The Rethymno: Gramvousa & Balos Lagoon Day Trip offers a chance to explore the breathtaking natural wonders of northwest Crete. Travelers can marvel at the stunning Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island before relaxing on the picturesque Balos Lagoon. With flexible cancellation and no upfront payment, this tour provides a convenient way to experience the region’s history and natural beauty. What secrets might these enchanting landscapes hold?
Key Points
- A full-day excursion from Rethymno to explore the Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island and the picturesque Balos Lagoon, including roundtrip transportation and boat cruise.
- The tour is priced from $59.84 per person and offers flexible cancellation with no upfront payment required.
- Highlights include swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing at both locations, with a 1-hour boat cruise to Gramvousa and a 20-minute ride to Balos Lagoon.
- The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, but excludes food, drinks, and an eco fee of 1 EUR per person.
- The tour has received an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, with high praise for the tour guides and transportation.
Trip Overview
This full-day trip offers visitors the opportunity to explore the stunning Gramvoussa Island and the picturesque Balos Lagoon along the northwest coast of Crete.
Priced from $59.84 per person, the tour includes roundtrip transportation to the Kissamos port, a boat cruise to the destinations, and free time to swim, snorkel, and sightsee.
Priced from $59.84 per person, the tour includes roundtrip transportation, a boat cruise, and free time to swim, snorkel, and sightsee.
Key highlights include the Venetian Fortress on Gramvoussa and the turquoise waters of Balos.
The trip duration is 1 day, making it an ideal way to experience these beautiful natural and historical attractions during a visit to the region.
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Booking and Cancellation
Reserving this Rethymno day trip is straightforward – no upfront payment is required.
Simply book now and pay later. The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
However, pickup is limited to specific points near hotels; those staying at Grand Rimondi or remote hotels/villas won’t be able to be picked up.
Itinerary Details
The day trip begins with a morning pickup near the hotel, followed by a comfortable air-conditioned bus ride to Kissamos port.
Next, a 1-hour boat cruise takes you to the historic Gramvousa Island. Spend 1.5 hours exploring the Venetian Fortress or relaxing on the boat and beach.
Then, it’s a 20-minute boat ride to the stunning Balos Lagoon, where you’ll have 3 hours of free time for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
In the afternoon, the return cruise to Kissamos and bus transfer back to the hotel complete the memorable day.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The day trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off, roundtrip bus transfer, boat ticket, and an eco fee of 1 EUR per person to be paid in cash.
Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, roundtrip bus transfer, boat ticket, and a 1 EUR eco fee payable in cash.
Food and drinks are available for purchase during the tour.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, people with epilepsy, babies under 1 year, those with mobility impairments, claustrophobia, or non-swimmers.
Participants should be able to climb steps at the Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island.
More Great Tours NearbyHighlights of Gramvousa Island
One of the main highlights of the day trip is the visit to Gramvousa Island, a small island off the northwestern coast of Crete.
Upon arrival, travelers have 1.5 hours to explore the Venetian Fortress, dating back to the 16th century. Perched atop a steep cliff, the fortress offers panoramic views of the stunning turquoise waters surrounding the island. Adventurous visitors can climb the 300 steps leading up to the fortress for an even more breathtaking vista.
Alternatively, guests can choose to relax on the boat or sandy beach and soak up the island’s serene atmosphere.
Exploring Balos Lagoon
After exploring the historic Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island, the day trip continues with a scenic 20-minute boat ride to the stunning Balos Lagoon.
Upon arrival, visitors have 3 hours of free time to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe in the lagoon’s turquoise waters.
Visitors have 3 hours to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe in the lagoon’s stunning turquoise waters upon arrival.
The shallow, warm lagoon is framed by dramatic white sand beaches and towering cliffs, creating a picturesque Mediterranean setting.
Snorkelers can discover the vibrant marine life, while those seeking relaxation can simply lounge on the shore and soak up the sun.
The breathtaking scenery and opportunity for water activities make Balos Lagoon a highlight of the day trip.
What to Expect During the Boat Cruise
As visitors board the boat at Kissamos port, they’ll embark on a captivating 1-hour cruise along the scenic northwest coast of Crete.
The journey offers several highlights:
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Breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs and hidden coves that line the shoreline
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Opportunities to spot wildlife, such as dolphins or sea turtles, in their natural habitat
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A closer look at the Venetian Gramvousa Fortress, perched atop a rocky islet at the edge of the Aegean Sea
The boat cruise provides a relaxing transition between exploring the historic fortress and the tranquil Balos Lagoon ahead.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the full-day trip, with an impressive overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 188 reviews.
Customers highlighted the excellent guidance from knowledgeable tour guides, who received a stellar 4.9/5 rating. The transportation also earned high marks at 4.5/5, though some felt the value for money could be slightly better at 4.2/5.
Highlights included the breathtaking views from Gramvousa’s Venetian fortress and the opportunity to swim in Balos Lagoon’s crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Since You Asked
What Type of Footwear Is Recommended for This Trip?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for this trip. The terrain includes uneven paths, steps, and sandy beaches, so sturdy, closed-toe footwear that provides support and traction is ideal to safely navigate the various landscapes.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
Yes, travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The trip includes access to purchase food and drinks, but bringing personal snacks and beverages is permitted. However, glass containers are typically not allowed for safety reasons.
How Crowded Does the Boat Typically Get During Peak Season?
The boats tend to get quite crowded during peak season as they’re popular day trips. However, the crew works to evenly distribute passengers across multiple vessels to ensure a comfortable experience. Arriving early can help avoid the busiest times.
Are There Any Onboard Toilet Facilities Available During the Cruise?
Yes, there are onboard toilet facilities available during the cruise. The boat is equipped with basic restrooms for passengers to use as needed throughout the journey to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon.
Is the Water at Balos Lagoon Shallow Enough for Children to Swim?
The waters at Balos Lagoon are generally shallow, making it suitable for children to swim. However, parents should supervise their children closely as the depth can vary. The lagoon offers a safe and picturesque swimming spot for families.
Final Words
The Rethymno: Gramvousa & Balos Lagoon Day Trip offers a captivating blend of history, nature, and leisure. Priced affordably, the tour includes round-trip transportation, a scenic boat cruise, and ample time to explore the Venetian Fortress on Gramvousa Island and the stunning Balos Lagoon. With flexible cancellation and no upfront payment, this full-day adventure is an excellent choice for travelers seeking to experience the stunning beauty of northwest Crete.
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