From Rethymno: Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Peninsula with PickUp

Key Points

• Price and Duration: This full-day tour costs $11 per person and lasts approximately 11.5 hours.
• Transportation: Starts with a comfortable, air-conditioned bus pickup from Rethymno and continues with a ferry cruise from Kissamos port.
• Main Highlights: Excursions include swimming at Balos Lagoon, visiting Gramvousa Island, and climbing to the Venetian Fortress for panoramic views.
• Unique Feature: Due to government restrictions, the ferry anchors 300 meters from Balos shore, offering a swimmable distance from the boat.
• Inclusions and Extras: The tour covers pickup/drop-off, guided insights, and ferry tickets, but lunch and sunbeds are additional costs.
• Best For: Visitors seeking natural beauty, scenic boat rides, and historical sites in Crete, with a moderate level of physical activity involved.

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Starting Point and Transportation Logistics

This tour departs directly from the Rethymno region, with five pickup options including Stavromenos, Skaleta, Adelianos Kampos, Rethimno, and Sfakaki. The bus ride to Kissamos Port takes about two hours, providing comfortable, air-conditioned travel led by professional drivers.

Once at Kissamos Port, the group boards a ferry for a 75-minute cruise along the South Aegean Sea. The transportation arrangement ensures a smooth transition from the mainland to the coastal adventures of Crete, with pickup and drop-off included for convenience.

Exploring Balos Lagoon: Scenic and Refreshing

Balos Lagoon is one of the tour’s standout locations, famous for its powdery white sands and turquoise waters. Due to new government restrictions, the ferry anchors around 300 meters from the shore, meaning visitors have the chance to swim from the boat and enjoy the waters directly.

You’ll find about 2.5 hours at Balos Lagoon, ample time for swimming, taking photos, and relaxing. The natural surroundings offer scenic views that are perfect for a leisurely walk or snorkeling. Since no sunbeds or umbrellas are included, visitors often bring their own beach gear for added comfort.

Visiting Gramvousa Island and the Venetian Fortress

The cruise next takes you to Gramvousa Peninsula, where the ferry docks right on the shore for around 2 hours. Here, you can hike up to the Venetian Fortress, which takes approximately 20 minutes over rocky terrain, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

The fortress offers spectacular views of the island and sea, making the climb worthwhile. Alternatively, visitors can relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters surrounding Gramvousa. The area provides excellent photo opportunities and a chance to experience a piece of Crete’s historical landscape.

The Boat Ride: Panoramic Views of Crete’s Coastline

The ferry cruise itself is a highlight, with beautiful views of the Cretan coastline and the Aegean Sea. The 75-minute journey offers a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for taking photos or simply enjoying the scenery.

Onboard, food and beverages are available for purchase, giving travelers a chance to refresh during the cruise. The boat ride connects the two major stops and provides a comfortable, scenic experience en route to Crete’s most popular sights.

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Important Tour Details and Practical Tips

The entire tour lasts approximately 11.5 hours, making it a full-day commitment. It features five pickup locations within Rethymno, with an early morning pickup and a return to your hotel in the late afternoon or evening.

Participants should bring comfortable shoes, sun protection such as hats and sunscreen, and swimwear. The admission fee of €1 at Balos Lagoon is collected before boarding, and ferry tickets cost 38 euros for adults and 19 euros for children (3-12 years old).

Since the Fortress climb involves rocky paths, sturdy shoes are advised. For dietary needs, packing a picnic or buying food at Kissamos port before boarding is recommended, especially since lunch is not included.

What the Tour Does Not Include

While the tour covers ferry tickets, transportation, guides, and legal charges, it does not include sunbeds, umbrellas, or lunch. Travelers should plan for additional expenses if they want to rent sunbeds or buy food and drinks onboard.

The tour does not accommodate wheelchair users, as the terrain at Gramvousa involves rocky pathways and hiking. Travelers with mobility concerns should consider this before booking.

The Guide and Overall Experience

The knowledgeable guides on this tour provide valuable insights and helpful tips, enhancing the overall experience. Guides speak English, French, and German, although some reviews note that language support may be limited at times, especially during the boat cruise.

Most participants appreciate the friendly staff and the organized nature of the trip. The scenic stops, swimming opportunities, and historical sites make it a memorable day exploring Crete’s coastline and islands.

Tour Pricing and Flexibility

At $11 per person, this tour offers excellent value for a full-day experience with pickup included. The reservation process allows pay later options, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour date, providing flexibility for changing plans.

Similar Tours and Alternatives

This experience is comparable to other full-day boat cruises in Crete, with options that include all-inclusive packages, additional stops, or different routes. Links to similar experiences are available for those interested in exploring more coastal adventures or luxury options like catamaran cruises.

Final Thoughts on the Rethymno Balos and Gramvousa Tour

This tour combines scenic boat rides, historic sites, and relaxing beach time in one convenient package. The value for money is high, especially considering the guided insights and transport arrangements.

While lunch and sunbeds are additional costs, the natural beauty and historical charm of Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon make this tour a solid choice. It’s ideal for visitors wanting a comprehensive day of swimming, sightseeing, and photo opportunities on Crete’s stunning coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, pickup and drop-off services from Rethymno to Kissamos Port are included, along with bus and ferry transportation.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and beachwear. It’s also wise to carry cash for admission and ferry tickets.

Can I climb the Venetian Fortress?
Yes, the fortress can be reached by a 20-minute rocky hike. Sturdy shoes are recommended for this climb.

Are there food options onboard?
Yes, food and drinks are available for purchase during the boat cruise, but lunch is not included in the tour price.

Is there wheelchair accessibility?
No, the terrain at Gramvousa involves rocky paths, so the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

How flexible is the booking?
You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the scheduled date.

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