La-Torre

OVERVIEW

old Town Walk

Iconic Landmarks

Scenic Day Trips

Local Flavours

Wild Landscapes

Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from La Torre (70 km)

On the western edge of Crete, among cliffs, turquoise waters, and pink sandbanks, stretch two of the island’s most breathtaking landscapes: Balos and Gramvousa. Wild and dreamlike. Myth and history. A sea that draws you in and land that holds you still.

The Heart of Balos

They say that once, deep within the lagoon, there was an island not marked on any map. Upon one of its rocks stood a chapel, and there lived a woman with silver-white hair, Ariadne. She was no ordinary soul. Born of the sea and the wind, she would descend daily into the waters of Balos, waiting for something... a traveler, a season, a memory.

Locals say that as they passed by in their boats, they would see a flicker of light in the center of the lagoon. They named it “The Heart of Balos”, a glow that reveals itself only to those who approach with respect and purity. They say a boy, Nikolas, once climbed the hill of Gramvousa and, upon seeing Balos from above, began to cry. Then he heard a sound, like a song from a seashell, and Ariadne smiled at him. Since that day, the light remains, for those who know how to look.

The Silence of Gramvousa

Just across the lagoon, perched high on the rock facing Balos, stands the islet of Imeri Gramvousa, crowned by an imposing 16th-century Venetian fortress. It holds stories of pirates, sieges, and revolutions.

During the Cretan Revolution, Gramvousa became a refuge for over 3,000 souls. They starved, lived off crumbs, washed clothes in saltwater. To survive, they became pirates, out of necessity. Locals haven’t forgotten, the silence left behind by cannons, the footsteps of children along the stone paths, the flags that never came down.

What to Expect at Balos & Gramvousa

Exotic waters in shades of blue, pink, and turquoise
Pure natural setting, no beach bars, no music, only sand, sea, and silence
The Venetian castle on Gramvousa offers a panoramic view of Balos, about 15 minutes' hike
No umbrellas or organized facilities, bring essentials: water, snacks, hat, umbrella

How to Get There

Option 1: By car + hike (for Balos only)

Drive to the end of the dirt road
From there, walk downhill ~15 minutes to the beach
On return, hike uphill ~15 minutes back
Challenging but offers an unforgettable panoramic view of Balos from above
No access to Gramvousa this way, the islet is only reachable by boat

Option 2: With an organized speed boat from Falassarna (includes Balos & Gramvousa)

Usually departs between 10:00–13:00, takes ~20 minutes
Includes stops at both Balos and Gramvousa, with free time for swimming and hiking to the fortress
Return in the afternoon
Cost: per person, contact reception for details
Fast and comfortable option for families and small groups

Option 3: With a private boat (skippered)