end to your day of discovery and relaxation in western Crete.

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 Heraklion. 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 Heraklion 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.