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Gramvousa

Gramvousa: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Kissamos Port: Boat Cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa

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

Take a day trip from Kissamos port to the uninhabited island of Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon on a round-trip cruise. Glide past cliffs, stop at pristine golden beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and visit Gramvousa Fortress—a castle that offers incredible panoramic views. Depart from Kissamos Port and sail for about an hour in the bay. Approach the island of Gramvousa and then the lagoon of Balos or vice versa, depending on the itinerary route. Cruise against a stunning backdrop of steep cliffs and rocks, incredible secluded beaches, and infinite blue. Have the chance to see a large cave, which is thought to be an ancient shipyard. At the end of the bay, sail between Gramvousa Island and Cape Vouxa. Soak in the scenic landscape against the backdrop of Valenti, Pontikonisi, Balos Lagoon, and Imeri Gramvousa. Arrive in the small port of Gramvousa and enjoy the magical environment created by Cretan nature, the legends, and the area's turbulent history. See the beach is adorned by a lonely shipwreck. See the famous castle of Gramvousa, the highest point on the island that sits atop a steep rock. Enjoy a swim in the area next to the Church of Agioi Apostoloi. After a stop at Gramvousa, get back on the boat to head to the Balos Lagoon. Listed as one of the world's best beaches, this exotic beach lagoon is situated between the Gramvousa Peninsula and Cape Tigani. Choose to swim in the turquoise blue waters, relax on the pink sandy beach, or admire the natural beauty, the rocks, and the cliffs rising above you during your rest at the beach before heading back.

Crete: Balos Gramvousa Cruise with Transfer Boat Ticket

2. Crete: Balos Gramvousa Cruise with Transfer Boat Ticket

Experience a full-day boat trip to the westernmost part of Crete and visit two of the most famous landmarks, Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island. Be picked up by an air-conditioned bus at a pickup point close to your hotel and you be driven to Kissamos port. There you will board a large comfortable boat with an open deck and a bar-restaurant. Enjoy your cruise along the coast and see the dramatic rockface from the water. The boat after an 1 hour trip will approach Gramvousa island or Balos lagoon (depending on the itinerary). Gramvousa island used to be a pirate's cove. Choose to hike for 20 minutes to the Venetian castle which is built on a steep 137m high rock. Enjoy panoramic views over the Aegean sea and unique landscape from here. You may also swim in the area next to the chapel of Agioi Apostoloi. After the (approximately)1,5-hour stop in Gramvousa, the boat will depart for the lagoon of Balos, which will be reached after approximately 20 minutes. Balos is listed as one of the best beaches in the world. You will be amazed from the turquoise waters, the pink sandy beach and the natural beauty of this unique place. You will have the chance to stay in this paradise for about 2,5 hours.

From Heraklion: Gramvousa and Balos Cruise with Hotel Pickup

3. From Heraklion: Gramvousa and Balos Cruise with Hotel Pickup

Start with pickup from Heraklion or the surrounding area. Drive over to Kastelli by bus to board your boat. Balos are Gramvousa are located on the West part of the island. Depending on the area your hotel is located is around 4 hours by bus to the place where the boats depart. Embark the boat from the village of Kasteli and head over to Balos Lagoon and enjoy plenty of time to swim in the quiet crystal clear waters, walk across the golden sand beach and soak in the sun as you relax. Cruise across the western Cretan sea and arrive at the tranquil Gramvousa. Swim along the coast and stroll up to the castle on the hill to admire panoramic views of the natural landscape as you hike up to that point. The drivers will be awaiting you at the port, in order to begin the drive back to Heraklion.

From Kissamos: Balos Gramvousa Sailing Cruise with Lunch

4. From Kissamos: Balos Gramvousa Sailing Cruise with Lunch

Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Aegean sea and admire stunning views as you sail for Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. Take time to swim and explore these incredible locations at your own pace. Start your morning at Kissamos port and board a private sailboat. After learning the safety procedures on board from your experienced skipper, set sail on a private cruise for Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. Relax on board while taking in the spectacular views of the Cretan coast. Learn a bit about sailing on the trip with the help of your skipper. After 1.5 hours at sea, reach Balos Lagoon. Soak up the sun on the pristine shores of Balos Beach or even go for a swim in the clear water. Next stop: Gramvousa Island. Hike to the extraordinary castle built high up on the island and admire panoramic views of the horizon from above. Take your time exploring this rugged island or practice your snorkeling. At noon, relax on deck and enjoy a delicious lunch cooked on board. If it's too hot, take a break in the cabins. Admire the beautiful views of the sea once more as you head for the port.

From Chania/Kalyves: Balos and Gramvousa Island

5. From Chania/Kalyves: Balos and Gramvousa Island

Admire views of the Tersanas Cave and Vouxa Cape on this sightseeing cruise to the Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. Enjoy the convenience of the included air-conditioned bus transfer from centrally-located meeting points at locations in Chania and the areas surrounding it.  Be picked up and relax in climate-controlled comfort on the drive to the Kissamos port. Your tour leader will collect the boat fee from you and provide you your boat tickets which allow you skip-the-line. Take in views of the majestic Tersanas cave from the water which is said to be an ancient shipyard. Enjoy views of the geological formations that have formed on the stunning cliffs of the Vouxa Cape. Snap pictures of the unique landscapes of the Imeri and Agria Gramvousa islands. Sail for approximately 1 hour until you reach the Balos Beach where you can cool-off with a refreshing swim in turquoise waters or take a walk on the white sand.  Continue to Gramvousa island where you can explore the hilltop, 16th-century Venetian castle which was a pirate base in the 19th-century, and you can see an old ship-wreck. Return to your starting point at the end of your tour. 

Chania Areas: Gramvousa Island & Balos, Boat Ticket Extra

6. Chania Areas: Gramvousa Island & Balos, Boat Ticket Extra

Leave Chania behind and head on a day trip to Kissamos on a guided tour. Enjoy a boat trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon Beach and admire the landscape and panoramic views. Your day starts with a pickup from your hotel or at a specific pickup point with the bus. Depending on the option you choose, enjoy pickup from Chania, Kalyves, or Almyrida. Drive towards the west side of Crete in order to reach the port of Kissamos Kasteli. After receiving all the necessary information about the cruise from your escort, arrive at the port where the Gramvousa ferry awaits you to start the cruise. Your escort will collect the money for the boat tickets from you so you can skip the lines at the ticket offices. If you've chosen the option leaving from Kalyves and Almyrida, your boat ticket and Fortress entrance are included. At about 10:40 AM, set off for the island of Gramvousa which takes approximately 45 minutes. Help yourself to the ferry kitchen with self-service dishes, meals, or snacks (at your own expense). You can sit back on a deck chair or in the lounge. During your cruise, see the elevation of the land along the cliff edges of Crete. This elevation has happened for over 2000 years. The history of the island is explained through microphones in different languages. Once you arrive at the island of Gramvousa, you can either swim or take a hike to the top of the island to the Venetian fortress. There you have 2.5 hours before you continue to the lagoon of Balos which is 20 minutes away. Enjoy 3 hours at the lagoon. You may go back to the boat to purchase food at any time or hire umbrellas if the heat is too intense. After a swim and relaxation at the lagoon, the boat will take you straight back to the port of Kissamos. This is a great photo opportunity as the sun will be behind you as you look out to the scenery of the island. At 6:00 PM the ferry arrives at the port and the journey comes to an end. Return time to your starting point in time for dinner.

Rethymno: Gramvousa & Balos Lagoon Tour, Boat Ticket Extra

7. Rethymno: Gramvousa & Balos Lagoon Tour, Boat Ticket Extra

Set off on a day trip by bus and boat to the magnificent Balos Lagoon and the Gramvousa island, on the northwestern coast of Crete. Travel by air-conditioned bus to the port of Kissamos and board the boat for a cruise with swim stops and a visit to a castle. After an early morning pickup near your hotel, sit back and relax as you pass through beautiful scenery to get to the Port of Kissamos. There, you'll pay for the cruise and board the boat which will take you in the sea for about an hour till you reach Gramvousa island. Once at Gramvousa, spend 1-hour and 45-minutes exploring the Venetian Fortress which offers breathtaking views from the top. Otherwise, you can stay on the boat to take advantage of the bar restaurant or you can relax at the beachside. Afterward, the boat will continue for about 20 minutes to reach the Balos Lagoon. There, you'll have 3 hours of free time on the beach. Swim, snorkel, sunbathe and explore the dunes in the background. In the afternoon, the boat will begin the cruise back to Kissamos and from there you will be driven back to your Hotel area in Rethymno.

Rethymno Area: Gramvousa Island & Balos, Boat Ticket Extra

8. Rethymno Area: Gramvousa Island & Balos, Boat Ticket Extra

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.

Crete: Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island Cruise with Transfer

9. Crete: Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island Cruise with Transfer

Take a cruise from Kissamos Port to Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon. See cliffs, beaches, and crystal-clear water, and visit Gramvousa Fortress for stunning vistas. Meet your driver outside your Crete hotel and head to Kissamos Port to board your ship. Cruise for about an hour in the bay, passing Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon, rugged cliffs, and secluded beaches. Finally, sail between Gramvousa Island and Cape Vouxa at the end of the bay. Arrive at the small port of Gramvousa and enjoy the magical environment created by nature, legends, and history. See the beach with a shipwreck and the famous castle of Gramvousa, which is the highest point on the island. Alternatively, you can swim in the area next to the Church of Agioi Apostoloi. After a stop at Gramvousa, get back on the boat to head to Balos Lagoon. Choose to swim in the turquoise water, relax on the pink sandy beach, or admire the natural beauty of rocks and cliffs. Then, rest at the beach before heading back.

From Heraklion: Balos and Gramvousa Cruise

10. From Heraklion: Balos and Gramvousa Cruise

Travel by air-conditioned bus to the west of Crete. Enjoy a cup of coffee or breakfast at the small village of Skaleta and then continue to Kissamos to board a boat and start your cruise. Admire a vast cave that was most likely an ancient shipyard. See sea turtles and dolphins playing in the water. Disembark on the island of Gramvousa, also known as "Pirates' Island". Enjoy about 2 hours to explore and encounter over 100 bird and 400 plant species. Enjoy plenty of free time to swim at a gorgeous beach. Alternatively, feast from an (optional) lunch on board.  Continue your cruise to the lagoon of Balos and discover one of the loveliest sites in Greece. Get a breathtaking view of the lagoon and enjoy a 2-hour swimming break before the return journey to the meeting point. 

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What people are saying about Gramvousa

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 3,837 reviews

It was a beautiful day! We had experienced Balos last year by walking down. Taking the ferry was much easier and allowed us to see the region and the absolute beauty. Only issue was that I tripped walking out of the water closet. I tripped over a crate and fell head on to the steel pole. Experienced major pain and a headache. Unfortunately no one on the ferry was equipped to help except for a bag of ice. My eye turned black and blue the next day and I ended up staying on the ferry snot getting to experience myths beach. I have been on multiple tours while here inCrete and a suggestion I have is that the tour providers need to have processes in place when dealing with adverse events.

Cruise on 5/10, lots of people on the boat but we found room to sit easily. In view of the reviews, we had brought a picnic but there is plenty to eat and drink on board. Souvenir photo on arrival sold for €20 with a photo on 2 key rings and a magnet. It's kitsch but it makes a nice memory. The stop on Gramvousa deserves 30 more minutes to have time to enjoy the beach a little more.

Wonderful boat trip from Kissamos to Balos lagoon and Gramvousa. Boat very comfortable. All went well with our booking. A great day out.

Smooth transfers but long wait time for the boat. A bit rushed at each stop but appreciate the boat timing is fixed.

Amazing experience, beautiful views and enough time to enjoy those place!