Gramvoussa - Balos in Heraklion, Greece
Heraklion, Greece

Gramvoussa - Balos

Outty Ranking 59 4.0 · 10 traveler reviews16 hoursFrom $37
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.0/5

Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Gramvoussa - Balos worth booking?

Gramvoussa - Balos is a 16-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $37 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
4/5 (10)
Duration
16 hours
From
$37 per person

Discover one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece on a fantastic cruise to the most western part of Crete. Stop at the island of Gramvoussa, where you can see hundreds of birds and plant species. Go to the lagoon at Balos and swim. Discover an extraordinary geological phenomenon Sail to the "Pirates' Island" of Gramvoussa Swim in the lagoon at Balos Disembark on the island of Gramvousa, with its Venetian castle. Also known as "Pirates' Island," Gramvousa used to be a hiding place for rebels. The broader area of Gramvousa forms one of the most significant hydro-biotopes of the eastern Mediterranean. Here, you can encounter over 100 bird and 400 plant species.Enjoy plenty of free time to swim at a gorgeous beach. Admire the wonderful colors and take a few photos of the famous shipwreck. Continue your cruise to the lagoon of Balos and discover one of the loveliest sites in Greece. Get a breathtaking view of the lagoon, before the return journey to the meeting point.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece on a fantastic cruise to the most western part of Crete. Stop at the island of Gramvoussa, where you can see hundreds of birds and plant species. Go to the lagoon at Balos and swim. Discover an extraordinary geological phenomenon Sail to the "Pirates' Island" of Gramvoussa Swim in the lagoon at Balos Disembark on the island of Gramvousa, with its Venetian castle. Also known as "Pirates' Island," Gramvousa used to be a hiding place for rebels. The broader area of Gramvousa forms one of the most significant hydro-biotopes of the eastern Mediterranean. Here, you can encounter over 100 bird and 400 plant species.Enjoy plenty of free time to swim at a gorgeous beach. Admire the wonderful colors and take a few photos of the famous shipwreck. Continue your cruise to the lagoon of Balos and discover one of the loveliest sites in Greece. Get a breathtaking view of the lagoon, before the return journey to the meeting point.

    What's included

    Included

    • Liability insurance
    • • Experienced drivers
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Live tour guide

    Not included

    • Boat ticket (children 4 to 11 years old 20€ )
    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Kissamos

      Harbor

      20 minutes here

    2. Gramvousa Fortress

      Beach and enough time to visit the castle

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Balos Lagoon

      spent your time at one of the most beautifu beaches

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Tour in EN

      Pickup included

    • Agia Pelagia

      Bus/Coach : Airconditioned modern coach with experienced and reliable drivers Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, fr
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Wed
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    TOURLINE

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Gramvoussa - Balos in Heraklion, photo 2Gramvoussa - Balos in Heraklion, photo 3Gramvoussa - Balos in Heraklion, photo 4Gramvoussa - Balos in Heraklion, photo 5Gramvoussa - Balos in Heraklion, photo 6Gramvoussa - Balos in Heraklion, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    10 verified traveler reviews for Gramvoussa - Balos. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    6
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    oana a · July 2026

    A wonderful day

    They are very well organized, the day was wonderful and our guide Vivi and the driver Iorgos were marvelous. I highly recommend it

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    AntonioJeko17 · July 2025

    Gramvoussa and Balos Lagoon – Wild Paradise in Crete

    The first stop on the classic hike is the island of Imeri Gramvoussa, a wild islet topped by a 17th-century Venetian fortress. The arrival is spectacular: tourist boats dock in a small bay with turquoise water and golden beach. History buffs can take a short climb to the Gramvoussa Fortress, where the panoramic view is breathtaking, with the blue of the sea merging with the sky. It's worth the effort, even under the scorching sun. 📌 What to do in Gramvoussa: Climb to the Venetian fortress (about 20 minutes, comfortable shoes!) Refreshing bath in the bay Spectacular photos of the rusty wreck on the shore

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    928vivb · June 2025

    Bad experience with Lidia tour lider and driver George.

    First thing Lidia the tour lider was looking over for the wellbeing of polish people she split our group of 5 even if we were 2 couples with 1 child. She didn't leave the boat to come with us in the tour. The other tour lider Mihaela stayed and slept in the boat și no guidance. Second on the way back the driver George was speeding and he was involved in a car accident. They didn't change the bus. The driver wasn't looking in the road he was chating with Lidia. When we left they pit stop they were asking the other guide what happend. The short story on a 2 Lane road a driver hit a cat. The cat remained on the road. The car in front of the bus hit the break to avoid impact with the cat because it was still moving. Our bus smashed this car with full speed.

    Response from the operator: Dear guest, Thank you for your feedback. We’re truly sorry that your experience during the Gramvousa–Balos tour did not meet your expectations. Regarding the coach incident, the situation was promptly assessed by local authorities and deemed minor. The police authorized the continuation of the tour after confirming all documents and conditions were in order, and safety remained our top priority. As for your comments about the tour guides, we regret that you felt unsupported. It's important to note that during the boat trip, guests have designated free time to explore independently, and guides are not required to accompany them at every stage. While we cannot confirm the accuracy of certain personal observations, we’ve reviewed your comments internally with our team to ensure attentiveness remains a standard across all tours. We value your input, as it allows us to grow and improve. We hope to have the opportunity to offer you a more seamless and enjoyable experience in the future. Warm regards Tourline Team

    via Tripadvisor

    cinzia2904 · June 2025

    Indescribable wonderful

    Beach out of the ordinary.. Indescribable... Exciting view for the vastness of the beach and its incredible colors ranging from golden sand to pink... To all shades of the blue of the sea.. Difficult to reach with 8km of dirt road and a long... We preferred to get there by boat... Simpler... With Elafonissi are the absolute best beaches around here.... Not to be missed

    Response from the operator: Dear guests, Thank you very much for your wonderful feedback. We are delighted that you enjoyed the beauty of this unique beach and its incredible colors. It is true that the access by land can be challenging, and arriving by boat is often the most comfortable option. We are happy that the experience was memorable for you and that you consider it one of the best beaches in the area. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again on another tour. Kind regards, Tourline Team

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Dream28533983990 · June 2024

    Must-see

    I had a great day. Breathtaking sights and landscapes plan towels even in May ,I fear the cold I bathed

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Good to know

    Duration
    16 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Wed
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by TOURLINE, who run 4 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.5.

    See everything TOURLINE runs

    Why this scores 59

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)57
    Review evidence (18% weight)39
    Booking momentum (14% weight)32
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)25
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Gramvoussa - Balos: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.

    How much does Gramvoussa - Balos cost?

    +

    Prices start at $37 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 Gramvoussa - Balos take?

    +

    Plan for about 16 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 Gramvoussa - Balos worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 10 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 Gramvoussa - Balos?

    +

    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 Gramvoussa - Balos suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 16-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Gramvoussa - Balos?

    +

    Around 4 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?

    +

    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 16-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Gramvoussa - Balos start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Gramvoussa - Balos?

    +

    Included: Liability insurance; • Experienced drivers; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Live tour guide. Not included: Boat ticket (children 4 to 11 years old 20€ ); and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Gramvoussa - Balos include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 69 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Gramvoussa - Balos offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English 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 Gramvoussa - Balos?

    +

    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 Gramvoussa - Balos wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Gramvoussa - Balos if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Gramvoussa - Balos?

    +

    Across 10 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, the guide. The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    What booking options are available for Gramvoussa - Balos?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Tour in EN, Agia Pelagia. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

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