Rethymno Area: Gramvousa Island & Balos, Boat Ticket Extra

Balos Lagoon is the star here: pale sand, shallow blue-green water, and a long day that takes you far from Rethymno without the stress of driving. Gramvousa adds a more dramatic note, with a beach, clear water, and a 16th-century Venetian fortress above the island.

I like the included hotel pickup and drop-off, especially when your accommodation is in Rethymno, Georgioupoli, Panormo, or one of the nearby resort areas. I also like the generous swimming time, with about 2.5 hours at Balos and roughly 1.5 hours at Gramvousa. The main catch is cost: the advertised $20 price does not include the boat, which costs €36 per adult in most cases, plus food and possible fortress entry.

Key points at a glance

• Balos Lagoon gives you about 2.5 hours for swimming, walking, and photographs.
• Gramvousa combines beach time with a steep 137-meter climb to a Venetian fortress.
• The bus ride takes about two hours each way, but pickup and drop-off remove the need to rent a car.
• The boat is the real extra expense, at €36 cash per adult or €19 cash for children aged 5 to 12.
• Bring sturdy walking shoes, as the fortress path is rocky and exposed.
• The boat can feel crowded, and the onboard bar may have long waits for water.

Why Balos and Gramvousa make a strong full-day outing

Western Crete has some of the island’s most famous coastal views, but getting there from Rethymno takes effort. This excursion handles the long transfer by bus, then shifts you to a boat for the final approach to the beaches.

The reward is variety. Balos is about color and open space: white sand, shallow lagoon water, and a broad view across the bay. Gramvousa feels more rugged. You can swim from the shore, sit in the sun, or walk uphill to the old fortress for a wide view over the sea.

You should expect a long day, usually 10 to 12 hours. That is not a quick beach stop. It is a major outing with two substantial bus rides, several boat journeys, and enough free time to make the trip worthwhile.

The tour suits you best if you want to see western Crete without driving unfamiliar roads or arranging your own port transport. It is less suitable if you dislike long transfers, crowded boats, steep walking, or carrying your own food and beach supplies.

Leaving Rethymno at about 7:45

Pickup is available from many locations around Rethymno and the nearby coast, including Rethymno town, Platanes, Perivolia, Adelianos Kampos, Sfakaki, Stavromenos, Skaleta, Panormo, Bali, Georgioupoli, Kavros, Gerani, Petres, Dramia, Episkopi, and Atsipopoulo.

If you stay in Rethymno’s Old Town, the stated meeting point is the bus stop near the Church of the Four Martyrs. In other areas, pickup is from your hotel or the nearest point accessible to the bus. You receive the exact instructions separately from the operator, so check your email before the morning of departure.

The first bus leg takes about two hours. You travel along Crete’s new national road, passing the Bay of Souda and the former Cretan capital of Chania before reaching Kissamos on the western side of the island.

The air-conditioned bus is an important part of the value. You can rest during the long ride instead of navigating, parking, or worrying about the return journey after a full day in the sun. A guide provides information in English, German, or French on the operating days listed for the tour, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

Kissamos Port and the boat crossing

At Kissamos, you have about 30 minutes before boarding. Use this pause for a restroom stop, a quick snack, or to buy water if you have not packed enough.

The boat crossing to the beaches takes about an hour. The trip itself is scenic, but do not expect a quiet private cruise. One practical point is that the boat may be heavily loaded, and you might need to stand during part of the crossing. The onboard bar can also become slow at busy times, with waits of 20 to 25 minutes for a bottle of water reported during a crowded departure.

Pack your own water and snacks. Lunch is available for purchase onboard, but you should not rely on the bar when you are thirsty or when the boat is full. Cash is important, since the boat charge is collected separately and the tour information specifically tells you to bring it.

The exact order of the two stops can vary in the supplied schedule. One description places Balos first, while the transport outline lists Gramvousa first. Confirm the day’s order with your guide at Kissamos. Either way, the boat links the two sites in one outing.

Balos Lagoon: beautiful water, limited shade

Balos is the place most people picture when they consider this excursion. The lagoon has pale sand and unusually clear water in blue and green shades. The shallow water makes it easy to wade in, cool off, and spend time close to shore.

You get about 2.5 hours at Balos in the main description, while the transport outline gives a shorter 1.5-hour stop. Since the published timings do not match perfectly, treat the schedule as approximate and listen to the guide’s instructions on the day.

Your time here is free time rather than a guided beach program. You can swim, walk along the sand, take photographs, or simply sit near the water. The setting is exposed, so bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and enough drinking water.

Sun umbrellas are available to rent, but they cost extra. Shade may be limited, and the white sand reflects the sun strongly. A towel and beachwear are essential, while water shoes can be useful if you prefer more protection underfoot.

Balos is also the place where time can pass quickly. The lagoon looks close and calm, but you still need to leave room for walking back to the boat and following the group’s departure instructions. Do not wander so far that you turn a relaxing beach stop into a rushed return.

Gramvousa Island and the 137-meter climb

Gramvousa gives you a different kind of coastal experience. After the boat ride from Balos, or before it depending on the day’s order, you have roughly 1.5 hours on the island according to the main description. The transport outline allows about three hours at Gramvousa, so once again, use the guide’s instructions as the final word.

The island’s beach is a good choice if you want another swim. The water can feel noticeably cooler than Balos. One detailed account put the Gramvousa water at about 18 to 19 degrees Celsius, compared with around 25 degrees at Balos. After a hot walk, that cooler water can feel welcome, but it may be brisk when you first enter.

The Venetian Fortress sits 137 meters above the beach. The climb is optional, and it requires proper walking shoes. You gain wide views over the surrounding sea and coast, but the path is exposed and can be demanding in strong heat.

Do not treat this as a casual stroll in flip-flops. The tour information specifically calls for walking shoes, and the climb is a poor match for anyone with limited mobility or difficulty on uneven ground. If the temperature is near 35 degrees, as it has been on past summer departures, you may prefer to swim and rest rather than push uphill.

There is also an entry charge listed for the fortress, €30, and it is not part of the basic tour price. Carry cash so you are not caught short if you decide to go up.

The return journey and the real length of the day

After the island stop, the boat returns to Kissamos in about an hour. You then board the bus for the roughly two-hour ride back toward Rethymno and your drop-off point.

The full outing can last 10 to 12 hours. Add the early pickup and the possibility of a late return, and this is a day that needs planning. Do not schedule an evening reservation that depends on arriving back at a precise time.

The long return can be tiring, especially after swimming and walking in the sun. Still, the bus is a practical advantage. You can sit in air conditioning and let someone else handle the road while you recover from the day.

What the $20 price really covers

At $20 per person, the advertised price looks unusually low for a full-day trip. It covers the air-conditioned bus, transfers, driver, guide on the specified language days, liability insurance, and free time at both destinations.

The important catch is the boat ticket. The standard listed price is €36 cash per adult and €19 cash per child aged 5 to 12. The information also notes a different boat cost of €35 on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so check the exact amount before departure.

That means your actual base cost is closer to $20 plus the boat fee, not $20 all in. You may also pay for the Venetian Fortress, lunch, drinks, and an umbrella. A photographer is available on the boat for another charge.

I still think the package can offer good value if you want both islands in one day. The bus transfer from Rethymno, the port connection, and the coordination of boat times would be awkward to arrange on your own. But you should compare the total cost, not just the headline price.

The guides, staff, and organization

The strongest part of the human service is the organization. Guides named in past departures include Anastasia, Kostas, George, and Georgios. George was especially praised for keeping the day smooth, answering questions, and adding humor to the long journey.

The driver and guide matter here because the day has several moving parts: early pickup, a port arrival, boat boarding, beach departure times, and the return bus. A clear guide helps you understand where to meet and how much time you have at each stop.

The tour is not presented as a private beach day. You share transport and boat space with other passengers. A private group option is available, but the standard experience is a group outing, and the boat may be crowded.

What to pack for a smoother day

Keep your day bag simple but complete:

• Water and cash
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Swimsuit and towel
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Beach shoes if your feet are sensitive on rocky ground
• A small snack, even though food is sold onboard

The most useful item is water. You can buy it on the boat, but the bar may be slow when many people want service at once.

Wear your walking shoes for the whole day or keep them easy to reach. They are needed for the fortress, and flip-flops are not a sensible choice for the climb.

Who should book this excursion?

I would choose this tour if you are staying in the listed pickup areas and want to see Balos and Gramvousa without renting a car. It works especially well for couples, families with older children, and active visitors who are happy with a long day and flexible beach time.

Children aged 5 to 12 have a reduced boat charge, listed as €19. The beaches may be appealing to families, but parents should plan for sun, exposed ground, and the need to keep track of boat departure times.

I would think twice if you use a wheelchair, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. I would also skip it if you want a quiet, uncrowded boat trip or if you dislike long hours on the road.

The tour is weather-sensitive in practical terms. Strong wind can make the boat ride less comfortable, although the water and views can still be impressive. A cancellation option is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Final verdict: book it for the scenery, not the convenience alone

Book this outing if Balos is high on your Crete list and you want Gramvousa included on the same day. The scenery is the main reason to go, while the hotel pickup, air-conditioned bus, and helpful guides make the logistics far easier than arranging the route yourself.

Just budget honestly. Add the €36 adult boat fee, possible fortress entry, food, drinks, and an umbrella to the advertised $20. Bring cash, water, sturdy shoes, and patience for a crowded boat.

For a beach-and-history day with striking views, this is a strong choice. For a peaceful beach escape with plenty of personal space, look elsewhere.

FAQ

How long does the Rethymno to Gramvousa and Balos tour last?

The activity lasts about 10 to 12 hours, including the bus rides, boat crossings, and free time at Balos and Gramvousa.

What time does the tour leave Rethymno?

Departure is approximately 7:45 in the morning. The exact pickup time depends on your location.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from listed areas around Rethymno, including Rethymno town, Panormo, Skaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, Atsipopoulo, Kavros, and Georgioupolis. Pickup may be from your hotel or the closest vehicle-accessible point.

How much is the boat ticket?

The listed boat charge is €36 cash per adult and €19 cash per child aged 5 to 12. The information also notes a boat cost of €35 on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Is the boat ticket included in the $20 tour price?

No. The bus transfer and tour services are included, but the Gramvousa and Balos boat ticket must be paid separately.

Is the Venetian Fortress ticket included?

No. A separate fortress entry charge of €30 is listed.

How much time do I get at Balos Lagoon?

The main description gives approximately 2.5 hours at Balos. Another schedule lists 1.5 hours, so confirm the exact timing with your guide on the day.

Can I climb to the Venetian Fortress?

Yes, the climb is optional. The route rises about 137 meters, and walking shoes are necessary.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and water can be purchased onboard the boat, but you should bring cash and consider carrying your own water and snacks.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users.