Balos Beach: A Journey to Crete's Crystal-Clear Waters

#beachtime Balos Beach is one of Crete's most famous and stunning beaches, located on the northwest coast of the island. Here's a travel guide to help you plan your visit: ### Getting There: - **By Boat**: The most popular way to reach Balos is by boat from Kissamos (a port town about 40 km west of Chania). The boat trip takes around 1 hour and offers scenic views of the coastline and the lagoon. - **By Car**: You can also drive to the Balos Beach parking area, though the road leading to the beach is unpaved and quite rugged. If you're traveling by car, be prepared for a rough, bumpy ride. From the parking area, there is a hike of about 20-30 minutes down to the beach. - **Hiking**: For the adventurous, hiking to Balos is a great option. There are trails from the parking lot at the end of the road. It's a steep hike, but the view from the top is absolutely worth the effort. ### Best Time to Visit: - **Avoid the crowds**: The best time to visit is early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The beach gets quite crowded during the summer, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. - **Off-season**: For a more peaceful experience, try visiting in late spring or early autumn when the weather is still warm, but the number of tourists is significantly lower. ### What to Expect: - **The Lagoon**: Balos is famous for its unique lagoon, which combines shallow turquoise waters and white sand. The water is crystal clear, and the beach is perfect for swimming, relaxing, and sunbathing. - **Wildlife**: The area around Balos Beach is also home to some unique wildlife, such as rare birds and goats that roam freely in the area. - **Views**: The hike down to the beach offers breathtaking panoramic views of the lagoon and the surrounding landscape. The sight of the turquoise waters stretching into the horizon is one of the most photographed spots in Crete. - **Facilities**: There are no facilities directly on the beach, so bring water, snacks, and essentials. There’s a small canteen at the top of the hill near the parking area where you can buy drinks and light snacks. ### Tips: - **Wear proper shoes**: If you're planning to hike, wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, especially if you're driving to the beach and hiking down. - **Sun Protection**: There is limited shade, so make sure to bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. - **Trash**: Help keep the area clean by taking your trash with you, as it’s a protected natural area. Balos Beach is a paradise, and with a little preparation, it can be a memorable and relaxing experience during your trip to Crete.