• Location: At the northwestern tip of Crete, between the Gramvousa peninsula and Cape Tigani
• Access: By boat from Kissamos or via a rugged dirt road from Kaliviani
• Attractions: Balos Lagoon, Venetian castle, shipwreck on Imeri Gramvousa
• Protection: Natura area with rare species of flora and fauna
• History: Venetian castle later used by pirates

Between the Gramvousa peninsula and Cape Tigani, at the northwestern tip of Crete, lies a paradise on earth, Balos.

Balos is located approximately 56 km from Chania and 17 km from Kissamos. To reach it, you can either take a boat from Kissamos or drive along a rough dirt road from Kaliviani. The road runs along the cape and stops near a path, from which you walk about 1 km to reach one of nature’s wonders.

Before your eyes unfolds a large lagoon with shallow light-colored waters. All around, white and pink sand. Nearby, the sea shimmers in various shades of blue. The turquoise waters and the unique geomorphology of the area create a fairy-tale-like scenery.

The entire area is part of the Natura protection program. Rare species of fauna and flora reside in this magical place. Eleonora’s falcons, cormorants, and shags nest here, while Caretta Caretta turtles lay their eggs in the warm sand of the exotic beach.

Wild and Calm Gramvousa

Opposite the beautiful Balos are the islands of Imeri and Agria Gramvousa. Agria Gramvousa, located at the northern tip of the cape, is particularly difficult to access due to the tall cliffs that naturally fortify the island.

Imeri Gramvousa is more accessible. On its southern side, there is a small port where boats from Kissamos stop. The area hosts the famous Gramvousa shipwreck and the imposing Venetian fortress, built in 1584, which was used by pirates as a base in the 19th century.

Gramvousa has a significant history, having been a strategic point between the Venetians and Ottomans. The castle, perched 137 meters high, began construction by the Venetians and was later used as a pirate stronghold. Greek pirates dominated the Mediterranean from 1825 to 1828 with Gramvousa as their base.