Rethymno Gramvousa Balos Lagoon Day Trip Review (2024)

Okay, so you’re thinking about checking out that Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon day trip from Rethymno, right? You see the pictures online, that impossibly clear water and that wild, rugged landscape, and you’re wondering if it’s actually worth your time and, like, your euros. I get that. Day trips can be tricky. That said, having done this one recently, I’m here to, well, give you the lowdown. Hopefully, this review, too, helps you make a call. It’s pretty honest, hopefully!

What to Expect on this Day Trip

Basically, the day kicks off pretty early. Very, very early. You’ll probably get picked up from your hotel or a designated spot in Rethymno before the sun even thinks about getting up. That first bit is mostly driving. The bus heads, sort of, west towards Kissamos. That is where, anyway, the boat sets sail. Expect, you know, a narrated drive – they’ll, more or less, fill you with facts and bits of local stories about Crete.

Once you’re at Kissamos port, you will, actually, board the boat. It’s a big ferry-type thing, and there’s typically a bar on board and spots to sit either inside or out on the deck. From there, it’s sail time! The first stop is usually Gramvousa Island. Now, this is a small island known for, like, its Venetian fortress. The views, as you might expect, are incredible. Is that crystal-clear water actually real? Yes it is! Anyway, getting to the top involves a bit of a walk, or, like, a moderate climb. It takes about 20-30 minutes. Make sure, actually, you wear decent shoes. That path gets rocky, maybe even slippery. Bring water, too. It can be scorching, in that case.

After Gramvousa, the boat chugs along to Balos Lagoon. Oh my goodness, this is the spot everyone raves about! The water is, very, very shallow and a crazy turquoise color. It just looks unreal! You can walk out pretty far, and the water barely gets above your knees. Honestly, it’s fantastic for just relaxing and taking photos. There’s also, for example, a beach there where you can set up shop. Basically, you’ll get a couple of hours here to soak up the sun and, in a way, enjoy that unique scenery.

Is the Boat Ride Enjoyable?

The boat ride itself is alright. As I mentioned, the boats are sizable, offering enough room for everyone, I guess, to spread out. You can grab a drink at the bar. A cold beer, maybe. Or even just some water is, really, key on a hot day. That sea breeze feels amazing. Plus, well, the views of the coastline are, very, very beautiful. You’ll want your camera ready! Sometimes, too, the boat has an entertainer onboard, which helps kill time. Just expect it to be busy, and at times, very noisy. Still, it is worth the journey.

One heads up, anyway. Seating can get a bit tight. I would suggest getting to the boat, in that case, pretty early. It does help grab a good spot. It does mean arriving earlier though, for instance. If you are, in some respects, prone to seasickness, take something before you set off. I found the trip reasonably smooth, yet some people I talked to definitely felt a bit queasy.

The Allure of Gramvousa Island and Fortress

So, Gramvousa is a bit more than just that pretty place you glimpse from the boat. Like, it’s loaded with history. The fortress itself was constructed back in the 16th century by the Venetians, originally to control the sea lanes. Later, anyway, it became a refuge for Cretan rebels and even pirates. You can just feel, maybe, the history hanging in the air as you walk around the ruins.

Okay, the climb to the fortress. It can be challenging, right? But, actually, those views from the top make every step worth it! Seriously. I spent at least half an hour up there just, you know, soaking everything in. It provides, maybe, that wide, sweeping view of the turquoise waters, and the wild, jagged coastline and then, well, just a whole lot of sky. Basically, there’s also an old shipwreck down below that is fun to photograph. Just a little heads up: Watch out for loose rocks and wear shoes with decent grip.

Balos Lagoon: Paradise Found?

Balos Lagoon has a name for, apparently, a reason. It feels like stepping into a postcard, really. The water is, arguably, so clear, so vibrantly colored. The sand is incredibly soft. Very soft. That makes it really nice to walk barefoot. Given how shallow the water is, anyway, it’s very safe for kids. Plus, you can easily wade across to different little sections of the lagoon. It does provide an explorer vibe.

It is fair to remember that the beach does, arguably, get busy. Particularly in that peak season. The boat tours, generally, all arrive around the same time. The spot still manages to, actually, keep its magic, even with crowds. Make sure to bring a towel, maybe some sunscreen. Oh, bring some water shoes if, anyway, you have them. Some parts of the lagoon can get a bit rocky. Also, consider an umbrella. Like, there’s not a ton of natural shade.

What to Bring on Your Day Trip

Sunscreen: You will, very, very, need it. The Cretan sun is no joke.
Hat and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the glare.
Swimsuit and Towel: Yeah, this is obvious. You’ll want to take a dip in that beautiful water!
Comfortable Shoes: Especially if, like, you plan on hiking up to the Gramvousa Fortress.
Water: Staying hydrated is seriously crucial.
Snacks: You can purchase food and drinks on the boat, for instance, but bringing your own snacks helps keep costs down.
Camera: You really don’t want to miss out on capturing those incredible views.
Cash: Little shops and extras. You can get yourself that much wanted ice cream!

Overall Thoughts and Recommendations

Basically, that Rethymno to Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon day trip is alright. Is it, potentially, touristy? Yeah, somewhat. Especially in peak season. Yet, are the landscapes breathtaking? Absolutely! You can soak in some beautiful landscapes!

Basically, is it value for the money? It’s debatable, in my opinion. I think it all hinges on your tolerance for crowds and touristy things. If, for instance, you’re someone who prefers secluded, off-the-beaten-path adventures, this trip might not be your cup of tea. If, as a matter of fact, you are excited to witness some of the most beautiful scenery Crete offers, and if you don’t mind sharing that experience with a crowd, then yeah, do it. You probably won’t regret it!

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