West of Chania and north-west of the village of Kissamos there is the wild and remote Gramvousa peninsula. It is formed by steep rocks and it is covered with thyme, origanum bushes and wild flowers. On the north-west side of the peninsula, opposite to the island of Gramvoussa and the Gramvousa castle, there is the wonderful beach of Balos. The most famous Balos lagoon is covered with fine white sand; the same white sand covers the bottom of the sea and grants to the sea an emerald color.
You can get a boat from the Kastelli-Kissamos harbour at about 10 am to visit the Balos lagoon; otherwise you have to go on foot. The road to the beach stops about 2 km before it and the visitor has to follow a pave road with gorgeous views to reach it. It takes about half an hour to go down, and the climb up in the end of the day, when you come back, is much more difficult.
During the last years the local authorities have built a seafront tavern and a canteen in the lagoon, next to the sea, so it is not necessary to bring your own food.
Route : Chania - Kolymbari - Kissamos - Balos
Balos lagoon is one of the purest, sandy beaches of Crete which cannot be reached by car. The visitors can either follow the New National road until Kissamos or make a stop in the seaside village of Kolymbari.
You can make a short visit to Kolymbari (23 km west of Chania), and the Gonia Monastery which is located one kilometer to the north.
After that, you can enter again the New National Road, and move to the west. You cross the plain of Kissamos to reach the seaside town Kastelli. It is located 42 km far from Chania (about 20 km from Kolymbari), a lovely small town with a long beach and a few cafes and tavernas.
You have two options to go to the Balos lagoon. You can either get a boat from the Kastelli-Kissamos harbour at about 10 am to the Balos beach and the Gramvousa peninsula, or you should by car and at the end on foot.
