Elafonissi Beach and Balos From Rethymno

Imagine standing on the powdery pink sands of Elafonissi Beach, the crystalline waters of Balos Lagoon just a short boat ride away. This captivating excursion from Rethymno promises to whisk you through Crete’s stunning western landscapes, where the Mediterranean’s most alluring natural wonders await. With an experienced guide leading the way, you’ll have the chance to learn about these picturesque settings – but will the limited time at each leave you yearning for more? Discover the delights and potential drawbacks of this popular day trip, and decide whether it’s the ideal way to experience Crete’s breathtaking coastal gems.

Key Points

• The tour offers excursions to the popular Elafonissi Beach and Balos Lagoon in western Crete, operated by TravelPath AllcreteTours.
• The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a guide, and boat tickets to the Balos Lagoon.
• Travelers have limited time at each location, with 30 minutes at Balos Lagoon and 1 hour at Elafonissi Beach.
• The boat journey to Balos Lagoon may pose challenges for some visitors, especially the elderly or young children, due to potential choppy conditions.
• The tour has received mixed reviews, with concerns raised about safety, limited time at the destinations, and delays leading to a late return time.

Tour Overview

Offering an exciting adventure to the picturesque shores of western Crete, the "Elafonissi Beach and Balos From Rethymno" tour promises a stunning exploration of the region’s natural wonders.

Rated 2.5/5 based on 2 reviews, this excursion takes visitors to the stunning Elafonissi Beach and the breathtaking Balos Lagoon.

Accommodating up to 50 travelers, the tour is operated by TravelPath AllcreteTours and includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a guide, and boat tickets.

However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

With significant travel between locations and potential timing issues, this tour offers a unique but potentially challenging experience for visitors.

Inclusions and Pickup

The tour package includes an air-conditioned vehicle to transport travelers in comfort, along with an experienced guide to provide insights and commentary throughout the journey.

Boat tickets to Balos lagoon are included, as is the ecological fee for visiting this protected area.

Pickup details are provided via a voucher sent the day before the tour, ensuring a seamless start to the experience.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the transportation.

Detailed information and accessibility are key considerations for travelers to make an informed decision about this tour.

Travel Time and Itinerary

This tour involves significant travel between the two main destinations, Elafonissi Beach and Balos lagoon. The journey takes over 4 hours each way, with an hour-long boat ride to the famous Balos lagoon.

Visitors should be prepared for:

1. A lengthy drive, which can be tiring, especially for children and the elderly.
2. A potentially rough boat trip to Balos, which isn’t recommended for those prone to seasickness.
3. Limited time at each location, with only 30 minutes at Balos and just 1 hour at Elafonissi due to timing issues.
4. A late return, often as late as 8:45 PM, making this a long and exhausting day.

Despite the challenges, the stunning scenery of Elafonissi and Balos make this tour a unique and memorable experience.

Boat Journey to Balos

The boat journey to the Balos lagoon is a thrilling and scenic adventure that transports visitors across the glistening Aegean waters.

As the boat glides across the waves, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the stunning turquoise hues of the lagoon.

However, it’s important to note that the boat ride can be quite choppy, particularly during windy or stormy conditions.

This may pose a challenge for those who are elderly or traveling with young children, as the rough seas can be uncomfortable and even unsafe.

Despite the potential discomfort, the boat ride remains an integral part of the Balos experience, offering a unique and unforgettable way to explore this natural wonder.

Time at Balos Lagoon

Once visitors have braved the boat journey, they’re rewarded with the chance to experience the captivating Balos lagoon firsthand.

Though the available time is limited to just 30 minutes, it’s a chance to truly soak in the breathtaking views. The lagoon’s turquoise waters, pristine white sandy beaches, and rugged cliffs create a mesmerizing landscape.

Visitors can:

1. Wade in the shallow, warm waters
2. Explore the natural tidal pools
3. Snap photos of the jaw-dropping scenery
4. Admire the unique geology and ecosystem

While the short duration may leave some wanting more, the Balos lagoon offers a tantalizing glimpse into one of Greece’s most stunning natural treasures.

Elafonissi Beach Experience

Visitors eagerly anticipate the highlight of the tour – exploring the captivating Elafonissi Beach. Renowned for its soft, pink-hued sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this picturesque paradise lives up to the hype.

The planned 2-hour stay, however, is cut short to just 1 hour due to timing issues, leaving travelers feeling rushed and disappointed. Despite the limited time, travelers are able to soak in the breathtaking scenery, wade in the inviting shallows, and snap postcardesque photos.

The abrupt departure leaves many yearning for more time to fully enjoy the beach’s natural beauty and tranquility.

Tour Reviews and Feedback

Travelers’ feedback on the Elafonissi Beach and Balos tour paints a mixed picture.

While some appreciated the stunning natural beauty, others had significant concerns. The tour received a 2.5/5 rating based on just 2 reviews.

Key issues included:

1. Safety worries about the boat journey to Balos, especially for the elderly and children.
2. Disappointment over the limited time – just 30 minutes at Balos and only 1 hour at Elafonissi instead of the planned 2 hours.
3. Frustration with unplanned extra costs requested during the tour.
4. Delays leading to a later-than-expected return time of 8:45 pm instead of the scheduled 7:00 pm.

Despite the breathtaking landscapes, the tour’s execution left much to be desired according to these reviews.

Recap

The tour to Elafonissi Beach and Balos Lagoon from Rethymno offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the stunning natural beauty of western Crete. While the limited time at both locations may leave visitors craving more, the breathtaking landscapes and the scenic boat journey to Balos make this tour a must-do experience for anyone seeking to enjoy the region’s captivating coastal wonders.