The island of Imeri Gramvous is located at 20kilometers to the north-west of Kissamos, opposite the Cape Gramvousa and only 3 kilometers from the Bay of Balos. Gramvousa is famous for its historic Venetian fortress, which rises at an altitude of 137 meters above the beach. The fortress was also used by pirates. According to legend, an enormous number of pirate treasures are buried on the island.
On the south side are two small bays,where thousands of tourists come before heading to the magnificent beach of Balos (Crete, Greece). Guests can walk around the neighborhood, visit the old fortress, swim in the clear waters. The seabed here is ideal for scuba diving. Refreshment or a drink of soft drinks is possible only in the bar of the excursion ferry. There are no other amenities in this area, as it is protected by the Natura 2000 program, and staying at night is not allowed here.
The famous lagoon of Balos is located about 56kilometers north-west of Chania and 17 kilometers north-west of Kissamos. Balos is the most popular beach in Crete, which enjoys incredible popularity among photographers, is a favorite object of all tourist guides. It is no coincidence that Prince Charles and Princess Diana visited Balos on a private yacht.
The Bay of Balos (Crete) is famous for its turquoisewaters, wildlife and beautiful exotic landscapes. During the summer period, thousands of tourists visit Balos. For those who do not like a large crowd of people, it is better to avoid visiting the bay in July and August. It is best to come to Balos early in the morning, before a crowd of tourists arrives from Kissamos.
The beach of Balos in Crete is sandy, with a shallow approach to the sea, which is very popular with young children.
In the lagoon on the beach, snow-white sand is combined withbright blue and turquoise waves. The sea is very shallow, ideal for young children. In some places, the sand is pinkish due to the millions of crushed shells. Behind the rocks on the border of the lagoon, the water becomes colder and deeper. This place is ideal for scuba diving. Cormorants and falcons nest in rock caves. In addition, this area is a refuge for the seal-monk and sea turtles.
Some disadvantages of the lagoon are thatThe seabed is dirty, which contributes to the growth of microorganisms, which sometimes cause an unpleasant odor. Local residents say that garbage in Balos brings the sea current.
The best and most convenient way to visit the bayBalos is to buy a group excursion. Especially if the hotel is located in the eastern part of Crete (Malia, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos). In this case, the tourist group will be delivered to the port of Kissamos by a comfortable bus, the ticket for the ferry will be only 18 euros per person instead of 27 euros if you go on a trip yourself.
There are three ways to get to Balos.The first and most simple is to take a morning ferry ticket from Kissamos (25-30 euros). Traveling by ferry, one can see the wild banks of Gramvous. If you are lucky, the ferry can be accompanied by dolphins.
By car you can drive on a dirt roadto Kaliviani, where you need to pay a small amount that goes to protect the reserve and repair the road. After 10 kilometers there will be a wide parking lot, from where you can see a panoramic view of Balos and the island of Imeri Gramvus. From there you need to walk down the long path leading to the beach.
The most extreme way to get to the bay is on foot. Such travelers are advised to take a lot of water with them and be sure to have a hat protecting from the sun.
In Balos you can visit the small chapel of SaintGeorge, located in Tigani. In Tigani also there is an unusual cave, where there was a brutal massacre during the Turkish attack in 1825. To the north of Balos, at Cape Coricón, the remains of the Roman city of Agnion and the temple of Apollo are preserved. In Balos in Crete, the photos are particularly amazing, it's not for nothing that photographers around the world consider this place to be one of the best for shooting.
The Monastery of St. John - at 2.4 kilometers from the bay, in one of the most remote corners of Crete is a temple dedicated to John the Baptist. In the monastery preserved monastic cells, built of stone.
A small monastery of Ipapanti is located ina picturesque place 6 kilometers from the lagoon of Balos in Crete. In our time, the remains of cells and the Chapel of the Transfiguration of Christ are still preserved, which can only be reached on foot.
The ancient city of Falasarna is located in the westernparts of the Gram Movie. Previously, it was one of the main cities of Crete and was famous for its large port and the only harbor on the island. It is believed that Falasarna was the base for pirates. This forced the Romans to destroy the city forever.
Castel Kissamo is a small picturesque town,built between the Gramvous and Spatha peninsulas. The name of the city came from the name of the Venetian fortress, the remains of which have survived to our times. The first fortress in the city was built by pirate Henry Pescatore. When the Venetians expelled the pirates, the fortress became their possession and the defense center of the region. The fort was destroyed many times, it was rebuilt. Today, the remnants of the famous fortress are reminiscent of its great past.
The archaeological museum of Kissamos was founded in2005 year. His exhibits show the whole history of the region. The exhibition is divided into several parts and is located on the first floor of the building. Here you can admire the mosaic floors, objects of everyday life and finds from tombs.
St. Paul's Beach - 11 kilometers from the bay, is a beautiful secluded place, located in a picturesque bay. The beach got its name in honor of the very old monastery of St. Paul.
Beaches Falasarma - 10 kilometers from the bay.At the northern end of the beach are the ruins of the ancient city of Falasarma. These beaches are considered famous in Greece and were awarded as the best beaches of Crete. The sand in Falasarne is white, which makes the water near the shore turquoise. The main beach of Falassarna is called Pacia Ammos. It is a beautiful beach with a length of 1 km and a width of 150 meters. Many tourists rest here. But because of the great length of the beach does not seem crowded. On the beach are sold umbrellas, there are several eateries and cafes.
Nearby there is another beach 800 meters long.It is quieter, but there is no comfort. Further north is a small bay with a pebble beach and a rocky bottom. South of Pacio Ammos in Livadia there is a beach with a sandy beach, which is ideal for lovers of scuba diving. The nature around Falasarna is magnificent, It is believed that it is here that the best sunsets in Crete.
Mavros beach is the main beach of the city of Kissamos.This is a great place for vacationers with young children. Near the beach there are many restaurants, bars and hotels. Umbrellas and sun loungers are provided, there are showers, cabanas for changing clothes, rescuers work.
The beach of Mary Pigadi is located in the eastern partGramvous, 6 kilometers from the bay. The beach surrounds three small gulfs, with shallow pebbles and crystal clear deep water. On the beach there is no comfort. This place is ideal for those who like wild holidays, away from noise and civilization.
Beach Livadia - 12 kilometers from Balos,starts next to the stadium and ends near the beach of Korfalonas. The beach is sandy with a shallow shore. It has very few amenities, there are several small bars. It's very good on windless days.
Wigglia Beach does not provide a large range oftourist services, but nearby there are several hotels and some basic amenities. Despite this, the beach is popular with tourists due to the clean sea and tranquil area.
Kaliviani beach (7 km from Balos) -an excellent quiet place for swimming. It is not recommended to bring children to the beach, because the bottom on the shore is rocky. On windy days, large waves make swimming risky. Despite the fact that the beach is near the villages of Kissamos and Kaliviani (where there are hotels, cafes and taverns), there are no tourist attractions, except beautiful nature. The beach itself is not very clean because of the debris that brings waves.
Tourists who have visited the bay are admiredbeauty of this place. It is only necessary to look at the photo of the bay of Balos (Crete), as soon as you want to return to Greece. Spectacular views from observation platforms and a sea of different colors, pink sand and architectural monuments - all can be found here. Of the shortcomings, tourists note that there are a lot of people in the season. If you go by car, then only on an off-road car, a trip on cars to the bay is prohibited because the road is unpaved.
