Day Trip To Gramvousa & Balos Lagoon With Food Option

Exploring the breathtaking beauty of Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon is an unforgettable experience that awaits adventurous travelers. This 16-hour day trip, priced at €46.00 per person, promises to transport you to a world of stunning landscapes, rich history, and tranquil beaches. With a scenic bus transfer, a tour of a historic pirate castle, and the opportunity to relax on one of Europe’s most renowned beaches, this excursion offers a well-rounded adventure. But the true allure lies in the chance to uncover the fascinating stories and ecological wonders that make this destination so captivating. Intrigued? Let’s delve deeper into the details of this remarkable journey.

This experience made our list of the 18 Best Food Tours In Heraklion.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 16-hour day trip to explore the stunning Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon, ranked as the 8th best beach in Europe.
• Convenient pickup from 13 locations across Crete and air-conditioned bus transportation provided.
• Option to purchase a pre-packed lunch box with sandwiches, fruit, and water for a hassle-free experience.
• Opportunity to visit the historic Pirate Castle on Gramvousa Island and swim in the refreshing waters of Balos Lagoon.
• Highly rated tour with an overall 4.3 out of 5 score, praised for its breathtaking scenery and knowledgeable tour guides.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview and Pricing

This day trip to Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon is priced at €46.00 per person and lasts approximately 16 hours.

It offers travelers the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Bookings can be made with no upfront payment, allowing customers to reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour includes pickup from 13 convenient locations across Crete, ensuring easy accessibility for participants.

With its stunning natural beauty, historical significance, and range of activities, this day trip promises an unforgettable experience for visitors to explore the breathtaking landscapes and turquoise waters of this unique destination in Crete.

Itinerary and Locations

The day trip offers pickup from 13 convenient locations across Crete, including Kato Gouves, Heraklion, Ligaria, and Kokkini Hani, ensuring easy accessibility for participants. After the pickup, the air-conditioned bus transfers travelers to Kissamos port, a 3-hour journey. Once there, the group visits the picturesque Gramvousa Island, where they can explore the historic pirate castle, swim in the refreshing waters, and soak in the scenic views. Next, the tour heads to the stunning Balos Beach and Lagoon, offering another opportunity for swimming and relaxation. Finally, the bus returns to the original pickup points, completing the 16-hour adventure.

Pickup Locations	Balos Beach	Gramvousa Island
Kato Gouves	Free time	Free time
Heraklion	Swimming	Swimming
Ligaria	Scenic views	Scenic views
Kokkini Hani	Walking	Walking
Karteros		Pirate castle

Highlights and Activities

Visitors can expect an unforgettable experience as they explore the stunning landscapes and engage in a variety of activities during the day trip to Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon.

The itinerary includes visiting the 8th best beach in Europe – Balos Lagoon. Guests can walk through the romantic lagoon, swim in the refreshing waters, and take in the breathtaking views.

At Gramvousa, they’ll have the opportunity to explore the historical Pirate Castle, which offers impressive vistas and insights into the area’s revolutionary past.

Throughout the day, there will be two swim stops, allowing travelers to cool off and fully enjoy the natural beauty of this remarkable destination.

Historical and Ecological Significance

Gramvousa holds historical significance as a former shelter for revolutionaries during the Ottoman occupation, while its association with piracy stemmed from the island’s food scarcity at the time.

The island is also an important bird habitat, boasting over 100 bird species and 400 plant types.

The castle on Gramvousa, built 137 meters above sea level, is a must-see, with a 15-minute hike recommended to reach it.

Balos Lagoon, on the other hand, is recognized for its ecological importance, as it provides a unique habitat for diverse flora and fauna.

Exploring these natural wonders on the day trip will offer visitors a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich history and environmental significance.

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Included Amenities and Preparation

Complementing the trip’s historical and ecological highlights, the excursion includes an array of amenities to enhance the overall experience for travelers.

The air-conditioned luxury bus and knowledgeable tour guide provide comfortable and informative transportation. Refreshing drinks and handy umbrellas are also provided.

While exploring the stunning landscapes, visitors are encouraged to bring essential items like sunglasses, hats, swimwear, and sunscreen to fully enjoy the natural beauty.

Final details like pickup time and location are conveniently available a day before the tour through the AllCreteVoucher website.

With thoughtful inclusions and helpful preparation tips, this day trip promises an unforgettable adventure in Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon.

Pickup Locations and Transfer

Pickup from 13 conveniently located points across Crete’s north coast, including major resort areas like Heraklion, Malia, and Chersonisus, kicks off this comprehensive day trip to Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon.

After a 3-hour bus transfer, the adventure begins with:

• Exploring the historic Gramvousa Pirate Castle, perched 137 meters above the sea and offering panoramic views.

• Swimming in the refreshing waters of Gramvousa Beach.

• Visiting the stunning Balos Lagoon, one of Europe’s top-rated beaches.

• Strolling along the picturesque Balos shoreline and enjoying the area’s natural splendor.

• Convenient return transfers to the original pickup points, completing this full-day excursion.

Boat Ticket and Food Options

The boat ticket to reach the Balos Lagoon is included in the tour price, allowing visitors to easily access this stunning coastal destination.

For those interested in enjoying a meal during the trip, an additional €25 can be paid to receive a pre-packed lunch box with sandwiches, fruit, and bottled water.

This convenient food option ensures travelers don’t have to worry about packing their own meals, allowing them to fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery and activities throughout the day.

Whether choosing to bring their own snacks or opt for the provided lunch, guests can look forward to a hassle-free and enjoyable experience at the magnificent Balos Lagoon.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the day trip to Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon, resulting in an impressive overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on customer feedback.

Reviewers have highlighted several key aspects that contribute to the trip’s popularity:

• The breathtaking scenery and pristine beaches at both Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon

• The knowledgeable and friendly tour guides who provide insightful commentary

• The convenience of the included transportation and boat tickets

• The opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters and explore the historical Gramvousa Castle

• The overall value for money, with many noting the reasonable price for the extensive itinerary and inclusions.

This combination of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and excellent organization has made this day trip a must-do activity for visitors to Crete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the trip. The tour includes access to the sites and transportation, but visitors are free to pack their own meals and refreshments if they prefer.

Will There Be Wi-Fi Available During the Trip?

Unfortunately, there is no mention of Wi-Fi availability during the trip. The information provided focuses on the itinerary, inclusions, and highlights of the day tour, without specific details about internet connectivity on the bus or at the destinations.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to join the trip. However, the activities may not be suitable for very young children, so parental discretion is advised.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a private group. Travelers can contact the tour provider to arrange a private trip with personalized pickup and drop-off locations. Private group options are available, subject to availability and additional fees.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

Yes, there are discounts available for children and seniors on this day trip. Children under 12 receive a 50% discount, while seniors aged 65+ get a 20% discount off the regular per-person price.

Recap

This day trip to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of western Crete.

With a convenient bus transfer, historical castle, and stunning beach, the tour offers an unforgettable experience for a reasonable price.

The optional food package and knowledgeable guides ensure a seamless and enjoyable adventure, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to enjoy the natural beauty and rich history of this captivating region.

You can check if your dates are available here: