2025 Kissamos Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

#beachcheck Visiting Balos Beach in Crete was an unforgettable experience! 🏖️💙 Located on the northwestern tip of the island, this place is a true paradise. The drive to the beach is a bit of an adventure itself, with a dirt road and a bit of a hike down to the beach, but trust me, it's worth every effort! 🚶♂️ When you finally see the stunning turquoise waters and the white sand, you'll know you've arrived at one of the most beautiful spots in Greece. The water is shallow and crystal clear, perfect for a refreshing swim. 🌊 There’s no entrance fee to get to Balos, but if you prefer a more comfortable journey, you can take a boat tour from Kissamos, which costs around €30. The boat ride offers breathtaking views of the coastline and stops at the island of Gramvousa, where you can explore a Venetian fortress. 🏰 I spent my time at Balos sunbathing and snorkeling; the underwater life is amazing! 🐠 If you’re into photography, make sure to bring your camera because every angle is picture-perfect. Nearby, you can explore Falassarna Beach, another stunning spot, or visit the town of Chania, about an hour’s drive away, to enjoy some traditional Cretan cuisine. 🍲 If you're planning a trip to Crete, don't miss out on Balos Beach. It’s the perfect spot to relax, soak up the sun, and marvel at nature’s beauty. 🌺 #trip #BalosBeach #CreteParadise #GreekIslands #BeachLife #TravelGreece

Balos lagoon is one of the best destinations to visit in Crete, it’s located in Kissamoss, near Chania Airport, Crete (40 min driving) . Kissamoss port provides a ferry cruise ticket package which starts at 10:30 am bringing you to this beautiful and transparent lagoon for 2 hours visit, after brings you to another two hours to Gramvousa beach, where you can see a Castle and also the Dimitros old wreck ship, and bring you back to Kissamoss port around 5pm. I think it’s one of the best destination for a day tour in Crete, and Kissamoss will also offer many choices of traditional Greek restaurants for dinner after the tour. The beaches are very clean and rich of life! Getting There - Ferry from Kissamoss 10:30 am only Attractions - lagoon, beaches, landscape and sea

Gramvousa beach is very clean, beautiful and full of fishes and special rocks, it’s an unpopulated spot only reachable by boat ferry at 10:30 at from Kissamoss port in Crete, in 40 min driving from Chania. I highly recommend to pass by , because kissamoss offer a ticket ferry which includes not only Gramvousa beach , but also Balon lagoon, those are top best destinations to go in Crete ! Getting There - From Chania airport in Crete you can choose some hotels near the beautiful old town, from there you can choose to go by excursions with the many travel agencies on the road , or choose to rent a car (much cheaper) and drive by yourself (40 min). Do not forget the ferry is 10:30 am Attractions - beach, beautiful landscape and cultural buildings and the Dimitrios Ship Wreck Food & Restaurants - food is very limited, there is a canteen/bar in the ferry which will park the whole day to the beach, or only a small bar near the beach.

In June 2024, my family and I embarked on a week-long self-driving trip to Crete, Greece, filled with surprises and challenges. Eastern Warmth: Leisurely Days Under the Scorching Sun For the first three days, we stayed at Creta Blue Boutique Hotel & Suites in the eastern part of the island. Crete greeted us with blazing heat, with temperatures soaring to 42°C, but the hotel's cozy ambiance and pool offered a refreshing escape. Despite the sweltering weather, the laid-back charm of the east helped us ease into island life. Western Wilderness: The Allure of Hidden Beaches For the next three days, we moved to the town of Kissamos in the west, staying at Kallistefan. Its biggest perk? Proximity to the famous Balos Beach. The winding, rugged mountain road to Balos tested our driving skills, but the breathtaking view—pristine sands and turquoise waters—made every bump worth it. It’s a must-visit spot in Crete. Beyond Balos, we also ventured to the legendary pink sand beach. The journey there was equally long and mountainous, but the stunning scenery along the way made every twist and turn a visual feast. Stepping onto the faintly pink-hued sand left us in awe of nature’s magic. Overall, despite the heat and challenging mountain roads, Crete’s self-driving adventure was incredibly rewarding, thanks to its unique beaches and spectacular landscapes.

Visiting Gramvousa Island was truly an unforgettable experience. 🌊✨ I took a small boat, and in less than an hour, I arrived at this dreamlike destination. The first thing that struck me: crystal-clear, turquoise waters unlike anything I had seen before. 💎💦 The beach is absolutely stunning, with soft sand and perfect temperatures for relaxing and enjoying the sea. ☀️🌴 A true paradise where time seems to stand still. Plus, the view of the ancient Venetian castle atop the island adds a magical touch to the landscape. 🏰🌅 If you're visiting Crete, Gramvousa is a must-see. It's the perfect spot for a relaxing day in one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. 😍🚤 #europetravel

#getgoing2025 Falassarna Beach, Crete, Greece Courtesy Chania Vacation Best thing about the sand at Falassarna? There’s so much of it there’s little chance of playing beach-mat overlap with strangers. This slice of coast takes in five consecutive beaches, the middle ones being most popular, the ones on the ends better for solitary sun lovers.

🌲Greece, a country with a long history and rich culture, always attracts countless tourists with its charming scenery and profound cultural heritage. Chania, located in the northwest of Crete, Greece, is a shining pearl on this land. 🌲Chania has unique natural scenery. The climate here is pleasant, with a subtropical Mediterranean climate, spring-like all year round, and sunny. The olive trees, vineyards, and citrus groves on the island are lush, and the flowers are in full bloom, as if you are in a dreamlike garden. The surrounding Aegean Sea is even more beautiful. Whether you are walking on the soft sandy beach or taking a boat to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the sea and sky, you will feel relaxed and happy. In Chania, you can explore the natural scenery here. Balos Lagoon Must is a picturesque scenic spot, where the clear lake water and the blue sea complement each other, forming a beautiful picture. 🌲Gramvousa Beach attracts countless tourists with its unique rock landscape and clear sea water. In addition, the pink beach in Lagnisi, Crete, is not to be missed. The beach here presents a charming pink color, which, together with the blue sky, white clouds, and blue sea, forms a fascinating picture. 🌲In addition to natural scenery, Chania also has a rich cultural heritage. As an important city in Greece, Chania preserves many precious historical sites and buildings. You can visit local museums to learn about the long history and culture of Greece. At the same time, Chania is also a vibrant city with a unique nightlife and food culture. You can taste authentic Greek food and feel the enthusiasm and vitality of this city. 🌲For adventurous tourists, Chania also offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can dive to explore the mysteries of the underwater world or take a boat to watch dolphins and other marine life. In addition, hiking and cycling are also good choices. You can walk along the coastline or mountain trails, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, and feel the charm of nature. 🌲🌲🌲In short, Chania, Greece, is a charming tourist destination. Whether you like natural scenery or cultural heritage, love adventure or pursue tranquility, this place can meet your needs. Come and plan your trip to Greece and let Chania become part of your good memories! 🌹🌹🌹

#beachtime Balos Beach is one of Crete's most famous and stunning beaches, located on the northwest coast of the island. Here's a travel guide to help you plan your visit: ### Getting There: - **By Boat**: The most popular way to reach Balos is by boat from Kissamos (a port town about 40 km west of Chania). The boat trip takes around 1 hour and offers scenic views of the coastline and the lagoon. - **By Car**: You can also drive to the Balos Beach parking area, though the road leading to the beach is unpaved and quite rugged. If you're traveling by car, be prepared for a rough, bumpy ride. From the parking area, there is a hike of about 20-30 minutes down to the beach. - **Hiking**: For the adventurous, hiking to Balos is a great option. There are trails from the parking lot at the end of the road. It's a steep hike, but the view from the top is absolutely worth the effort. ### Best Time to Visit: - **Avoid the crowds**: The best time to visit is early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The beach gets quite crowded during the summer, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. - **Off-season**: For a more peaceful experience, try visiting in late spring or early autumn when the weather is still warm, but the number of tourists is significantly lower. ### What to Expect: - **The Lagoon**: Balos is famous for its unique lagoon, which combines shallow turquoise waters and white sand. The water is crystal clear, and the beach is perfect for swimming, relaxing, and sunbathing. - **Wildlife**: The area around Balos Beach is also home to some unique wildlife, such as rare birds and goats that roam freely in the area. - **Views**: The hike down to the beach offers breathtaking panoramic views of the lagoon and the surrounding landscape. The sight of the turquoise waters stretching into the horizon is one of the most photographed spots in Crete. - **Facilities**: There are no facilities directly on the beach, so bring water, snacks, and essentials. There’s a small canteen at the top of the hill near the parking area where you can buy drinks and light snacks. ### Tips: - **Wear proper shoes**: If you're planning to hike, wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, especially if you're driving to the beach and hiking down. - **Sun Protection**: There is limited shade, so make sure to bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. - **Trash**: Help keep the area clean by taking your trash with you, as it’s a protected natural area. Balos Beach is a paradise, and with a little preparation, it can be a memorable and relaxing experience during your trip to Crete.

#beachtime Kissamos Beach is located on the northwest coast of Crete, Greece, and is known for its natural beauty and relatively peaceful atmosphere. Here are some travel notes to help you explore Kissamos Beach: ### 1. **Getting There** - **By Car:** The easiest way to reach Kissamos Beach is by car. It's about a 40-minute drive from Chania, making it a convenient stop for those touring the island. - **Public Transport:** Buses from Chania to Kissamos are available, though renting a car or scooter may give you more flexibility. ### 2. **Beaches Around Kissamos** - **Kissamos Beach (Kastelli):** This is the main beach near the town, offering calm waters, pebbles, and views of the nearby hills. It's great for swimming, although it can be a bit crowded during peak season. - **Falassarna Beach:** A short drive from Kissamos, this beach is one of Crete's best, known for its golden sand and turquoise waters. - **Balos Lagoon:** Accessed by boat or a hike, Balos is a must-see destination. It’s famous for its shallow waters, white sand, and stunning landscapes. ### 3. **Things to Do** - **Relax on the Beach:** The beaches around Kissamos are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the natural surroundings. - **Explore Ancient Sites:** Kissamos is close to some fascinating historical sites, including the ancient city of Polyrinia and the remains of the ancient Roman settlement of Kissamos. - **Hike in the Surrounding Hills:** The region offers beautiful hikes with views of the sea and surrounding countryside. - **Water Sports:** Try windsurfing or kayaking in the calm waters of the region. ### 4. **Dining and Accommodation** - **Restaurants:** Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local tavernas along the beach. There are also cafes serving traditional Greek snacks like gyros and souvlaki. - **Accommodation:** The area offers various accommodations ranging from hotels to family-run guesthouses. Some resorts near the beach provide direct access to the sea. ### 5. **Best Time to Visit** - **Summer (June-August):** This is the peak tourist season. Expect hot weather and more visitors. If you want a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May) or early fall (September-October). - **Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October):** These months offer pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. ### 6. **Local Tips** - **Sun Protection:** The sun can be strong, so be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. - **Water Shoes:** Some beaches, especially those with pebbles, might be more comfortable with water shoes. - **Cash:** While there are ATMs in Kissamos, it’s a good idea to carry some cash as smaller shops or tavernas may not accept cards. Kissamos Beach is perfect for those looking to enjoy Cretan culture, beautiful landscapes, and a more laid-back vibe compared to some of the busier beaches in Crete.

Chania is a city on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete. It’s famous for its 14th century Venetian Harbour. The city old town is well worth a visit and is crammed full of souvenir shops, cafés and restaurants. There are some beautiful beaches close to the city but why not hire a car and take the time to visit some of the famous beaches on the West Coast of Crete such as Balos Beach, Elafonisi beach, famous for its pink sand and Falassarna beach? Chania Airport is that by Public Transport and the journey time it’s only about 20 minutes. #getgoing2025 #crete #chania #greece

#beachcheck #100waysoftravel Small rocky beach not far from Paphos airport If you like snorkelling the amount of different species of fish there was breathtaking. Water was nice and clear and not cold for October. Would not recommend to any people with a disability or very old as there are a lot of steps to get to the beach and on the way back up was a killer in the heat . Only one restaurant close that was up the top of the steps but a stunning view looking down on to the beach. I would also take sea shoes with you as there was a lots of rocks on the beach as well as in the sea . This is where Aphrodite - The Goddess of Love appeared from the sea and it is a picturesque and well visited place with a small store with icecream etc and you actually walk through a tunnel under the road to get there. I’ve been told that It is considered very fortune to swim around the rock 3 time but… look at the last picture! The sea stepped out so far and now you could only run around the rock

#beachvacation Falassarna Beach in Crete, Greece, is an absolute gem that stole my heart. Nestled on the island's western coast, this beach is a stunning combination of natural beauty and tranquility. As I approached the shore, I was greeted by the soft, golden sand and crystal-clear, azure waters. The beach's wide expanse allows for plenty of space to relax without feeling crowded. What truly sets Falassarna apart is its breathtaking sunsets. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky, was a surreal experience. The beach's laid-back atmosphere and nearby beach bars make it an ideal spot to unwind. Falassarna Beach is a hidden paradise in Crete, and it's a must-visit destination for anyone seeking natural beauty and serenity in the Mediterranean. #ukcreator #greece #crete

Getting There - 7 km walk (rockyroad+feels like your hiking) Attractions Balos Lagoon Greece

It is like a roller coaster trip before you arrive on this lovely view. You need to walk almost 7 km but it is like you do hiking due to Rocky road and a bit dangerous steps.