Kissamos is a fantastic place to enjoy a memorable lunch experience that combines stunning scenery, local flavor, and a dash of adventure. While the town itself offers great eateries, these two tours elevate your midday meal into a full-fledged experience. The Kissamos: Catamaran Cruise to Balos & Gramvousa with Lunch is perfect for those seeking a relaxing day on the water with incredible views, while the Heraklion: Gramvousa & Balos Bus and Boat tour with Lunch offers a more active day exploring Crete’s rugged landscape. Both experiences include a delicious meal, but their approach is very different. We especially like the catamaran cruise for its leisurely sailing and snorkeling, and the bus and boat tour for its combination of hiking and sightseeing.
In this guide, we’ll cover the two top lunch adventures in Kissamos, highlighting what makes each unique, who they’re best suited for, and practical tips to help you choose. Whether you prefer floating on the sea or exploring island ruins, these tours are sure to make your Crete trip special.
1. Kissamos: Catamaran Cruise to Balos & Gramvousa with Lunch
This 7 to 9-hour cruise offers a blend of relaxing sailing, snorkeling, and enjoying a hearty meal onboard. It’s a standout choice for those who want to see the iconic Balos beach and Gramvousa island without the hassle of driving. The tour starts at Kissamos port, where you’ll board a comfortable sailing yacht—specifically a catamaran—that promises a smooth ride to some of Crete’s most photographed spots. You’ll spend about 1.5 hours at Balos, known for its pink sand and shallow, warm waters perfect for swimming. The tour includes a lunch served onboard, featuring fresh local ingredients, along with fruits and drinks, making it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery.
What makes this tour special is its focus on a sailing experience—you’re not just hopping on a bus; you’re sailing on a yacht that offers a sense of freedom and adventure. The itinerary includes a scenic sail to Gramvousa, where you can hike up to the fortress for panoramic views, then snorkel and swim in the clear waters. Afterward, the boat returns to Kissamos, giving you time to soak in the sunset or explore the harbor.
Key highlights include snorkelling in crystal waters, exploring Gramvousa’s fortress, and enjoying a generous onboard lunch. The reviews praise the easy-going pace and the beautiful scenery, with one guest saying, “Balos was amazing, and the cruise made it so stress-free.”
Bottom Line: This cruise is perfect for travelers who value comfort, scenery, and a laid-back day on the water with good food. It’s an excellent choice for families, couples, or anyone looking to combine sailing with sightseeing.
2. Heraklion: Gramvousa & Balos Bus and Boat tour with Lunch
This 11 to 14-hour adventure heads inland first, traveling through Crete’s rugged landscape before reaching the coast for a boat trip. For roughly $65 per person, this tour offers a more active and comprehensive experience, ideal for travelers who want to explore both land and sea with a focus on hiking and nature. It departs from a list of 85 pickup points in Heraklion, making it accessible for many visitors. The day begins with a scenic bus journey through Crete’s diverse terrain, culminating at the port for a boat ride to Balos and Gramvousa.
During the day, you’ll have plenty of time to swim in the turquoise waters, sunbathe, and explore the island. A highlight is hiking up to the castle on Gramvousa Island, where panoramic views of the coastline await. The tour emphasizes nature and outdoor activity, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bit of exertion along with relaxation. The onboard lunch includes local dishes and drinks, which are well-reviewed for their quality and quantity. One reviewer described the trip as “a full day in paradise, with stunning views and plenty of swimming.”
This tour stands out because of its combination of transportation, hiking, and exploration, giving a well-rounded experience of Crete’s natural beauty. The reviews mention friendly guides and a well-organized day, with one noting, “The drive through the landscape was as beautiful as the beaches.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers or families who want to see Crete’s countryside and beaches in one day, with the convenience of transportation and a hearty lunch included.
How to Choose
Choosing between these two tours depends on what kind of experience you’re after. If you prefer a relaxing day at sea, with snorkeling and scenic sailing, the Kissamos Catamaran Cruise is hard to beat. For those eager to combine adventure on land and sea, and don’t mind a longer day, the Heraklion bus and boat tour offers a more active approach with hiking and sightseeing.
If your budget is a concern, the bus and boat tour offers great value at around $65 per person, while the cruise provides a more leisurely experience with longer duration and inclusions. Consider your fitness level, time constraints, and preference for sailing versus land exploration. Both tours tend to fill up quickly, so booking early is advisable, especially during peak season.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want a luxurious sailing adventure or a full-day exploration of Crete’s natural beauty, these two lunch experiences in Kissamos deliver memorable moments. The catamaran cruise is perfect for those seeking relaxation and stunning views, while the bus and boat tour suits travelers who want a more active day filled with hiking and sightseeing.
For families, the bus and boat tour offers a structured day with plenty of time for swimming and exploring. Couples looking for a romantic cruise should consider the sailing option, especially if they enjoy being on the water. Regardless of your choice, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these top-rated experiences. Enjoy your time in Crete, and don’t forget to sample the local food — it’s part of what makes these adventures so special.
