Heraklion: Gramvousa Island Day Trip & Balos Beach

Heraklion’s Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach offer a unique and captivating day trip. Visitors can explore the island’s historic Venetian fortress, swim in crystal-clear waters, and soak up the sun on the stunning Balos Beach. With round-trip transportation and a scenic ferry ride included, this excursion promises an unforgettable adventure. Priced affordably, it’s a perfect getaway for those looking to experience the natural beauty of Crete. What’s not to love about this incredible day trip?

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Key Points

This full-day excursion from Heraklion offers a trip to the captivating Gramvousa Island and the renowned Balos Beach, both known for their stunning natural beauty.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, a ferry ride to Gramvousa Island, and free time for hiking, swimming, and exploring the Venetian fortress.
After Gramvousa, the tour continues to Balos Beach, a scenic lagoon with white sand and turquoise waters, where travelers can swim, sunbathe, and hike along the coastline.
Additional costs include boat tickets, optional fortress entry, and on-site amenities, with cash recommended for payments.
Packing essentials include sun protection, swimwear, sturdy shoes, and snacks/water to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview

The Gramvousa Island Day Trip & Balos Beach offers visitors an opportunity to explore two stunning natural wonders in Crete.

This full-day excursion is priced from Kč 1,001 per person and lasts 11-15 hours. The experience includes round-trip transportation, a ferry to Gramvousa Island, and free time to swim or hike to a Venetian fortress.

Next, visitors take a 20-minute ferry to the iconic Balos Beach for further relaxation.

After exploring Gramvousa Island, visitors embark on a 20-minute ferry ride to the renowned Balos Beach for further relaxation.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. The tour is available in multiple languages, making it accessible to a diverse range of travelers.

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Pickup Locations and Transportation

With 16 convenient pickup locations across Crete, including Malia, Heraklion, and Agia Pelagia, the Gramvousa Island Day Trip & Balos Beach experience makes it easy for travelers to join the excursion.

The journey begins with a 2.5-hour bus transfer to Kissamos Port, followed by a 1-hour ferry ride to Gramvousa Island. Here, guests have 2.5 hours to explore the island’s Venetian fortress or swim in the turquoise waters.

Next, a 20-minute ferry transports them to the stunning Balos Lagoon, where they can relax for 1.5 hours before the return bus trip.

Exploring Gramvousa Island

Gramvousa Island awaits visitors with its captivating Venetian fortress and inviting turquoise waters. After the ferry docks, guests have 2.5 hours to explore.

Those seeking adventure can hike up to the 16th-century fortress for panoramic views of the island and coastline. Others may prefer to simply relax on the beach, swimming in the crystal-clear Aegean.

Whichever option visitors choose, they’ll be immersed in the island’s rich history and natural beauty. The guided commentary provides insight into Gramvousa’s past as a strategic naval fortress, adding depth to the experience.

With ample time allotted, guests can savor all that this remarkable island has to offer.

Visiting Balos Beach

After the ferry departs Gramvousa, it transports visitors to the mesmerizing Balos Beach.

Nestled in a scenic lagoon, Balos is renowned for its white sand, turquoise waters, and backdrop of towering cliffs. Visitors can spend 1.5 hours swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the area.

The beach offers amenities like sun umbrella rentals, but no restaurants or shops. Adventurous travelers can hike along the coastline, while others relax on the picturesque shore.

The return trip by bus after the ferry ride completes this comprehensive day tour exploring two of Crete’s natural wonders.

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Included in the Tour

The tour package includes a bus ticket and transfers by air-conditioned coach, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations.

A guide and professional driver are provided, along with liability insurance.

Travelers receive free time at both Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island.

Additional costs include the boat ticket, optional entry to the Venetian Fortress, and lunch.

Sun umbrella rentals and a photographer on the boat are also available for an extra fee.

The tour only operates from specified areas, so pickup is limited to points near hotels.

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Additional Costs to Consider

While the tour package includes many conveniences, there are a few additional costs travelers should consider.

The boat ticket to Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach costs €22 for adults and €12 for children 5-12. Visitors can also opt to pay €1 to enter the Venetian fortress on Gramvousa.

An optional lunch on the boat is €7. Travelers may want to rent sun umbrellas or hire a photographer, which incur extra fees.

It’s important to bring cash, as on-site payment options may be limited. Overall, budgeting for these supplementary costs can help ensure a seamless and enjoyable day trip.

Preparation and Packing Essentials

To ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience, travelers should prepare accordingly.

Pack a sun hat, swimwear, and towel to enjoy the sunny Balos Beach. Wear sturdy walking shoes for the optional hike to the Venetian fortress on Gramvousa Island. Bring snacks and water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Sun protection is a must, so pack high-SPF sunscreen. Cash is recommended for any additional costs, such as boat tickets, lunch, and umbrella rentals.

With these essentials covered, travelers can focus on soaking up the breathtaking views and making the most of this remarkable day trip.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Travelers’ reviews paint a compelling picture of the Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach day trip.

With an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 143 reviews, the tour seems well-organized and enjoyable. Guests highlight the kind and helpful guide and driver, as well as the beautiful sites with ample time at each location.

Based on 143 reviews, the Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach day trip is well-organized and enjoyable, with a kind guide and ample time at the beautiful sites.

The quality and pricing of the onboard food also earn praise. The tour appeals to a range of travelers, including couples, friends, solo adventurers, and families.

While the boat ticket and optional extras add to the cost, the tour offers an immersive experience of Crete’s stunning natural wonders.

Things To Know

Is the Tour Suitable for Travelers With Mobility Issues?

The trip may not be suitable for travelers with significant mobility issues. The hike to the Venetian fortress and accessing the beaches require moderate physical ability. Those with concerns should consult the tour operator about accessibility options.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The trip includes free time at the destinations, so passengers are welcome to pack snacks and beverages to enjoy during the day. Bringing your own provisions can help save money on the trip.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

Yes, there’s a discounted rate for children aged 5-12 years old. The ferry ticket costs €12 for kids, compared to €22 for adults. However, no senior discounts are mentioned in the details provided.

Do We Need to Pre-Book the Optional Venetian Fortress Entry?

The Venetian Fortress entry is optional and can be purchased on the day of the trip. There’s no need to pre-book it, as you can pay the €1 fee directly at the site.

Is There Wifi Available on the Ferry or Bus During the Trip?

The trip details don’t mention whether there’s WiFi available on the ferry or bus. It’s likely there isn’t, so travelers should come prepared with any necessary offline entertainment or means of communication for the journey.

Sum Up

The Heraklion: Gramvousa Island Day Trip & Balos Beach is an excellent choice for those seeking an unforgettable Cretan adventure. With round-trip transportation, a scenic ferry ride, and ample time to explore Gramvousa Island and the stunning Balos Beach, this day trip offers an unbeatable value. Visitors can expect a memorable experience filled with swimming, sunbathing, and hiking in the breathtaking natural surroundings of this captivating region.