Greece · BALOS & ELAFONISI BEACH TRIPS
Two lagoons at opposite ends of western Crete, one reached by boat from Kissamos and the other by a long coach ride south. These 14 compare the sailings, the road trips and the combined days, with prices and what the wind can cancel.
Review of the $47 Kissamos cruise to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa, with castle views, swimming, food, timing, crowds, and practical tips.
“It was Ana, visited two islands and beaches, amazing colours water ,it was definitely worth out time and money and we would definitely come back”
Review of the Elafonisi day trip from Chania, with pink sand, clear water, Topolia Gorge, hotel pickup, and practical tips.
“Our excursion to Elafonissi Beach was absolutely amazing! Everything was so well organized, and the day ran perfectly from start to finish. The highlight, though, was our incredible guide, Simona. She was friendly, knowledgeable, and full of positive energy — you could tell she truly loves what she does. Also a big shout to our driver who did an amazing job negotiating some narrow roads! Simona shared fascinating stories and local insights along the way, making the journey through the Cretan mountains just as enjoyable as our time on the beach. She made everyone feel comfortable and cared for, checking in often and giving great tips on where to eat,…”
Review of the Gramvousa and Balos boat trip from Chania or Kalyves, with transport tips, costs, timings, swimming advice, and practical details.
“The trip was amazing. The guide and the driver were very nice and everything was well organized. You have enough time to enjoy the lagoon of Balos and Gromvousa Island. I recommend.”
Review of the Chania to Balos and Gramvousa cruise, with boat details, hiking tips, costs, swimming advice, and practical planning help.
“I think we got what we paid for with this trip. If you are on a budget and want to see Balos lagoon then this is probably the best (only?) way to do it from Chania at the price. We got what we expected, and yes it was extremely touristy but that's what this trip is mainly meant to be. The ferry is very crowded and nothing special, but we weren't expecting that. Balos is amazing, and Gramavousa is great also. Would have maybe liked a bit more time at the former but we knew the timings going in. If you want something more intimate and can afford it, maybe…”
Review of the Elafonisi pink sand beach tour from Rethymno, with bus details, stops, costs, tips, and advice for choosing this Crete day trip.
“We had a trip to Elafonisi beach which was beautiful. We had Taki as our tour guide and Nikos as our driver, both of which were excellent! Takis information and instructions were great! Nikos driving got us to each location safely and on time, with his very impressive driving skills on difficult roads. Would highly recommend this trip!”
Review of the 13-hour Elafonisi Beach tour from Heraklion, with pink sand, scenic mountain roads, pickup, guide tips, and honest value advice.
“Again nothing at all was one of the best experience of my life unbelievable views amazing service all round”
Review of Crete’s Gramvousa and Balos boat trip from Rethymno, with bus transfers, beach time, fortress views, costs, and practical tips.
“Very nice experience. The people from the trip were really nice! Thanks to all who makes this day unforgettable!”
Review of the Balos and Gramvousa day trip from Chania, with ferry logistics, fortress tips, costs, crowds, swimming, and honest value advice.
“Whole tour and management was really good... Boat was clean and easy... Also we enjoyed both the beaches...!”
Review of the 3-hour Gramvousa and Balos speedboat tour from Falassarna, with drinks, small groups, swim stops, practical tips, and value advice.
“The captain was very nice and accommodating. The entire activity was great. I would do it again!”
Review of Crete’s Balos Lagoon and Chania tour from Heraklion, with cruise details, travel times, costs, swim tips, and honest drawbacks.
“The trip is well organized, however the interim stop for the breakfast is awful, spoils all the fun. The food was not fresh and very poor, the only cash was allowed. Would strongly recommend to find another place for stop, it spoils all the trip.”
Review of the Balos and Gramvousa luxury catamaran cruise from Kissamos, including food, stops, costs, transfers, and practical booking tips.
“Great day out on the water, great crew who looked after us all day.”
Review of the Elafonisi bus trip from Chania, with mountain views, four beach hours, pink sand, Elos lunch, tips, and honest value advice.
“The guide, Ms. Paraskevi was very kind, and tried to explain us best as she could.”
Review of the Balos and Falassarna Jeep Tour from Chania, with scenic views, reserved loungers, Cretan lunch, drinks, and practical advice.
“We spent the day with another couple which we were very fortunate they were super nice because we also had lunch together, which was spectacular. Dion our driver was amazing informative and fun. I used sneakers for the first part then changed to sandals for the beach. A must do!!”
Review of Chania’s Elafonisi Beach day trip, with pink sand, hotel transfers, mountain scenery, an Elos food stop, and practical tips.
“Everything was great! Our guider - Dimitris was excellent, very wise man. The driver - Ioanis also excellent. We had a very good time on the trip. Astonishing views through the canion and mountains. The beach was great. I highly recommend the trip.”
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