
Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion worth booking?
Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion is a 14-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $54 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (4)
- Duration
- 14 hours
- From
- $54 per person
Enjoy a hassle-free bus transfer from the main areas of Heraklion to Kissamos port. Purchase a boat cruise to Balos Lagoon and Grambousa island and hop aboard the bus after your cruise to return. We disembark at the island of Gramvousa also known as the “pirates’ island”. You can admire the famous fortress of Gramvousa built by the Venetians in 1579 high on a rock and if you want, you can climb up to admire the magnificent view. After our exploration of the area, you have plenty of time to enjoy our swim at the gorgeous beach with the wonderful colors or have lunch aboard. Balos, one of the loveliest places in Greece. The view of the lagoon is truly breathtaking and brings us in mind exotic beaches in the Caribbean.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a hassle-free bus transfer from the main areas of Heraklion to Kissamos port. Purchase a boat cruise to Balos Lagoon and Grambousa island and hop aboard the bus after your cruise to return. We disembark at the island of Gramvousa also known as the “pirates’ island”. You can admire the famous fortress of Gramvousa built by the Venetians in 1579 high on a rock and if you want, you can climb up to admire the magnificent view. After our exploration of the area, you have plenty of time to enjoy our swim at the gorgeous beach with the wonderful colors or have lunch aboard. Balos, one of the loveliest places in Greece. The view of the lagoon is truly breathtaking and brings us in mind exotic beaches in the Caribbean.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Air-Conditioned Bus
- Guide
Not included
- NO FOOD OPTION : 15€ Boat tickets
- Enviromental Tax 1euro
- FOOD OPTION : 25€ Boat tickets &Lunch
What you'll see and do
Kissamos
After 3 hour and 30 min. drive we get to Kastelli- Kissamos, where we take the boat from the port and sail around the peninsula of Gramvousa.
60 minutes here
Gramvousa Beach
The island of Gramvousa is associated with the struggle to liberate Crete from the Ottoman occupation. Three thousand revolutionaries used the island as their shelter for 3 years; to solve the problem of food scarcity, they took to piracy. Gramvousa nowadays is an important bird habitat in the Eastern Mediterranean region and is located along one of the bird migration ways in this part of the world. It is the habitat of over 100 bird species and 400 kinds of plants. Built 137m above sea level on this rocky island, it is one of the most impressive castles in Crete and worth the 15 minute hike up the footpath. Appropriate footwear is advisable & a hat in summer.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Balos Lagoon
Afterwards we take a 2nd short boat trip to the fabulous lagoon of Balos, a shallow and warm water lagoon and one of Crete’s loveliest spots. Here you can enjoy plenty of time of swimming in the inviting crystal clear waters of western Crete and sunbathing at the white sandy beach. Note: Possibility for lunch on board and on bus only.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, pl, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- TravelPath AllcreteTours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The remaining hours is for travel time from each place to another
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
1 mentionTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Physical effort
1 mentionExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Balos Lagoon
The trip was long but the finality of the beauty of the island of Gramvousa is wonderful, the Balos lagoon is surprising (plan for rock shoes because the mud and the rocks under the water are unpredictable)
via Viator (translated)
bittersweet experience, it started very badly but in the end it was resolved
the supplier contacted us the evening before via whatsapp. We were staying far from the pick-up points and had to drive there. We asked if there was a collection point closer to the one we had chosen and they told us no, We decided to keep the same collection point. get up at 4 in the morning, drive many km to arrive at the collection point at 6 in the morning. The bus did not pass because they assumed another collection point. We sent pre-messages to let them know we were there and post-messages along with calls to find out what was going on. All messages were ignored. Finally, after many discussions, they offered us to do another similar excursion on another day, we had to dismantle the whole organization of other excursions and cancel another because otherwise we would not be in time to visit Balos. The person who answered us by phone and the guide for the subsequent excursion were very professional. And the final excursion to Balos was a beautiful experience. We rate the second excursion positively.
via Viator
Wow
Beautiful lagoon of Balos. A bit ‘long the bus ride, however, the beautiful lagoon. You arrive by ferry and there is a breathtaking view.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Not to be missed
Another unforgettable day. Ideal if you don't have a car. You'll enjoy the view. For the more courageous, a short hike to the citadel or a swim. Second stage, the Balos lagoon. Relaxation and swimming in a magnificent environment with turquoise waters.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 14 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Fri
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by TravelPath AllcreteTours, who run 29 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.9.
See everything TravelPath AllcreteTours runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion cost?
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Prices start at $54 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 Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion take?
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Plan for about 14 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 Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 4 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 Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion?
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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 Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 14-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion?
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Around 1 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 14-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion 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, Quad Safari: Off-Road Day Tour with Dinner & Transfers. 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.
What is included in Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Air-Conditioned Bus; and Guide. Not included: NO FOOD OPTION : 15€ Boat tickets; Enviromental Tax 1euro; and FOOD OPTION : 25€ Boat tickets &Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 275 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, Polish and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Gramvousa and Balos Tour From Heraklion?
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Across 4 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, the guide, organization. The views and photo stops come up again and again. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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