The famous lagoon of Balos is about 56 km northwest of Chania and 17 km northwest of Kissamos. It is a shallow sandy beach formed between the Gramvousa peninsula and the smaller Cape Tigani, under the imposing Geroschinou mountain range. Balos is definitely the most photographed beach of Crete, a very favorite theme of all tourist guides in Greece. It is famous for its turquoise waters, wild natural beauty and exquisite exotic scenery. In summer, the beach is flooded daily by hundreds of visitors, who mostly arrive by boat from Kissamos.

The lagoon of Balos has white sand and exotic white, deep blue-green and turquoise waters. The sea is very shallow and warm, ideal destination for young children as well. In many places, the sand has a lovely pink color, coming from the crushed sea shells. Beyond the rocks, the waters are deeper and cooler, ideal snoekeling. The surrounding area, and Balos, are part of the Natura protection program, with rare species of flora and fauna. Despite the fact that it is a protected area, unfortunately in recent years, a canteen and umbrellas have appeared on the beach.

Balos can be accessed in three ways. The first and easiest way is to take the morning ferry from Kissamos. If you do not want to come by boat and have a car or motorbike, you can drive in the dirt road, starting from Kaliviani and running along the Cape Gramvousa. Near Kaliviani you have to pay a small fee destined for the protection of the Balos Reserve and preservation of the road. After 10km the road stops at a wide parking area, next to a canteen, just over the lagoon. From there, you can walk down in the 1km long path leading to the beach.
However, the most exciting way to access Balos is by trekking for three hours from Kaliviani, crossing the rough and dry landscape Gramvousa and the range of Platyskinos.

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