Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island or Chania Old Town
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
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Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 27 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island or Chania Old Town worth booking?
Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island or Chania Old Town is a 12-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $44 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 27 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (27)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $44 per person
Want to spend an unforgettable day away from the hustle and bustle of cities, in complete relaxation of the soul and body? Enjoy the one-hour cruise from the port of Castelli to the island of Gramvoussa, on the open dec
What you get
- Boat ticket EUR 22.00 per person
- Pick-up from your hotel (at the specific tourist bus stop, outside of the hotel)
- Entrance ticket to Gramvousa (children up to 12y.o.free) EUR 1.00 per person
- Transfer with air-conditioned bus
- Boat ticket - Child (4-12) EUR 11.00 per person
- Certified tour-guide
About this experience
Want to spend an unforgettable day away from the hustle and bustle of cities, in complete relaxation of the soul and body? Enjoy the one-hour cruise from the port of Castelli to the island of Gramvoussa, on the open deck liner from which you can admire the bright natural phenomenon of twelve shades of the sea of the Bay of Balos. After landing on the pirate island of Gramvousa, go to the top of Venetian fortress which was built in 1597 with sweeping views of the Bay. The ascent takes about twenty minutes. Experience Balos Lagoon Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches of Crete with beautiful water and soft sand. Monday and Thursday include a visit to Balos beach and Rethymno town. Tuesday and Wednesday include a visit to Balos beach and Gramvousa island.
What's included
Included
- Boat ticket EUR 22.00 per person
- Pick-up from your hotel (at the specific tourist bus stop, outside of the hotel)
- Entrance ticket to Gramvousa (children up to 12y.o.free) EUR 1.00 per person
- Transfer with air-conditioned bus
- Boat ticket - Child (4-12) EUR 11.00 per person
- Certified tour-guide
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Balos Lagoon
After the visit of the island of Gramvousa, you can swim in the azure waters of Balon Lagoon with its white and pink sand. It will be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your holiday in Greece.
90 minutes here
The excursion boat departs daily from Castelli in the morning and returns in the evening. A total of 60 minutes' journey divides Castelli from the island of Gramvousa. After landing on the pirate island of Gramvousa, a walking tour is proposed to the Venetian fortress which was built in 1597 on a hilltop with sweeping views of the Bay. The ascent takes about twenty minutes. Visit the island on Tuesday and Wednesday.
90 minutes here
Chania Town
Visit one of most diverse cultural centers of Greece: Chania city. The second largest city of Crete, it attracts tourists from all over the world for its unique blend of Venetian, Ottoman, Byzantine and Greek cultures. Visit the city on Monday and Thursday
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Balos beach + Chania town
Pick-up Area 1: Amudara/Heraklion/Karteros/Amnissos/Kokkini Hani/Gournes/Gouves/Analipsi/Anissaras/Hersonissos/Stalida/Malia/Sissi Pickup included
Gramvousa Island- Balos Lagoon
Pick-up Area 2: Sises/Fodele/Agia Pelagia/Ligaria/Achlada/Mades/Ammoudi/Rodia/Palaiokastro/Pantanassa /Linoperamata/Gazi Pickup included
Gramvousa Island& Balos Lagoon
Pick-up Area 1: Amudara/Heraklion/Karteros/Amnissos/Kokkini Hani/Gournes/Gouves/Analipsi/Anissaras/Hersonissos/Stalida/Malia/Sissi Pickup included
Balos beach and Chania town
Pick-up Area 1: Amudara/Heraklion/Karteros/Amnissos/Kokkini Hani/Gournes/Gouves/Analipsi/Anissaras/Hersonissos/Stalida/Malia/Sissi Pickup included
Gramvousa Island-Balos Lagoon
Gramvousa-Balos/Pick-up Area 1: Amudara/Heraklion/Karteros/Amnissos/Kokkini Hani/Gournes/Gouves/Analipsi/Anissaras/Hersonissos/Stalida/Malia/Sissi Pickup included
Balos Lagoon- Gramvousa Island
Balos-Gramvousa/Pick-up Area 2: Sises/Fodele/Agia Pelagia/Ligaria/Achlada/Mades/Ammoudi/Rodia/Palaiokastro/Pantanassa /Linoperamata/Gazi Pickup included
Balos Lagoon and Chania town
Pick-up Area 2: Rethymno/Panormo/Bali/Sises/Fodele/Agia Pelagia/Ligaria/Achlada/Mades/Ammoudi/Rodia/Palaiokastro/Pantanassa/Linoperamata Pickup included
Balos Lagoone + Chania town
Pick-up Area 2: Sises/Fodele/Agia Pelagia/Ligaria/Achlada/Mades/Ammoudi/Rodia/Palaiokastro/Pantanassa /Linoperamata/Gazi Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, pl, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Status MLB Travel Agency
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- If an infant does not sit on lap in the bus, It is necessary to pay a child ticket.
- Pick-up from the specific bus stops next to the hotels. From Area 1: all the villages between Amudara/Heraklion/Karteros/Amnissos/Kokkini Hani/Gournes/Gouves/Analipsi/Anissaras/Hersonissos/Stalida/Malia/Sissi
- Pick-up from the specific bus stops next to the hotels. From Area 2: Sises/Fodele/Agia Pelagia/Ligaria/Achlada/Mades/Ammoudi/Rodia/Palaiokastro/Pantanassa /Linoperamata/Gazi
- After booking we will contact you to arrange the pick-up. Please, note, if you do not provide your pick-up details up to 24 hours before the tour, we do not guarantee the pick-up. For pick-up from different location, please, contact us.
- Monday: English, German, French, Polish, Italian. The program includes a visit to Balos beach and Rethymno town.
- Tuesday: English, French, Polish. The program includes a visit to Balos beach and Gramvousa island.
- Wednesday: English. The program includes a visit to Balos beach and Gramvousa island.
- Thursday: English, German, French, Polish. The program includes a visit to Balos beach and Rethymno town.
- In case you are affected by the sea sickness, make sure to take a medicine 1 hour before getting on the ship.
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
- Price range
- $44 to $96
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island or Chania Old Town: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island or Chania Old Town cost?
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Prices start at $44 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Heraklion usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island or Chania Old Town take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Heraklion is not rushed.
Is Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island or Chania Old Town worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 27 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island or Chania Old Town?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island or Chania Old Town suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island or Chania Old Town?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Heraklion can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Heraklion and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Island or Chania Old Town start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Heraklion within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Heraklion?
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On Outty we rank every Heraklion experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory, Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour, 5Hour Safari Tour in Crete(Heraklion)with Quad,Jeep,Buggy & Lunch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Heraklion?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Heraklion?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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