Rethymno to Balos & Gramvousa: A Day Trip Review

Dreaming of turquoise waters and sun-kissed shores? Well, so too, are countless others when they think of Crete. Let’s be honest, is that even a question? Arguably the most photographed place in Crete has to be Balos Lagoon, plus its companion, Gramvousa Peninsula. If you’re staying in Rethymno, that is, and fancy seeing these must-see spots, picking the right tour can very, very much feel like wading through treacle. We look at the ‘From Rethymno Balos Lagoon Gramvousa Peninsula Pick Up’ tour, giving you the lowdown so you can decide if that sounds like a match for you.

What the Tour Promises

This tour basically does what it says on the tin; that is, collects you from Rethymno (or surrounding areas), and whisks you off, in a way, to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Peninsula. It’s that simple, you know? The big plus? Door-to-door service so that you don’t have to mess around with local buses. Also, you’ve got the promise of air-conditioned comfort and, too it’s almost, a multilingual guide to fill you in on the local info. You’ll very much get the boat trip included from Kissamos Port, that takes you to Balos and Gramvousa. Expect around three hours chilling at Balos and a couple more at Gramvousa, just, you know, soaking it all in. They say it’s a full-day thing, that is, from roughly 8 in the morning to 7 in the evening.

Getting There and the Initial Experience

First off, they actually pick you up on time, is that even a thing nowadays? That is always a very good start, that’s for sure. That mini-bus is usually fairly comfy, and you might find the air-con really useful, in some respects, depending on when you travel. The drive to Kissamos can often take a little over an hour, it depends on traffic, just, you know. The guide gives you snippets of information, that is, pointing out olive groves and villages, which is quite good, yet the microphone quality could be better. Once you arrive at Kissamos Port, the boat usually looks like a proper ‘boaty’ boat, is that the expression? Very large and spacious. Is that even the proper saying, roomy and huge, maybe?

Balos Lagoon: A Slice of Paradise

Oh, Balos Lagoon, you know, it tends to be just like the photos! Very clear, pale blue water, that laps gently onto pure pale sand. Usually, after that boat has docked, everyone trundles off onto the beach, hoping to bagsy a ‘spot’. Finding shade? That tends to be difficult, very tricky indeed, as there isn’t that much around. The water stays fairly shallow for a good distance, which is good news, especially if you’re going there with children. Is that right, children, is that even still the thing we are calling youngsters today? Snorkeling isn’t really the main event here; just expect clear water and sandy bottoms. If you get peckish, expect the boat’s little shop, as I was saying, selling drinks and snacks.

Gramvousa Peninsula: History and Views

After Balos, the boat carries on, in short, to Gramvousa. The island there is famous for two things, I’m sure, that is, its beach and its old fortress. Now, the beach is similar to Balos, just expect fewer people. It can get very busy, admittedly. That fortress, I mean, oh my, I’d be frank and suggest you make sure that you feel up to it because that ‘little’ walk can get very steep. Anyway, the views from the top are spectacular and often make it worth that ‘puff’. As a matter of fact, you can often see all along the coast, maybe even to Balos. If you don’t feel up to that walk, instead, chilling on the beach can also work well, and feel less of an ordeal, in that case. Again, expect some boat shop bites, just in case.

What Could Be Better

Right, I mean, is anything perfect, I ask you? Maybe not, well, seemingly not. Here are a few points. The microphone in the minibus may want some ‘tweaking’ to improve its audio quality so you don’t get people repeating everything. The boat often gets packed. If that gets you down, it might feel a bit like that 8:15 commute. If you are desperate for shade, bring that parasol because you might find there’s very little going around once there. Lunch isn’t provided so factor that in. You know, that could be a pro or a con, I’m just saying.

Overall Verdict

This tour to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Peninsula can give you those wow spots on Crete without having to faff around with buses or car hire, you know. That pick-up and drop-off, arguably, make the whole thing way easier, especially after a day in the sun. So too, that running commentary (dodgy mic or not) adds a bit. Look, that boat could be busy and, very, very much finding shade can be challenging. However, if you weigh that all up, is that even the thing we do anymore? This might sound like the simpler way, especially for solo travelers, or anyone who just prefers someone else taking care of it. Worth considering? Actually, it might be. If that sounds like your ‘bag’ of course.

Essential items for the tour

• Sunscreen, sun protection is a must.
• Comfortable shoes for the Gramvousa fortress.
• Swimsuit for Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa.
• Towel to dry after swimming.
• Hat to avoid sunstroke

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, typically. The shallow waters of Balos are fine for kids. Yet, consider if that climb up to Gramvousa Fortress will feel like “fun” for smaller kids. Don’t say I didn’t point that one out!

Are food and drinks included?

No. I mean, seemingly, as things usually go nowadays. Bring some snacks and some water or have a rummage around in the shops that you come across.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

Yep, actually there are some, yes! More like basic facilities, still, there should be one.

Can I swim at both Balos and Gramvousa?

You certainly may. If you wish too, that is. Both spots boast enticing, you know, tempting, tempting turquoise water.

What should I wear?

Think comfy clothes. And perhaps practical footwear if you plan to climb Gramvousa Fortress.

Disclaimer: Tour details, very, very much, change. The views expressed above typically reflect one person’s personal experiences.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article could be references to third party sites. If you go through them to make a purchase I might make a small bit of commission. Remember that this does not result in additional cost to you.

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