Gramvousa & Balos! From Heraklion

Other Choices: Departure from Chania – Departure from Rethymno

Join us on an unforgettable trip to Gramvousa and Balos!

We start by driving west across the island, making our first stop in Skaleta, near Rethymnon. Here, you will have some time to enjoy coffee or breakfast before we continue to Kissamos, where our boat journey begins.

The boat ride to our first destination takes about an hour. Along the way, we see a fascinating cave, which was likely an ancient shipyard. We also witness a rare natural phenomenon—one side of the island is rising while the other is sinking. The western side has risen between 6 and 9 meters above sea level!

Our first stop is Gramvousa, also called the “pirates’ island.” This area is home to over 100 bird species and 400 plant species, making it one of the most important natural habitats in the Eastern Mediterranean. You can visit the famous Venetian fortress of Gramvousa, built in 1579, which stands high on a rock. If you climb to the top, you will be rewarded with an amazing view. After exploring the area, you can swim in the crystal-clear waters of the beautiful beach or enjoy lunch on the boat.

In the early afternoon, we continue to Balos Lagoon, one of the most stunning places in Greece. Its breathtaking beauty is often compared to the exotic beaches of the Caribbean. You will have around 3 hours to relax and enjoy this paradise—an experience you will never forget!

Indicative Timetable:

The timing of the program will be approximate, depending on traffic and weather conditions as well as the unexpected overcrowding.

Included:

✅ Pick-up & Drop-off service (mainly from hotels at Agia Pelagia, Ammoudara, Analipsi, Anissaras, Bali, Chersonissos, Fodele, Gournes, Gouves, Heraklion city center, Karteros, Kokkini Hani, Lygaria, Malia, Sissi, Stalis is provided. If pick up from your hotel is not possible you will be picked up from the closest pick-up point)

✅ Transport by air-conditioned luxury bus

✅ Professional Guide

Not Included:

❌ Round-trip boat tickets (22€ per person / children 4 – 12 years old pay 11€) – Paid on the spot in cash

❌ OPTIONAL Lunch (10€ per person) – Preorder upon booking & paid on the spot in cash

❌ Municipality fee (1€ per person) – Paid on the spot in cash

Discounts:

Children up to 3 years old free of charge and travelling on parents’ lap.

Children 4 – 12 years old 50% discount.

Cancellation policy:

For cancellation up to 2 days prior to arrival no cancellation fees.

For cancellations 1 day prior to arrival 100% cancellation fees.

Notes:

1. For bookings 2 days before departure please contact us in order to check availability!
2. Please arrive on time to the given pick-up point. Unfortunately, there is no option to wait for latecomers. In case of delay, missed pick-up, missed departure time, no refunds.
3. Please provide fullname, telephone number (country code included), e-mail and accommodation details (hotel name & address) upon booking.
4. The travel agency reserves the right to alter or cancel any tour due to adverse weather conditions or insufficient passengers number or force majeure 12 hours prior to departure time with a notification to the traveler.

Upon booking you will receive from us in a separate mail your activity’s voucher with specific pick-up details (please check your spam folder as well)

For clarifications please send us a mail at online@travelid.gr or contact us at +30 2810 335 227

We are at your disposal from Monday to Friday 09:00 am till 20:00 pm and Saturday 09:00 till 15:00 pm