Day trip

Rethymno Area: Gramvousa Island & Balos, Boat Ticket Extra

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Day trip
Rethymno Area: Gramvousa Island & Balos, Boat Ticket Extra
Certified by GetYourGuide
4.3
543 reviews

Discover the westernmost tip of Crete on a scenic bus and boat trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay. Dip your toes in the soft white sand of some of the most beautiful beaches you ever have seen!

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Duration 10 - 12 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide
English, German, French
Pickup included
Hotel pickup is available in the areas of Adele, Pigianos Kampos, Platanias, or Missiria. Pickup is from your hotel or the closest point accessible by a vehicle. You'll receive specific pickup information in a separate email from the activity provider. All the pickups from Rethymno's Old Town will be from the bus stop of the church of four martyrs.
Private group available

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

D
Dorottya – Hungary

Amazing places to visit with a well organised program, great staff and charming travel guide. Highly recommended trip!

R
Razvan – Romania

The trip was overally very nice. Logistically-wise everything was very good organised, both the bus and the boat were on time all the time. The only minor issue was the boat. It was very loaded with people and sometimes you would need to stand for the entire ride. Also, the bar on boat was super crowded and you had to wait 20-25 min to get a bottle of water. Both Gramvousa and Balos were very beautiful.

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    21 pickup location options:

    Stavromenos, Episkopi, Platanes, Dramia, Panormos in Rethymno, Lappa, Gerani, Bali, Paralia Kourna, Atsipopoulo, Pigianos Kampos, Sfakaki, Rethimno, Perivolia, Petres, Lavris, Misiria, Violi Charaki, Skaleta, Georgioupoli, Adelianos Kampos

  • Bus/coach

    (2 hours)

  • Kissamos Port

    Break time (30 minutes)

  • Ferry

    (1 hour)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Gramvousa

    Visit, Free time, Swimming, Scenic views on the way (3 hours)

    Extra fee

  • Ferry

    (20 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Balos Beach

    Sightseeing, Walk, Swimming, Scenic views on the way (1.5 hours)

  • Ferry

    (1 hour)

  • Bus/coach

    (2 hours)

  • 21 drop-off locations:

    Lavris, Violi Charaki, Paralia Kourna, Perivolia, Atsipopoulo, Platanes, Pigianos Kampos, Bali, Sfakaki, Dramia, Gerani, Stavromenos, Petres, Panormos in Rethymno, Lappa, Rethimno, Skaleta, Adelianos Kampos, Georgioupoli, Episkopi, Misiria

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Swim in the crystal clear waters of Balos Bay lagoon
  • Climb the Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island for unique views
  • Soak up some sun or go for a swim at the gorgeous Gramvousa Beach
  • Relax on a secure bus transfer to Kisamos port on the western part of Crete
  • Enjoy the convenience of included pickup and drop-off service

Full description

Depart Rethymno at approximately 07:45 and travel by bus along the new national road towards the westernmost tip of Crete. Pass the bay of Souda and the former Cretan capital of Chania before your arrival in Kissamos. Upon arrival, climb aboard a boat and cross to Balos Bay at the northernmost tip of the peninsula. Relax on the 1-hour boat trip, and get 2.5 hours at Balos Bay to enjoy the soft white sands and unique blue and green waters of the lagoon. Next, take a 20-minute boat ride to Gramvousa Island for plenty of time to enjoy an unforgettable swim in the crystal clear waters. If you are feeling energetic, take an optional 137-meter climb up to the 16th-century Venetian Fortress for an incomparable view of the surrounding surroundings. Enjoy approximately 1.5 hours at peace on Gramvousa Island, and then take a 1-hour boat ride back to Kissamos. Upon arrival, continue to Rethymno by bus at the end of the laid-back tour.

Includes

  • Bus ticket and transfers by air-conditioned bus
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, Rethymno town, Sfakaki, Stavromenos, and Atsipopoulo
  • Guide in English, German, and French (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday)
  • Driver
  • Liability insurance coverage
  • Free time in Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island
  • Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon boat ticket (€30 cash per adult or €15 cash per child aged 5-12)
  • Venetian Fortress entry ticket
  • Lunch (available for purchase onboard)
  • Sun umbrellas (available to rent)
  • Photographer on the boat (at extra cost)

Not suitable for

  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Beachwear
  • Cash

Know before you go

  • Walking shoes are necessary for the climb to the Venetian Fortress
  • Lunch and water can be purchased on board the boat
  • The cost of the boat ticket and the Venetian Fortress entry ticket (€30) is not included in the option of pickup from Rethymno
  • Every Wednesday and Saturday boat the costs 35 because we go with different boat
  • This tour can only be booked by those staying in the areas of Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, Rethymno town, Atsipopoulo, Kavros, and Georgioupoli

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 543 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.6/5
  • Transportation
    4.4/5
  • Value for money
    4.2/5

Customer photos

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Recommended
D
Dorottya – HungaryAugust 29, 2024 – Verified booking
Amazing places to visit with a well organised program, great staff and charming travel guide. Highly recommended trip!
R
Razvan – RomaniaJuly 30, 2023 – Verified booking
The trip was overally very nice. Logistically-wise everything was very good organised, both the bus and the boat were on time all the time. The only minor issue was the boat. It was very loaded with people and sometimes you would need to stand for the entire ride. Also, the bar on boat was super crowded and you had to wait 20-25 min to get a bottle of water. Both Gramvousa and Balos were very beautiful.
E
Elena – RomaniaJune 4, 2023 – Verified booking
Gramavousa, difficult to travel at the end of the day, I suggest changing the order of the objectives. Attentive guide, very interesting route, Balos is wow, worth it, the Crete is fabulous!

Product ID: 107590

Activity provider:PLATANOS TOURS

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