⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗

Balos lagoon

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Balos Lagoon lies about 17 km northwest of Kissamos, between the Gramvousa peninsula and Cape Tigani. From the path down to the beach, a narrow strip of sand can be seen linking Tigani to the peninsula. Further out to sea lies Imeri Gramvousa, with its Venetian fortress on the summit.

The lagoon is very shallow, and the water over the pale sand ranges from light blue to turquoise. In places, the sand has a pink tint. Beyond the rocks that mark the edge of the shallows, the seabed drops away towards the open sea. Balos and the wider Gramvousa area are part of the Natura 2000 network and include coastal habitats such as sand dunes and sea caves.

Cape Tigani and its history

The chapel of All Saints stands on Cape Tigani. A cave shaft on the northern side of the cape is associated with the events of 1825, when Gramvousa became a stronghold of the Cretan rebels. According to local accounts, women and children who had taken refuge there were killed by Ottoman troops. A memorial plaque marks the spot where remains of the victims were found.

Further north, the chapel of Agios Sostis stands at Cape Korykon. The site is associated with ancient Agneion and a sanctuary dedicated to Apollo.

Getting to Balos

Seasonal boat excursions depart from the port of Kissamos. Some itineraries stop at Imeri Gramvousa, where the Venetian fortress overlooks a shipwreck close to shore. Before booking, the operator can confirm the schedule and how passengers reach the beach at Balos.

From Kaliviani, a dirt road runs along the Gramvousa peninsula to a car park above the lagoon. A path leads down to the beach, with an uphill walk back to the car park. It is also possible to walk from Kaliviani, a much longer route across the open, dry landscape of the peninsula. Balos is busiest in July and August, especially around the arrival times of the excursion boats.