Full Day
Crete Cruise

Balos lagoon

Balos Lagoon, situated between Cape Gramvousa and Cape Tigani, is the most striking and renowned natural wonder of Crete. Renowned for its blue lagoon, its pink and white beaches and untamed natural splendour. Balos is Greek paradise at its fullest. The most laidback and pampered way to experience this is by boat, which also allows one to drift in this lagoon in pure tranquility and soak up its unrivaled splendour.

What makes Balos special

The tropical color scheme is the star of Balos Lagoon. Gradating shallow warm water in bright blue to emerald green is paired with the snow white and typically rose-colored sand, the color of which is produced by millions of finely powdered shell. The whole color scheme is a traditionally Elysian and much-snapped scene that immediately recalls a Caribbean beach.

There is also terrain uplift. The western coast of the island of Crete and the Balos area were elevated 6-9 metres by a huge earthquake in 365 AD, as evidenced in the ruins on the cliffs. The other fascinating element in the natural attractiveness of the lagoon is the distinctive geological past.

What to do

The most common activity in the Balos Lagoon is, of course, sunbathing and swimming on its paradise-like beach. The shallow waters, which are so calm, offer the ultimate in swimming and splashing about in a laid-back way. The yacht cruise offers sufficient time to sunbathe on the warm sandy beaches or sit and appreciate the spectacular views. For the aquatic life lover, snorkeling in the lagoon bottom offers the opportunity to see the richness of life.

Protection and conservation

Balos Lagoon and the whole area are safeguarded through the Natura 2000 program as a scarce ecosystem with good flora and fauna. The conservation preserves the lagoon's natural integrity and vulnerable ecosystem in its natural condition, clean and pure for the coming generations. Visitors are politely reminded to look out for the ecosystem and not litter and disturb the natural habitat.

Gramvousa islands

Off the northwest coast of Crete, the Gramvousa Islands offer a wonderful combination of untamed natural splendour and undeniable magnetism of the past. The two islets forming the islands of Imeri Gramvousa and Agria Gramvousa are a poignant reminder of the strategic position of Crete in the past and a haven for everyone aspiring for a splash of adventure in the midst of awe-inspiringly lovely Aegen waters. A yacht tour of Gramvousa is sure to remain in memory forever in an era where Venetian fortifications and the saga of the pirates go hand in hand with crystal blue waters.

What to see

The mythically most renowned of Imeri Gramvousa's attractions is the Venetian Fortress standing majestically on a steep rock 137 meters above the sea level. Built in the late 16th century as a strategic fort to the defense of the island of Crete, this today in many portions stands in ruins. Its commanding position and the sweep of the view which its ruins command is awe-inspiring. One can see its ruins and only imagine the battles and victories which took place in them.

One other local landmark of Imeri Gramvousa's harbour is the Dimitrios P's Shipwreck. The boat, which was shipwrecked there in 1968, has become a landmark, adding to the views with its strange and picturesque look. It's one of the most sought-after photos and another background to the island's natural views.

Places to visit

In addition to the historical value, Gramvousa also boasts picture-perfect waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The west cove, close to the Church of Agioi Apostoloi, is a secret paradise where one can lie in the cool waters of the Aegean Sea to sunbathe. The more adventurous can hike to the Venetian Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding water and the Crete coastline.

What to do

While on the yacht cruise stay, the guests can swim in the blue waters that surround Gramvousa's bays, blissfully enjoying the secluded coves and crystalline transparency. Snorkeling off the shipwrecked vessel or the rocks is a way to see the rich marine life. For the photography as well as the history enthusiasts, the Venetian Fortress is within their reach on a hike.

Historical significance

Gramvousa's past is inseparably correlated with the struggle for independence of Crete. After its Venetian building, the fort was notoriously captured in 1825 by the rebel Cretans and was used as a strategic stronghold in their struggle for revolution. It was also the time the island was notorious as a den of pirates, with the rebels resorting to piracy in an attempt to survive.

Kissamos port

Kissamos Port, also known as Kavonisi, is the perfect starting point for your yachting vacation to the pristine waters of western Crete. Just a few kilometers from the picturesque village of Kissamos (Kastelli) in Chania, this working port is more than an interim stopping place; it is the welcoming hug of a destination renowned for its wild yet fascinating heritage. The blue waters of the Aegean Sea lie in wait from here to sweep you away to the myth-laden Gramvousa Islands and the breathtaking Balos Lagoon.

Connections to the town of Kissamos

The port is well connected to the neighboring town of Kissamos, only 3 kilometers away. The town has a greater number of restaurants, tavernas, and shops where one can try local Cretan food or purchase souvenirs. Taxis can also readily be found at the port, and local buses connect the port to the town as well as more far-away places, such as Chania, in the event that one would like to do some visiting before or after the cruise.

A hub for exploration

Kissamos Port's primary purpose is to act as the entry point to western Crete's most popular attractions. It is the official starting point of most boat excursions to the Balos Lagoon and the Gramvousa Islands and, as such, a bustling but well-oiled terminus in peak season. In addition to these headlining attractions, the port also connects to other Greek islands like Kythira and Antikythira but also the Peloponnese, thereby making Kissamos an important regional maritime link. Its proximity to the area's best attractions makes the port a convenient and scenic starting point, which effectively primes the visitor for the incomparable natural splendor to follow.

Surrounding area and local charm

The landscape of the Kissamos Port area is a serene, seaside vista. Despite its emphasis on marine activities, the scene of the surrounding hill country and olive trees is a signal of its agricultural wealth of the area. Kissamos, with its museum of antiquities and the ruins of its Venetian castle, is a glimpse of Crete's diverse past and is a welcome opening to, or closing of, your sea adventures.

Getting to and from the port

Kissamos Port is readily accessible, no matter if you are arriving from Chania or the rest of Crete. It is only a 45-minute drive from Chania, and there is plenty of free parking available at the port. By public transportation, daily bus service is available from Kissamos to Chania. Taxis and private transfers are also readily available for a hassle-free journey to your yacht cruise.