Balos Beach

Balos is the lagoon at the foot of the wild Gramvousa peninsula in north-west Crete: a sweep of white sand and very shallow water in bands of turquoise and blue, closed off by a sandbar and the rocky headland of Cape Tigani. Seen from the path above, it is one of the defining views of the island. The area is protected.

There are two ways in. By land, a long dirt road runs up the peninsula from Kaliviani to a car park, where you typically pay a small environmental fee and parking; from there a steep path leads down in around 20 to 30 minutes, and the climb back in the afternoon heat is hard work. By sea, excursion boats run from Kissamos port in summer, often combined with Gramvousa islet. Bring water and shade, and expect crowds when the boats arrive.