Tavronitis Balos & Gramvousa Boat Trip Review: Is It Worth It?
Alright, planning a vacation can be very exciting, specifically when Crete, this gem of an island with beautiful beaches and stuff, is on your list, it’s pretty hard to decide what you might like to see first. One trip that you will usually come across when doing your research is that the Tavronitis Balos and Gramvousa Island boat trip is rather talked about. So, the question many have is: Is this really worth your time, very money, and a bit of sunblock?
What to Anticipate from the Tavronitis Departure
You know, starting your day in Tavronitis gives this particular boat trip a more off the beaten path kind of feel, instead of going from, say, Kissamos which is that usual starting place for seeing Balos and Gramvousa. Tavronitis is actually this relaxed, more quiet village that is slightly west of Chania. That starting point also offers you this more serene pre-departure experience.
Boarding is often, in some respects, surprisingly easy. These boat tours, by the way, they are run by local businesses. As you sort of settle onto the boat, you will often find there’s this nice mix of travelers, from families and couples to solo explorers. That sort of community vibe adds that appealing touch to it all. As you slowly pull away, you’ll see the beautiful shoreline of Crete begin to unfold. So that’s rather a nice scene to take in!
Balos Lagoon: A Beachgoer’s Kind of Dream
As I was saying, the boat makes its way very, very carefully to Balos Lagoon and you might agree with everyone there when they tell you the view alone makes the entire trip so, so worthwhile. Often described as paradise, Balos has, arguably, shallow, turquoise water and fine, almost white sand. Because of that, it creates that unbelievable, postcard kind of image.
Once the boat docks, which is usually just off shore, you actually get that bit of free time, say around two to three hours typically, that you might like to take to just wander around and that. The really shallow water makes it very awesome for kids, so, families that are involved here seem pretty happy. On the other hand, grown-ups might prefer just stretching out on the sand, taking it easy and that, or just getting that kind of picture perfect Instagram snapshot. It is that dreamy kind of place where relaxing is kind of mandatory, really. Oh, and bring your camera, like your memories really, really will thank you later.
Gramvousa Island: That Castle With A View
After you visit Balos, usually the boat then heads towards Gramvousa Island. So this small island is basically pretty famous for its historical fortress that actually sits atop a rather, pretty high hill. Very hot tip, be ready for something of a climb, that, is, if you actually decide you will explore the castle!
The climb to the Venetian fortress that sits at the peak of the island that’s rather a real workout, it could be, specifically in that Cretan sunshine. That said, that 360-degree view you get that very, very top is just something else. In a way, you might also see some cool historical bits as you trek about. Very interesting is that castle, too it’s almost this look into Gramvousa’s past, you see, once that pirate stronghold.
Once you have descended, you may find the beach actually gives a very refreshing spot that you might need to cool down. The waters at Gramvousa that is usually super clear and very enticing for something of a quick swim.
Snacks, Sunscreen, and Seaside Sanity: Trip Essentials
You see, a little bit of planning can make that Tavronitis to Balos plus Gramvousa boat trip super easy, you will think. First, sunscreen, like, very high SPF sunscreen. That Cretan sun, that, really does not mess around.
Second, bringing some water and some snacks actually is, pretty often, recommended. Because the boat has very limited options and they’re really that bit pricey, I heard. The boat almost tends to be, unsurprisingly, quite busy, specifically during peak times. Because of this, getting on board fairly early that, so, really does help you grab something of a good spot.
Third, do not actually forget that swimwear and a towel. So you might be very happy that you do, if you did. Gramvousa as well as Balos, basically both scream “swim time!”. That beach time will be super exciting!
Forth, a hat and that are also sunglasses are those essential items you should totally be packing. That sun is fairly intense. Basically, taking some cash along with that might prove something useful for anything from some small purchases to those tourist trinkets.
What Might Not Be Ideal
Now, no trip is really something that you would call paradise, it seems. As I was saying, this is what to actually bear in that mind about the boat trip. First off, that journey sometimes can feel that bit long, depending that on how you feel about boats and all that. Also that boat can get quite busy during top tourist months, basically meaning your search for that prime selfie spot might take that bit longer.
And talking about the climb to that castle on Gramvousa; if you actually don’t think you’d actually like too much effort or you do actually have walking issues, just maybe think about just relaxing by that beach instead. The heat really does also make a simple climb up that bit more hard.
Finally, bear in that mind: you really, really, are traveling at sea; things could actually change according to very nature’s whims. As a matter of fact, it always makes good sense if you watch those forecasts and be basically open to just changes just in case the wind picks up. Remember to make it a plan!
Is That Tavronitis Boat Trip Really Worth It, I Wonder?
If actually what you would enjoy are some incredible beaches and just a little exploration, then that boat trip departing very near Tavronitis for that matter actually proves that good choice. Balos Lagoon, along with Gramvousa are something that you must go see in Crete – and you should. Now you do not want to forget that this is a pretty popular kind of trip. Thus, because of that, what I always, always, always say, manage your personal desires against stuff just like crowds, time, heat, too it’s almost getting the best fun! The boat cruise really has amazing landscape.
So if those stunning places beckon to your interests, then yes, I am suggesting packing that bag and grabbing a ticket – it’ll, for example, usually create something good when traveling. It actually gets you the view with far less travel time than doing your own personal thing!
If you don’t have to haul yourself, I am telling you to go get those sun tan marks!
Quick List For Future-You To Remember This Trip:
- Balos Lagoon’s Beauty: Crystal waters; unforgettable photos.
- Historical Gramvousa: Be Ready to go get something for the greatest viewpoints!
- Beach Time At Both: Make that day the time to use the clear and really cool water there.
- Necessary Prepping: Plenty more SPF; enough hydration; don’t ignore this.
Are food or any beverages already on-board, I wonder?
Well usually, most of those boats have things you could get but they might not all just offer that large of any kind, or those healthier and low price options for you.
How would you go about not having that bad time just trying just reach Tavronitis?
Okay, so basically if you actually do not already own a rental car, very consider doing just that! Now those taxi rides is basically what costs pretty high there or you do not often locate more affordable choices around so something is important there.
What is something good to have with what is coming and coming soon, you would be thinking?
Usually what everyone likes a bit just walking somewhere more, you really, really, would basically prefer those footwear with more aid when actually thinking to climb Gramvousa’s tower because there are really some really that more really rock terrain here or I will go a bit further you may wish using what just stands very nicely to walk those shores for all there may prove just this very jagged coast, you now that!
The waters at both sides could cause much of anything for me being this that fairly that less certain person or very any of just them?
Right so basically usually most portions what stands, very that calm, are still fairly better for you or maybe just not you with having more children near too! Balos there may, of all, could have this more little slope, like your child basically will get used something what it might, I told everyone once! Thus Gramvousa it that will not stand what is for you but very keep something that might, possibly with what others suggest around; be with what is safe at beach with children!!