Balos

The clear emerald colour shallow waters of Balos lagoon are located on the western (sheltered) side of the Gramvoussa Peninsula at Cape Tigani (the left hand of the 2 peninsulas which stretch northwards at the extreme western end of Crete). This is a still an un-spoilt part of Crete, and facilities are limited, so take a picnic lunch.Like Elafonissi, this is a day trip. Access is either by foot (12km hike from the village of Kaliviani - not an option with young children), by car along the eastern cliff-hugging unmade track to the car park at the top of Balos (not for the feint hearted driver) with a long zigzag stepped path down to the beech, or by sea from the port at Kastelli.The ferry option, which takes just over an hour, with about 3Hrs on Balos beech, and the trip back to Kastelli (some Guests have found 3Hrs on Balos too long, so climb up Cape Tigani for a spectacular view). For information on ferries, visit www.gramvousa.com (During the ferry trip you will observe the ancient water line prior to the 438AD tectonic plate movements, and will visit the remains of a Venetian Castle built on Imeri Gramvoussa. East of Balos are a few remains of the ancient Roman Town of Agnion, with its temple to Apollo).