Rent 1 ATV to Explore Balos Lagoon and Falassarna Beach

Thinking about adding a bit of adventure to your trip in Crete? This ATV rental experience offers a fantastic way to explore some of the island’s most iconic spots—Balos Lagoon and Falassarna Beach—at your own pace. While it’s not a guided tour with a packed itinerary, it’s designed to give you the freedom to enjoy Crete’s natural beauty with ease and fun.

What really caught our eye are two things: First, the well-maintained, user-friendly ATVs that make off-road driving accessible even if you’re not a seasoned rider. Second, the breathtaking views you get during the drive, especially with the chance to snap some memorable photos of the wild goats and sweeping sea vistas. Just keep in mind that this experience is flexible—you can spend as little or as much time as you want at each stop, which is perfect if you prefer a laid-back approach or a full-day adventure.

One potential consideration is that you’ll need to handle your own fuel costs, which aren’t included in the price. Also, if you’re not comfortable riding on dirt roads or walking downhill to Balos, this might require a bit of physical activity. But overall, this tour seems best suited for travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure, freedom, and scenic exploration without the constraints of a guided group.

If you’re the kind of person who loves to explore off-the-beaten-path spots, enjoys driving yourself, and appreciates spectacular views, this ATV experience is likely to be a hit. It’s especially appealing for those looking for a hands-on, flexible day in Crete’s stunning outdoors.

Key Points

• Flexibility: You can choose to stay for 6 hours or extend your adventure to 10 hours.
• Ease of Use: The ATVs are described as very easy to drive, even for those with less muscle strength.
• Unforgettable Views: The drive offers spectacular sea vistas, close encounters with friendly wild goats, and photo-worthy stops.
• Self-Guided Freedom: You’re in charge of your schedule, with the option to relax at Balos or explore nearby beaches and taverns.
• Safety & Maintenance: The ATVs are regularly cared for and in top condition, prioritizing rider safety.
• Cost-Effective: At around $150 for a group of two, this is a good value, especially since it includes helmets and the use of the vehicle.

Discovering the Experience: What You Can Expect

Starting Out with Sunset Rental

You’ll meet at the Sunset rental shop in Kissamos at 8:00 am, where the process is described as straightforward. The staff provides a brand new ATV, helmets, and a quick briefing on safe riding. The vehicle’s condition seems to impress travelers, with one review mentioning they received a larger engine upgrade unexpectedly—an enjoyable bonus that adds to the fun.

The Drive to Balos Lagoon

Once on your ATV, the journey begins along well-marked roads, offering a glimpse of Crete’s rugged landscape. The route to Balos features great views of the Cretan Sea and is described as easy yet fun. The thrill of riding on dirt roads, combined with the occasional sighting of friendly wild goats, makes the drive memorable.

The Balos Lagoon Walk and View

After parking at the top of the hill above Balos, you’ll walk down about 20 minutes to the lagoon. Here, the views are what you’ve likely seen in photos—crystal-clear waters, soft sands, and surrounding islands like Gramvousa—truly stunning. You can spend as long as you want relaxing on the beach, taking photos, or simply soaking in the scenery. Many travelers mention how breathtaking and peaceful the setting is.

Optional Extras and Relaxation

Once back at the ATV, you have the flexibility to explore more. Some may choose to visit nearby taverns or settle into one of the beaches in Falassarna for sunset viewing. The tour’s open timing allows you to tailor your day—whether it’s a quick visit of a couple of hours or an extended adventure.

Returning the ATV

When you’re ready, you simply bring back the ATV to the rental shop, with the usual trip lasting from 6 to 10 hours. This kind of freedom is a big draw—no rigid schedules, just pure exploration.

What Previous Travelers Say

The only review available is glowing: “Lovely experience. Very straightforward pick-up of the ATV. The vehicle itself was in top condition and we got a bigger engine than what we had booked which is great. Spent the day exploring and drove to Balos beach with it, which was very fun!!” It’s clear that the experience delivers on both ease and enjoyment, especially for those who love a bit of off-road driving.

Why Travelers Love It

• The top-condition ATVs make riding safe and fun
• The unmatched scenery at Balos and the surrounding areas
• The flexibility to customize your experience
• The friendly, approachable staff who ensure a smooth start

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration and Timing

The trip can last anywhere from 6 to 10 hours, depending on how long you want to stay at each spot. Starting at 8:00 am, you can have a full day of exploration or keep it shorter if needed.

Price and Value

At $149.66 per group (up to two), this experience offers good value, especially considering the exclusivity of a self-guided adventure. The price includes helmet use and the vehicle, but you’ll need to cover fuel separately.

Accessibility and Participation

Most travelers can participate, and the driving is described as easy—ideal for those with limited off-road experience. The activity is near public transportation, making it accessible for visitors staying in Kissamos or nearby areas.

Safety and Cancellation

The rental company emphasizes regular care of the ATVs, prioritizing safety. Plus, they offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, adding peace of mind.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This ATV adventure suits travelers who want to explore Crete at their own pace and enjoy scenic off-road rides. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable with a bit of walking downhill and love the idea of capturing beautiful views without a guided group. It’s particularly good for those who enjoy a mix of outdoor activity and relaxing beach time—no rigid schedule means you can truly tailor your day.

If you’re craving a fun, independent adventure with stunning scenery, this is a solid choice. Just remember, it’s not a guided tour with narration; it’s all about the ride and the vistas.

FAQ

Is the ATV easy to drive?
Yes, the ATVs are described as very easy to drive, suitable even for those with less muscle. The rental staff takes care of the safety briefings, and the vehicles are well-maintained.

Can I extend my trip beyond 6 hours?
Absolutely. The usual trip time is 6 hours, but you can stay up to 10 hours if you want more time to explore or relax.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the use of the ATV, helmets, and safety gear. Fuel is not included, so you’ll need to budget for that separately.

Is it suitable for beginners?
Most travelers can participate, and the description emphasizes how easy it is to drive. If you’re new to off-road riding, it’s still manageable and enjoyable.

Can I visit other spots during the day?
Yes, the flexible schedule allows you to visit local taverns or beaches like Falassarna on your own after the main trip.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t refundable.

Final Thoughts

This ATV rental experience in Crete offers a fantastic blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and independence. It’s a practical option if you want to see Balos Lagoon and Falassarna Beach on your own terms, especially if the idea of driving your own vehicle appeals to you. The well-maintained ATVs, stunning views, and flexible timing make it attractive for those who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic drives.

While it’s not a guided tour packed with narration, the freedom to explore at your own pace is a big plus. The positive review about the vehicle’s condition and the straightforward pickup process helps build confidence for first-timers or casual riders alike.

In summary, if you’re comfortable with a bit of dirt-road driving, love spectacular views, and want to make your own schedule, this ATV experience is worth considering. It’s an easy way to add a dash of adventure to your Crete holiday, with enough flexibility to suit both quick visits and full-day explorations.

Happy riding, and enjoy your Crete adventure!