Located on Crete’s stunning Gramvousa Peninsula, this beach is renowned for its striking scenery and unspoiled natural beauty. It’s no wonder that Princess Diana and the then Prince Charles chose to swim in its crystal-clear lagoon during their honeymoon aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. The stunning Balos Lagoon is located around 34 miles northwest of Chania and 10 miles northwest of Kissamos, between Cape Gramvousa and Cape Tigani, and beneath the Platiskinos mountain range.
Balos Lagoon was named the top beach in the 2025 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards for Best of the Best Beaches for its crystal clear water and white sand with a « semi-private feel ». With calm, shallow waters, TripAdvisor said this is an ideal spot for families with young children.
Visitors can also explore nearby historical sites, including the chapel of Saint George and the Roman remains at Cape Korykon.
The easiest and most popular option is taking a ferry from Kissamos Port which offers great views of the Gramvousa Peninsula and stops at the nearby Imeri Gramvousa islet for a swim before heading to Balos Beach.
Crete is also home to beautiful mountain ranges, picturesque villages, and charming coastal towns like Chania and Rethymno.
Originally the site of the ancient Minoan city of Kidonia, Chania has a captivating blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences, which are visible in its stunning architecture and vibrant culture.
The Old Town boasts maze-like alleys, beautiful Venetian mansions, ancient fountains, and impressive churches, all set against the backdrop of the Venetian Harbour and Old Lighthouse.
Heraklion is the largest city on the island and serves as Crete’s administrative and economic hub.
In the capital, you’ll find ancient ruins of the Minoan civilization at the Palace of Knossos, the impressive Koules Fortress by the harbour, and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum filled with artifacts that tell the story of the island’s rich history.
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