map of Crete Balos beach is a beach that is situated all the way in the north-west of Crete on the Gramvousa peninsula. You can reach Balos Beach in two ways. One way to get to Balos Beach is by car over a (not very good) road. You have to drive slowly, and the last part of the route is not suitable for cars. You'll still have to walk a an hour and a half before you're on the beach and back the hike lasts a little longer because you must climb up. Easier it is to go to the beach of Balos by boat from Kissamos. View the Gramvousa page where the trip by boat is described. The boat from Kissamos makes a day trip to the island Gramvousa and then goes to the beach of Balos.

On some sites you might read that the beach is pristine and quiet and that is unknown to most people, but the day trip to Balos Beach is popular, so in the afternoon as the boat docks at the pier of Balos Beach it can suddenly get rather crowded, especially during high season. Most people go to the beach on the left side of the bay, because the sea is deeper here. The beach on the right side is for a large part very shallow and only if you walk a good bit you can go swimming. The water is clear and you can take a good look at the fish.

On the beach of Balos itself there are not many amenities. I believe there is one small taverna on the beach behind the shallow bay. In any case, it is advisable to bring a lot of water if you go to Balos Beach (especially if you come by car to Balos Beach and have to walk the last part). There are also some people that have set up their tent and are camping. The sand is very fine in structure and in some places it is a little wet, so just watch where you lay down your towel. The white sand that can be found at Balos also gives the sea a beautiful white color.

Near the beach of Balos there is a beautiful small old church that you can go and see. When we were there this small church was also open and you could burn a candle inside. If you want to see the church of Balos Beach you have to follow the path that leads them from behind the house that is on the left side of the beach with the deeper water (I believe this is also a taverna but probably only opened in high season). The church dates from the 19th century. Above the rocks and mountains that surround Balos Beach you can regularly see birds of prey.

Critical note 2015: I was warned that nowadays it can get so busy on Balos beach, that traffic regularly gets stuck and that on some days about 10.000 people visit this beach where there are only TWO toilets, so be aware in what kind of sea water you could be swimming.