Balos Lagoon

Balos Lagoon lies on the Gramvousa peninsula in north-western Crete, about 17 kilometres north-west of Kissamos. The white sand looks pink in places from crushed shells, and the water is turquoise, very shallow and warm; beyond the rocks of the lagoon it gets deeper and colder. The area belongs to the Natura 2000 network and is home to the loggerhead sea turtle and the monk seal.

From Kalyviani a rough dirt road of about 10 to 12 kilometres leads to the car park; Lonely Planet considers four-wheel drive necessary, and many car-hire companies do not cover damage there. From the top a path of about 1 kilometre leads down, and the climb back is tiring. There is hardly any shade and the toilets are basic. Alternatively, excursion boats, mostly in the morning, leave from Kissamos and stop for about 90 minutes at the island of Imeri Gramvousa with its Venetian fortress ruins.

It is very crowded in July and August; come early in the day. A small fee for the reserve and road upkeep is charged near Kalyviani. Check access, fees and boat services in advance.