Gramvousa Island & Balos Lagoon
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Want to spend an unforgettable day away from the hustle and bustle of cities, in complete relaxation of the soul and body?
Enjoy the one-hour cruise from the port of Castelli to the island of Gramvoussa, on the open deck liner from which you can admire the bright natural phenomenon of twelve shades of the sea of the Bay of Balos. After landing on the pirate island of Gramvousa, go to the top of Venetian fortress which was built in 1597 with sweeping views of the Bay. The ascent takes about twenty minutes.
Experience Balos Lagoon Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches of Crete with beautiful water and soft sand.
Monday and Thursday include a visit to Balos beach and Rethymno town.
Tuesday and Wednesday include a visit to Balos beach and Gramvousa island.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
If an infant does not sit on lap in the bus, It is necessary to pay a child ticket.
Pick-up from the specific bus stops next to the hotels. From Area 1: all the villages between Amudara/Heraklion/Karteros/Amnissos/Kokkini Hani/Gournes/Gouves/Analipsi/Anissaras/Hersonissos/Stalida/Malia/Sissi
Pick-up from the specific bus stops next to the hotels. From Area 2: Sises/Fodele/Agia Pelagia/Ligaria/Achlada/Mades/Ammoudi/Rodia/Palaiokastro/Pantanassa /Linoperamata/Gazi
After booking we will contact you to arrange the pick-up. Please, note, if you do not provide your pick-up details up to 24 hours before the tour, we do not guarantee the pick-up. For pick-up from different location, please, contact us.
Monday: English, German, French, Polish, Italian. The program includes a visit to Balos beach and Rethymno town.
Tuesday: English, German, French, Polish. The program includes a visit to Balos beach and Gramvousa island.
Wednesday: English, French, Polish, Italian. The program includes a visit to Balos beach and Gramvousa island.
Thursday: English, German, French, Polish. The program includes a visit to Balos beach and Rethymno town.
In case you are affected by the sea sickness, make sure to take a medicine 1 hour before getting on the ship.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Pick-up from your hotel (at the specific tourist bus stop, outside of the hotel)
Transfer with air-conditioned bus
Certified tour-guide
Entrance ticket to Gramvousa (children up to 12y.o.free)
Boat ticket
Boat ticket - Child (4-12)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
The excursion boat departs daily from Castelli in the morning and returns in the evening. A total of 60 minutes' journey divides Castelli from the island of Gramvousa. After landing on the pirate island of Gramvousa, a walking tour is proposed to the Venetian fortress which was built in 1597 on a hilltop with sweeping views of the Bay. The ascent takes about twenty minutes. Visit the island on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Balos Lagoon
After the visit of the island of Gramvousa, you can swim in the azure waters of Balon Lagoon with its white and pink sand. It will be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your holiday in Greece.
Options
Pick-up Area 1
From Heraklion East region:: Amudara/Heraklion/Karteros/Amnissos/Kokkini Hani/Gournes/Gouves/Analipsi/Anissaras/Hersonissos/Stalida/Malia/Sissi
Pickup included
Pick-up Area 2
From Heraklion West region:: Rethymno/Panormo/Bali/Sises/Fodele/Agia Pelagia/Ligaria/Achlada/Mades/Ammoudi/Rodia/Palaiokastro/Pantanassa/Linoperamata
Pickup included
Reviews
27 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The beaches were really...
bharti a,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The beaches were really nice. The view was nice. The fortress at Gramvousa was quite a walk but nice view.
Amazing.
Lory444,
Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Place not to be missed Don't be intimidated by negative reviews on the street, it will be people living in Monopoly If they come by scooter to Via dei Fori Imperialj it's the same thing Very feasible underground The descent offers a spectacle that has no equal Incredible place The point where you arrive on foot is far from the attacker of the boats and is not affected by the influx by sea Enjoying the sunset in that incredible water without the anguish of having to leave at a set time is an unparalleled luxury
Spectacular colours
AldoSGalaxy,
Jul 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Must stop if I know visit the lagoon of Balos. I recommend climbing to the fortress (about 10/15 min) to enjoy a crazy view
A no no
Nessa k,
Jun 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00The ferry was too big the food on board was awful you get off the ferry and follow so many people to get to the sandy beach. The beaches are gorgeous but would have preferred a small boat more friendly
A NATURAL PARADISE
amariacarlo,
Jan 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful places! A true paradise, very long journey from Chersonissos 4 hours by bus and 1 hour by ferry but it 'was worth it. Island of Gramvousa with its castle is spectacular. If you are trained I recommend climbing.Preciso bumpy road to climb but from above you can admire a breathtaking view, a tranquility, an unlikely silence is worth it, I recommend closed shoes no flip-flops! Spectacular sea of intense blue color, moving into the lagoon of Balos which is 'very close about 15 minutes by ferry you can notice that the sea changes color becomes emerald green, transparent water with many fish, I recommend snorkeling. Also form several ponds where the water and 'always very shallow, so great to walk.The sand and' white really Caribbean sometimes gray pink a wonder and moreover we had a visit to the beach of a wonderful goat I WANT TO GO BACK IMMEDIATELY
A paradise
Andrea F,
Sep 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Recommendation to tour both Gramvousa and Balos lagoon. Gramvousa island very beautiful and wild. Recommendation visiting the castle and snorkeling at the wreck. While to the lagoon of Balos go by boat as by car there are 40 minutes of uphill walking on the way back. Not to mention the road to get there. Road NOT passable with a utility car. Very high risk of puncturing or breaking the machine. If you have a 4X4 or an alpha car no problem. Regarding the beach in Balos Recommendation to go in the free part to get to the natural pools. Highly recommended! If you want to stay in the beginning there are still umbrellas and the bar.
The destinations were amazing, though there were 1000s of tourists.
U5511UAjaym,
Sep 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour was well organized and super fun. Views were great. The minibus dropped me off a few KM from my hotel which was an exhausting walk after a long day.
A wonderful and uncontaminated place
annabeTN,
Oct 25, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Simply a dream lagoon. A wild and still absolutely uncontaminated place. Too bad about the daily tour boats which ruin the view a bit. Apart from this, a place that will enrich your soul and inebriate your sight. It's a difficult walk to get from the car park to the beach, so bring a bottle of water.
Trustworthy, kind, reliable
Clxrkee,
Jul 25, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Couldn’t recommend the service more, a very kind and helpful lady talked us through all the tours twice as we couldn’t decide, she was very patient with us and the excursion itself ran very smoothly - we had a great day. Very trustworthy company!
Great day
sandragR4406HA,
Jul 2, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I am very happy with the trip bought in this office. I saw a beautiful place, great atmosphere. professional service in the office. very nice guide sir. I greet and recommend the office!
From €52.00
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