July 1, 2026
Kissamos is western Crete's main gateway to Balos and Gramvousa. Here are the top places to visit by boat from Kissamos in 2026, from the turquoise lagoon to the pink sands of Falasarna.
Kissamos is a relaxed port town in the far west of Chania, and for most visitors it means one thing: it is the main gateway to Balos and Gramvousa. Boats leave daily from Kissamos harbour, making this the busiest and most convenient departure point on the west coast.
But there is more to reach here than the postcard lagoon. The bay is framed by two long peninsulas, Gramvousa to the west and Rodopou to the east, and the open coast towards Falasarna hides some of the best sunset-facing sand on the island.
Here are the top locations to visit by boat from Kissamos in 2026, and who each one suits best.
Kissamos lies about 40 kilometres west of Chania town, at the head of a wide bay. Because the famous sights sit at the far, roadless tip of the Gramvousa peninsula, the sea is genuinely the best way in. A boat trip turns a long, bumpy off-road drive into an easy cruise.
Balos Lagoon is the image that sells western Crete: a shallow, warm sheet of turquoise water over white and pink sand, held between the mainland and a rocky headland. It is the headline stop on almost every Kissamos cruise.
Imeri Gramvousa is the island just north of the lagoon, topped by a ruined Venetian fortress and fronted by a rusting shipwreck half-sunk in its bay. The climb to the fort is short but steep, and the view back over Balos is the best on the trip.
South-west of the bay, Falasarna opens into long, wide beaches of pale sand backed by an ancient harbour site. It faces due west, so it is famous for sunsets and is a fine second stop when the lagoon gets busy.
A few things worth knowing before you book:
Kissamos is the easy choice for first-time visitors who want to see Balos and Gramvousa without a rough drive. Families do well on the big day boats, while couples and photographers should consider a small-group or private trip that reaches the lagoon before the crowds and lingers for the light.
June and September are ideal for warm water and thinner crowds. July and August are the busiest months, so choose a morning departure to enjoy calmer seas before the afternoon wind picks up.
Yes. The lagoon is shallow, warm and calm, which suits small children well. Bring shade and water shoes, as the beach has little natural cover and a few pebbly patches.
Most day cruises run 7 to 9 hours, with a stop at Gramvousa island and a long swim at Balos Lagoon. A private charter can be shorter or fully tailored to your pace.
By boat from Kissamos harbour. Daily group cruises and private charters make the crossing in under an hour, which avoids the long, unpaved road that leads to the Balos car park and the steep walk down.
Emma R. – Berlin, Germany • July 23, 2026
This post is exactly what I needed for our 2026 itinerary! I've been obsessed with the idea of the turquoise lagoons around Balos, and knowing the best boat routes from Kissamos makes planning so much easier. I'm already picturing us spending a whole day just exploring the coves—it sounds absolutely magical.
Isabella F. – Stockholm, Sweden • July 20, 2026
The turquoise lagoons mentioned here sound absolutely unreal! I’ve been researching Crete for months and Balos is definitely at the top of my list. My fiancé and I are hoping to finally make that boat trip next year to capture some of those stunning views. Thank you so much for putting this itinerary together!
Noah B. – Vienna, Austria • July 19, 2026
This really helps with planning, especially the itinerary breakdown for getting to the quieter spots! I've been researching Crete for our family trip and the photos of the lagoons near Balos are absolutely stunning. We are aiming for next spring and definitely plan to incorporate a boat tour so we don't miss any of that turquoise water.
Oliver K. – Amsterdam, Netherlands • July 16, 2026
This sounds like the perfect itinerary for a Caribbean-style getaway, but with Greek history! I've always wanted to experience the turquoise lagoons near Gramvousa; pictures don't do them justice. I'm planning my trip for late 2026 and hope to follow these exact boat routes—it's exactly the combination of relaxation and adventure I need.
Lucas T. – Paris, France • July 13, 2026
This is such a helpful guide, thank you! I'm planning a trip to Crete next year and the idea of exploring Gramvousa and the nearby turquoise lagoons by boat sounds absolutely perfect. I'm hoping to finally see those famous pink sands of Falasarna; I think I'm officially booking my tickets!
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