Day Trip To Gramvousa & Balos Lagoon With Food Option

A Practical Guide to the Day Trip to Gramvousa & Balos Lagoon in Crete

If you’re dreaming of a day filled with sun, sea, and a little history, this tour to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon could be a good fit. It promises an all-in-one experience—boat rides, scenic walks, swimming, and a splash of Cretan history—all packed into roughly 16 hours. Offered by Allcretetours, it’s designed for travelers who want to make the most of their day without the hassle of planning each detail themselves.

What really caught our eye about this trip are its two key highlights: the chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters of Balos Lagoon, ranked 8th best beach in Europe, and exploring the Pirate Castle of Gramvousa, which adds a touch of adventure and history. We also appreciate that transportation, guides, and entry to key sites are included, making it relatively straightforward for visitors.

However, it’s worth noting that the timing—a 6:30 am start and a return around 8 pm—means you’ll be on the move most of the day. If you’re not a morning person or prefer a more relaxed pace, this could feel a bit rushed. Also, the tour doesn’t include food, drinks, or umbrellas, which might be a consideration on hot days or for those wanting a more leisurely experience.

This trip is best suited for travelers eager to explore Crete’s iconic spots efficiently, especially if you enjoy boat rides and do not mind a long day on the go. It offers good value for money, considering the transportation, guide, and multiple stops included. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone wanting a guided day out with minimal fuss, this tour could be a convenient way to tick off a couple of major sights in one go.

Key Points

• Convenient transport from Heraklion makes logistics simple.
• Boat cruise offers scenic views and easy access to Gramvousa and Balos.
• Swimming stops give you time to enjoy the cool waters of Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Beach.
• The castle hike provides a glimpse of Crete’s historical resistance.
• Long 16-hour day, so prepare for an early start and full schedule.
• Not included: food, drinks, and umbrellas, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting the Day: The Early Morning Pickup

The adventure begins bright and early, with pickups available from up to 13 locations around Heraklion, including popular spots like Agia Pelagia, Malia, and Kato Gouves. The pickup time is around 6:30 am, which might seem brutal to some, but it’s necessary to maximize your time. The reason? You’re looking at about a 3.5-hour drive north along Crete’s coastline to reach the port at Kissamos.

During the drive, you’ll probably get to enjoy some good conversation with your guide, who is fluent in English, or simply relax as you take in the scenery. It’s a long haul but necessary to reach the initial boat departure point and the day’s main attractions.

The Voyage: Boat Ride to Gramvousa and Balos

Once at Kastelli-Kissamos, you’ll hop on a boat that takes you around the peninsula of Gramvousa. This part of the tour is particularly scenic, offering views of rugged coastlines and the historic fortress perched atop Gramvousa Island. The boat ride itself is a relaxing way to see the area, and you’ll get plenty of chances for photos.

The highlight here is the visit to Gramvousa Island, which has a fascinating history as a haven for revolutionaries fighting Ottoman rule. Over 100 bird species now call the island home, and it’s a designated bird habitat, making it a peaceful nature stop. The castle, built 137 meters above sea level, is a must-see. The 15-minute hike up the footpath provides a chance to stretch your legs and admire panoramic views. Just remember to wear sturdy shoes and bring a hat, especially in the summer heat.

Exploring Gramvousa: The Castle and Coastal Views

Many visitors find the castle to be a striking sight, both historically and visually. According to reviews, the castle’s ruins are impressive, and the views from the top are well worth the climb. The site also gives a sense of the island’s strategic importance during its revolutionary days. Some reviews note that the hike is a quick walk, so it’s accessible for most, but proper footwear is recommended.

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The Marvel: Balos Lagoon

After exploring Gramvousa, the boat heads to Balos Lagoon, often described as a slice of paradise. This expansive, shallow bay has turquoise waters and soft white sand, bordered by rocky terrain. It’s frequently ranked among the top beaches in Europe, and it’s easy to see why. We loved how the shallow waters make it safe for swimming, and the scenery is truly breathtaking.

Visitors get free time here to walk along the beach, take photos, or just relax in the sun. The reviews mention that swimming in Balos is refreshing and fun, and it’s ideal for those who want to cool off after a busy morning. Keep in mind that the beach can get crowded during peak times, so arriving early or staying later might improve your experience.

Return Journey and Final Stops

After a couple of hours at Balos, the boat makes its way back to the port, and from there, the bus will bring you back to Heraklion. The return trip takes about three hours, meaning your day ends around 8 pm. While the long day might be tiring, it’s a small price for packing so many highlights into one adventure.

What’s Not Included and What You Need to Know

The tour price covers the luxury air-conditioned bus, a guide, and the boat cruise, but not drinks, umbrellas, food, or the boat ticket (which costs about €25). You’ll want to bring essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, and water. Think about packing some snacks, too, since there are no meals provided. The tour is straightforward but does require active participation—wear comfortable shoes for the castle hike, and be prepared for a full, busy day.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

One reviewer appreciated the “good value for money,” noting that everything was organized smoothly, which makes a big difference for a full-day trip. They also mentioned that the tour guide was helpful and informative throughout.

However, another pointed out that the long travel hours might be tiring, especially if you’re not used to early mornings or long days on the move. The lack of food or drinks included was also noted, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for that.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want to see two of Crete’s most iconic sites without the hassle of organizing transport or guides. If you enjoy scenic boat rides, swimming in beautiful waters, and a touch of history, you’ll likely find this tour to be satisfying. It’s also a good choice for those who don’t mind an early start and a full, active day.

It’s less suited for travelers who prefer a slow pace, want a more relaxed experience, or are traveling with very young children—mainly because of the early start and extensive walking/hiking involved.

FAQs

• What time does the tour start and end?
  Pickup is at around 6:30 am, and the tour returns to Heraklion around 8 pm, so plan for a full day.

• Are food and drinks included?
  No, food and drinks aren’t included. You should bring water, snacks, and perhaps some money for additional purchases.

• Do I need to bring special clothing?
  Yes, bring comfortable footwear for hiking up to the castle, and pack a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and swimwear for swimming and sunbathing.

• Is the boat ride comfortable?
  The boat cruise is included in the price and is generally considered scenic and comfortable. It’s a great way to see the coast.

• Can I swim at Balos Lagoon?
  Absolutely. The waters are shallow and inviting, perfect for a swim or relaxing in the sand.

• How long do I get at each stop?
  Expect about 1-2 hours at Gramvousa for exploration and hiking, and roughly 2 hours at Balos Lagoon for swimming and relaxing.

• Is this experience family-friendly?
  It’s more suitable for travelers who enjoy active outings, so families with older children should be fine. The hike and long day might be challenging for very young kids.

To sum it up, this tour offers a practical way to experience some of Crete’s most famous sights with minimal planning. You’ll enjoy scenic boat rides, breathtaking beaches, and a touch of history, all bundled into a full day. It’s especially good value if you want a guided, organized day without worrying about logistics. Just be prepared for an early start and a busy schedule, and you’ll likely come away with great memories of Crete’s natural beauty and intriguing past.

You can check availability for your dates here: