Rethymno: Balos &Gramvousa Day Trip With/Without Boat Ticket

Planning a trip to Crete and interested in exploring some of its iconic spots like Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island? This tour, offered through Allcretetours, promises a straightforward way to see these highlights without the hassle of navigating yourself. It’s a well-structured day that combines convenient transport, a guided experience, and time to enjoy the stunning scenery. But, as with any tour, it’s worth considering what you’re getting and what might not be perfect.

What we really like about this experience are the door-to-door transfers and the professional guide service, which take some stress off your shoulders, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local transport options. Plus, the opportunity to visit Balos and Gramvousa without worrying about logistics means you can focus on soaking up the views and relaxing. That said, the price is reasonable at $68 per person, but keep in mind that the boat ticket, which is optional, costs an extra €29. Also, some reviews hint at issues with transport organization and rocky beaches, so it’s not necessarily suited to everyone. This tour is probably best for travelers who value convenience and guided insights over a completely independent adventure.

Key Points

• Convenient door-to-door transport from Rethymno simplifies the day.
• Comfortable, air-conditioned bus with a knowledgeable guide makes the trip more enjoyable.
• Flexible options for boat tickets allow you to swim and explore at your own pace.
• Timing and itinerary are well-organized, with stops at both Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa.
• Reviews highlight good value and excellent guides, but some mention rocky beaches and organizational hiccups.
• Best suited for travelers wanting a hassle-free way to see Crete’s famous spots without the stress of planning every detail.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

When you book this tour, what you’re really signing up for is a well-organized day that takes the pressure off you. The tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Rethymno, with multiple pickup points making it easier to find a convenient spot. The bus ride to Kissamos port takes about two hours, so you should be prepared for a comfortable but lengthy journey. The bus is air-conditioned, spacious, and maintained, which means you can relax and enjoy the scenery along the way. The driver’s role is to get everyone to the port on time, allowing you to focus on the views or chat with fellow travelers.

Once at Kissamos port, the guide will assist with ticket purchases for the boat cruise, which is not included in the initial price—costing €29. You’ll also need to pay a €1 entrance fee for Gramvousa. The guide is helpful here, making sure everyone gets their tickets and knows the schedule. One thing to note from reviews is that the guide clearly communicates what to do; they emphasize waiting in groups for entry tickets, which helps avoid confusion.

From the port, you’ll board a sizable boat for the cruise to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. The boat trip offers some of the best scenery of the day, with passengers raving about how stunning the views are. While the boat is large, this means a lot of fellow travelers, which can make the experience feel a bit crowded. That’s a trade-off for convenience, and most find it worth it.

Exploring Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon

The stops at Gramvousa and Balos are what most travelers are eager to see. At Gramvousa, there’s some time to explore, take in the views of the Venetian castle, and swim in the clear waters. The island is rocky but offers great photo opportunities and a chance to bask in relatively unspoiled nature.

Balos Lagoon is often highlighted as the highlight of this trip. The tour allows for free time to enjoy the beach, swim, and admire the scenery. The water here is famously crystal-clear, and the landscape offers stunning contrasts — teal waters against white sand and rugged hills. Many reviews note that the beaches are rocky, so packing appropriate footwear and being prepared for some uneven terrain is advisable. You’ll get scenic views on the way to Balos as well, making the drive part of the experience.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:
– The door-to-door service is a major plus for ease and convenience.
– Guidance helps you navigate the port and ticketing process smoothly.
– The scenic boat ride offers spectacular views, and the stops at Balos and Gramvousa give you plenty of time to relax and explore.
– The price point at $68 seems reasonable considering the included transportation and guided service.
– Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, noting they provide clear instructions and helpful insights.

Cons:
– Some travelers have expressed frustration with the organization of transport — for example, one reviewer noted that the coach left them behind and caused confusion.
– The rocky beaches might not appeal to everyone, especially those looking for sandy, easily accessible shores.
– The boat is large, meaning it can be crowded, and some may find it less intimate or comfortable.
– The additional costs for boat tickets (€29) and entrance (€1) should be factored in, as they are paid locally.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal if you’re someone who values convenience and guided assistance. If you prefer a day where you don’t have to worry about navigating public transport or managing multiple tickets, this tour simplifies the process. It’s also suited to travelers who don’t mind a longer bus ride and are comfortable sharing space with others on a large boat.

If rocky beaches or the potential organizational hiccups worry you, or if you’re someone who prefers a more independent experience, you might want to consider alternative options. But for most visitors wanting to tick off Balos and Gramvousa without the hassle, this tour offers good value, especially when factoring in the guided support and transport included.

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Final Thoughts

This tour from Rethymno offers a practical, straightforward way to see some of Crete’s most photographed spots. The combination of bus transfer, guided instructions, and scenic boat cruise makes for a day that’s relatively stress-free—if sometimes a little crowded. It suits travelers who prefer a set schedule and support throughout the day, rather than planning every detail themselves.

While the rocky beaches and occasional organizational issues are worth noting, many travelers come away feeling they got a good deal and enjoyed stunning scenery. The guides’ clarity and helpfulness are often praised, making the experience smoother. If you’re looking for a balanced mix of convenience, scenery, and value, this trip is worth considering.

Just remember to bring essentials like sunglasses, swimwear, hiking shoes, and cash for on-site payments, and prepare for a full, active day. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those who want to see Crete’s highlights without the fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the boat ticket included in the price?
No, the boat ticket costs €29 and must be paid on-site. The tour price covers your bus transfer and guide.

What are the pickup options?
There are 11 pickup locations around Rethymno, including Adelianos Kampos, Rethimno, Sfakaki, and others, making it fairly convenient to join.

How long is the bus ride?
The bus from Rethymno to Kissamos port takes about 2 hours each way, so be prepared for a comfortable but lengthy journey.

Are there any entrance fees?
Yes, there’s a €1 entrance fee for Gramvousa, payable on-site.

What should I bring?
Sunglasses, swimwear, hiking shoes for rocky terrain, and cash for tickets or purchases are recommended.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some flexibility if your plans change.

If you’re after a day that takes the stress out of logistics and puts you right at the heart of Crete’s natural beauty, this tour hits many marks. Just keep your expectations aligned with the practical nature of a guided, group experience, and you’re likely to have a memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: