Balos beach is one of Crete’s most famous and beautiful beaches for obvious reasons. After spending 6 weeks on Crete, I finally made it here after much anticipation.
My friend’s brother came for a visit, so we decided to take a road trip around Chania and Rethymno, Crete’s most westerly states. We first visited some beaches in south Rethymno, checked out some mountain villages, and then headed to the city of Chania to check into our hotel at night.
Unfortunately, the hotel reception didn’t answer when we arrived, so we decided to drive to Balos, and sleep in the car. We started driving to Balos, and then hit about 20-30 kms of rough bumpy dirt road. I was half asleep at this point, and we all had no idea if this plan would work out.
When we finally reached Balos, the sign said no camping or overnight stays! Well, it was about 3:00 am and after driving for hours, and making it over the rough terrain, we decided to just sleep there anyway.
I woke up a few hours later, to the sound of billy goats around the car. We freshened up and headed to the beach. The crisp salty beach air in the morning, and being among the first few to arrive at the beach made the discomfort, and risk of sleeping in the car totally worthwhile.
To get to Balos you must descend about 2 kms through a hilly area, then down the rocky stairs to get to the beach. At first, you cannot see the beach –
But after walking about 15 minutes, Balos suddenly appears in all it’s glory. It is truly a magnificent sight!
If you cannot or are uncomfortable walking, there is also an option to take a ferry to the beach. But if you can do it, walk – so you can see Balos from above, which was the most impressive part of this experience.
With an authentic Greek at Balos.
Yoga, of course yoga.
Feeling refreshed after my bath in the salty water. Sleeping in the car can get sweaty…
Many people say Balos is the best beach on Crete, but my friends and I agreed Elafonisi’s pink sandy beach gets our vote. What is your favorite beach in Greece, or anywhere in the world?
Balos Beach looks unreal. It’s making stormy Boracay look pretty sad! Have so much fun exploring Greece Katie 🙂
Justine recently posted…This Expat Life: Month 11
Oh no it’s stormy in Boracay? I hope the weather gets better for you! Is there a rainy season in the Philippines? I don’t know much about the weather there.
Katie
WorldWideVegetarian recently posted…Balos Beach through Photos
I want so badly to visit Balos!! I’ve been to Elafonisi and seeing your photos, I can say that Elafonisi wins, but it’s a really close call!
Anna recently posted…Drive away to Malibu + dine at Geoffrey’s
Anna,
The view of Balos from above I think is what makes this beach so impressive, but once you get down to swimming, Elafonisi wins! Plus I think Elafonisi has my heart, I was so impressed when I first went there. And again the second time 🙂 But still, Balos is worth the trip.
Katie
WorldWideVegetarian recently posted…Bodhgaya, India Through Photos
Quite a story! I guees the pain was not in vain. The beach is completely gorgeous. I would like to decide by myself which of the two beaches is better.
Ruth – Tanama Tales recently posted…The West Cliff Drive in Photos
Ruth,
It really was worth it. Even as we were leaving around 1pm to go to the next beach, there was no longer any parking and the beach was getting quite full. Much more impressive to see it without many tourists! I do recommend you try both beaches, and spend the whole day at each. Crete is really amazing!
Katie
WorldWideVegetarian recently posted…What I Saw in Delhi
Beautiful photos! My 5-year-old grandson just looked over my shoulder at the photos and said, “I want to go there.” I can’t agree with him more.
Connie Reed recently posted…Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup: A Close-Up View
Connie,
It’s a great place for kids! The water is shallow and their are lots of fish inside to look at. The only difficult thing might be the walk up and down, but I think a 5 year old can handle it. I hope you both make it there one day!
Katie
WorldWideVegetarian recently posted…Bodhgaya, India Through Photos
Awesome you got there before the crowds … such a peaceful place!
Meghan recently posted…What kinds of games can you find in Vegas?
Meghan,
It was so peaceful in the morning, not so much as we were leaving and found the parking lot completely full!
Katie
WorldWideVegetarian recently posted…6 Months of Travel Recap