Location
Balos Lagoon
Chania
Balos Lagoon – Chania
Balos is an exceptional example of a natural lagoon, where crystal-clear water spreads shallowly across wide sandbanks. The colors shift with the light and time of day, creating striking gradations of blue, turquoise, and pink. The area is protected, and rules are in place prohibiting activities such as collecting shells or driving off designated routes. The cliffs surrounding Balos provide shelter for birds and the wild kri-kri goats. Even in high season, taking just a few steps away from the main access point is enough to feel as though you’ve entered a secluded paradise.
Description
Balos Beach is located at the northwestern tip of Crete, near Cape Tigani. It can be reached in two ways: by boat from the port of Kissamos, or by car via the village of Kaliviani. The dirt road from Kaliviani to the Balos parking area is about eight kilometers long, narrow, rocky, and full of potholes. It is passable for regular cars, though many rental companies do not insure vehicles on this route. The parking area is paid (around 1–2 EUR per person, occasionally also charged as an entry fee) and unattended.
From the parking lot, a hiking path of approximately 1.5 kilometers leads down to the beach, with about 200 meters of elevation change. The descent takes around 20–30 minutes. The return climb is steep and can be strenuous. There is no shade, and the trail is exposed to full sun and wind.
There is minimal infrastructure on the beach: only seasonal food stalls, no toilets, showers, or lifeguards. The water is shallow, but depending on the time of day and tides, strong currents and waves may occur. A visit is not recommended for elderly visitors, those with heart, circulatory, or respiratory problems, or families with small children, especially on hot days. There are no safety barriers and no protection from dehydration. A hat, sunscreen, and at least 1.5 liters of water per person are essential. The return hike to the car can be very demanding.
Location
Chania
Coordinates: 35.57927, 23.58872