Balos and Gramvrousa Cruise from Kissamos

Our adventure today will start from the port of the seaside town of Kissamos (Kastelli) and head to the island of Gramvousa and Balos lagoon. 

Gramvousa refers to two small uninhabited islands off the coast of a peninsula, in north-western Crete. It was the ancient Korykos (meaning leather bag), while its current name derives from the Venetian word Garabuse. On the highest part of the island, the Venetians also built an impressive castle, which later became the base of the Cretan insurgents during the Greek War of Independence. The landscape is pristine and the cape and islets host innumerable bird species and wild plants.

Balos lagoon is formed between the Cape Gramvousa and the small Cape Tigani and is famous for its turquoise waters and wild natural beauty. It has white sand, which becomes pink on account of the crushed shells. Its shallow and warm waters are ideal for young swimmers, while on the edge of the lagoon, where the water is deeper and colder, it is ideal for snorkelling. Both Balos lagoon and Gramvousa are important natural habitats and protected under the European program Natura 2000.

Your departure from Kissamos port is scheduled in the morning, at about 10.30 hrs., and your return back to the port at about 18:00 hrs.