Prepare to be mesmerised at Crete's Balos beach

A day trip to Balos beach in Crete

It’s hard to know what’s more impressive: The magical blend of colours that greets you as you approach Balos beach from above, or the experience of wading into the still waters of the lagoon, surrounded by white sand with shimmering flecks of pink from crushed shells. One way or another, Balos is a beach that has rightly become a landmark of Europe as much as it has of Crete. 

Situated by the northwestern Gramvousa peninsula, Balos should be inked in on everyone’s wish-list when they visit Crete.

The exotic greens and blues of the water, the sweeping sandbanks and backdrop of Cape Tigani, and all the wild beauty of a Natura 2000-protected area… It’s an Instagrammer’s dream – especially from the viewpoint on your way down to the beach.

The water is perfect for snorkelling at the boundaries of the lagoon, where it gets a bit deeper. And don’t forget to explore. You can stroll across the peninsula to the shrub-covered Cape Tigani, narrowly connected to the mainland, and climb to the chapel of Agios Pantes. The sunset view from here is fantastic. 

The area supports rare species of flora and fauna, including birds such as Eleonora falcons, shags and cormorants nesting in nearby caves. Just please tread carefully so as not to disrupt the animals. The wider area also offers shelter to the Mediterranean monk seal and the caretta caretta sea turtle.