Chania: Gramvousa and Balos Beach Full-Day Bus and Boat Trip

Chania, a picturesque town on the island of Crete, is home to some of Greece’s most breathtaking natural wonders. One such gem is the Gramvousa and Balos Beach, a stunning destination that’s easily accessible through a full-day bus and boat trip. For just $34.95 per person, travelers can embark on a journey that promises to captivate the senses – from the scenic drive through Cretan landscapes to the exploration of a historic castle and the ultimate relaxation on Balos Beach’s powdery sands. With convenient pickup locations, onboard refreshments, and a flexible cancellation policy, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the beauty and history of this remarkable region.

Key Points

• This full-day bus and boat trip offers a scenic journey to explore the stunning Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach near Chania, Crete.
• The tour includes a 40-minute bus transfer, an 80-minute scenic drive, 2 hours to explore Gramvousa Island, and 1.5 hours at the beautiful Balos Beach.
• The trip is priced at $34.95 per person, with a flexible cancellation policy allowing free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• Onboard purchases of snacks, drinks, and traditional Cretan cuisine are available, and the tour is offered in multiple languages.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and proper footwear is recommended for the rocky and slippery hiking paths on Gramvousa Island.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview

This full-day bus and boat trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Beach offers visitors an opportunity to explore the stunning natural landscape and history of western Crete.

Priced at $34.95 per person, the 8-hour excursion is available in multiple languages, including English, Romanian, Dutch, and German.

The trip’s flexible cancellation policy allows for free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers can choose from 25 pickup locations around Chania before embarking on an 80-minute scenic drive, followed by exploring Gramvousa Island and the renowned Balos Beach.

Throughout the journey, participants can purchase snacks, drinks, and traditional Cretan cuisine while enjoying the comfort of an air-conditioned bus and modern boat facilities.

Itinerary Details

The trip begins with a 40-minute bus transfer to the boat departure point.

Travelers then embark on an 80-minute scenic drive through the captivating Cretan landscape before arriving at Gramvousa Island.

There, they’ll have 2.05 hours to explore the island and hike up to the historic Gramvousa Castle, built in 1579.

After the visit to Gramvousa, travelers board a 15-minute ferry to reach the stunning Balos Beach.

They’ll have 1.5 hours of free time to soak up the sun, swim in the azure lagoon, and enjoy the soft white sands.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour offers several highlights that captivate visitors, starting with the chance to explore Gramvousa Island and hike up to its historic 1579-built castle.

Guests will also get to experience the stunning Balos Beach, known for its soft white sands and azure lagoon waters.

Plus, the tour provides opportunities to purchase refreshing snacks, drinks, and traditional Cretan cuisine on board the boat.

Travelers can enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned bus and a boat with modern facilities throughout the day’s excursion.

• Discover Gramvousa Island and its castle

• Relax on the beautiful Balos Beach

• Savor Cretan food and drinks on the boat

• Travel in air-conditioned comfort

What to Bring

For this Chania: Gramvousa and Balos Beach trip, visitors should pack a few essential items.

Comfortable shoes for hiking are a must, as the paths leading to Gramvousa Castle can be quite rocky and potentially slippery.

Swimwear and a change of clothes are also recommended, as guests will have the opportunity to swim and relax at the beautiful Balos Beach.

Don’t forget to bring a towel and sunscreen to protect against the Mediterranean sun.

A camera is a great idea to capture the stunning landscapes and crystal-clear waters.

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Important Considerations

Certain groups may find this Chania: Gramvousa and Balos Beach trip unsuitable, as the tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users.

Plus, severe weather conditions could lead to the rescheduling or refunding of the trip, so customers should be aware of the weather forecast when planning their excursion.

Should participants have any questions or require assistance with their bookings, they can contact the trip’s customer service for support.

Finally, visitors are advised to wear proper footwear when hiking the paths leading to Gramvousa Castle, as the terrain can be rocky and potentially slippery.

The trip’s important considerations include:

• Unsuitability for wheelchair users

• Possible rescheduling or refunding due to severe weather

• Available customer service support

• Need for proper footwear for rocky and slippery hiking paths

Customer Feedback

Based on the 8 reviews of the Chania: Gramvousa and Balos Beach trip, customers generally rated the experience a solid 3.8 out of 5 stars. Reviewers highlighted the breathtaking swimming conditions at Balos Beach as a major highlight, praising the azure waters and soft white sands. However, some noted the need for proper footwear when hiking the rocky paths leading to Gramvousa Castle.

Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback
Stunning views of Balos Beach	Slippery hiking trails
Comfortable bus and boat transport	Limited time at Balos Beach
Opportunity to explore Gramvousa Castle	Lack of snorkeling equipment rental
Delicious Cretan cuisine options	Crowded conditions at peak times
Friendly and knowledgeable staff	–

Pickup Locations

The trip offers 25 convenient pickup locations around Chania, including popular spots like Marina Sands, Crazy Taste, and Lotus Hotel Apartments, allowing travelers to easily access the excursion.

The wide range of pickup options ensures that guests can choose a location that’s most suitable for their accommodation or starting point.

This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those who may be staying in different areas of Chania or prefer a pickup location that’s closer to their hotel or residence.

The pickup locations are strategically selected to provide a seamless and hassle-free experience for all participants.

• Marina Sands

• Crazy Taste

• Lotus Hotel Apartments

• Akti Oluntou

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can cancel their Gramvousa and Balos Beach trip reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, while cancellations between 24 and 12 hours prior receive a 50% refund; reservations canceled less than 12 hours before the scheduled departure are non-refundable. The cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while also ensuring efficient planning for the tour operator.

Cancellation Window	Refund
Up to 24 hours in advance	100%
24 to 12 hours in advance	50%
Less than 12 hours	0%

This policy allows customers to receive a full or partial refund if their plans change, while also protecting the tour operator from last-minute cancellations that can disrupt the trip logistics.

Recap

This full-day bus and boat tour to Gramvousa and Balos Beach in Chania offers an exceptional value for travelers seeking breathtaking scenery and a chance to explore Crete’s natural wonders.

With convenient pickup locations, onboard refreshments, and a flexible cancellation policy, it’s an ideal way to experience the stunning landscapes and beaches that make this region so captivating.

You can check if your dates are available here: