Discover the westernmost part of Crete on a scenic bus trip to Kissamos. Board the boat to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay. Dip your toes in the soft white sand of one of the most beautiful beaches you have ever seen.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- Covid-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 10 - 15 hours
- Starting time 6:30 AM
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, German, Italian
- Pickup included
- Pickup for this option is only from the areas of Ligaria, Agia Pelagia, and Fodele Beach. Pickup begins earlier than the stated starting time and is from your hotel or the closest point accessible by a vehicle. You'll receive specific pickup information in a separate email from the local partner (please check your spam folder).
Experience
Highlights
- Take a secure bus transfer to Kissamos port on the western part of Crete and join a boat cruise to the Balos Lagoon
- Hike to the top of the Venetian castle on Gramvousa island and gaze at the incredible 360° views
- Relax in the Balos Lagoon and swim in the crystal clear waters
- Enjoy the convenience of included pickup and drop-off service
Full description
Start your day with pick-up from the nearest point to your hotel. Drive towards the west side of Crete in a bus to reach the port of Kissamos Kasteli. After your escort gives you all the necessary information about the cruise, arrive at the port to board the ferry boat to Gramvousa. Your escort will collect the money for the boat tickets from you so you can skip the lines at the ticket offices.
At about 10:30 AM, set off for the island of Gramvousa on the ferry, which has a restaurant with self-service meals and snacks. Sit back on a deck chair or in the lounge for the journey of approximately 45 minutes. During the cruise, marvel at the cliff edges of the wildest part of Crete and learn about the history of the island with the onboard commentary played through the speakers in various languages.
Upon arrival in Gramvousa, either have a swim or take a hike to the top of the island to the Venetian fortress. Enjoy 2.5 hours on Gramvousa before you continue to the lagoon of Balos, which is 20 minutes away.
As soon as you arrive at the lagoon, you'll have a little less than 3 hours to enjoy the area. You may go back to the boat at any time for food or also hire umbrellas if the heat is too intense. In the early evening, board the boat to head back to the port of Kissamos, where a bus will be waiting to return you to your hotel area.
Includes
- Roundtrip transfer in an air-conditioned bus
- Tour guide
- Free time to explore Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island
- Hotel pick-up and drop off from Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Gournes Heraklion Ammoudara Agia Pelagia, Lygaria and Fodele
- Entrance ticket to the Venetian Fortress (optional, €1, paid in cash on site)
- Towel
- Food and drinks
- Boat ticket to Gramvousa island (€17, children 5 - 12 years €8.50, paid in cash on site)
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
Covid-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers must fill out a travel information form
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Important information
What to bring
- Sun hat
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Water
Know before you go
- The tour is available only from the areas mentioned in the booking options
- Pickup is done from specific points near your hotel. After booking, you will receive a separate email with details from the local partner
- This trip consists of a bus tour and a boat cruise
- Lunch and drinks can be purchased on the boat or you can bring a few snacks and water with you
- Walking shoes are necessary for the optional hike uphill to the Venetian fortress
