This location is #48 on our Best Travel Destinations In Greece & Greek Islands Map!
Balos Beach, located on the northwest coast of Crete, Greece, is a stunning coastal destination renowned for its turquoise lagoon and white sand. The beach spans approximately 0.6 miles in length, with its shallow lagoon waters extending about 1,640 feet from the shore, creating a unique gradient of colors from pale blue to deep emerald. The surrounding landscape includes rugged cliffs rising up to 330 feet in some areas, part of the Gramvousa Peninsula, and the nearby Tigani islet, which is about 1,300 feet across. The water depth in the lagoon averages around 3 to 10 feet, making it ideal for wading and swimming, though the outer edges near the open sea can reach depths of 65 feet or more.
The beach’s fine sand and clear waters are framed by a backdrop of rocky hills, with temperatures in the summer often reaching 85–95°F, perfect for beachgoers seeking a Mediterranean escape. Beyond its natural beauty, Balos Beach is a haven for biodiversity, hosting a variety of marine life and rare flora. The lagoon is home to species like loggerhead sea turtles, which occasionally nest in the area, and the surrounding cliffs provide nesting grounds for migratory birds such as Eleonora’s falcons. The beach is part of a protected Natura 2000 site, emphasizing its ecological significance. Visitors may also spot endemic plants like the Cretan sea daffodil, which blooms in late summer along the sandy dunes. The shallow, warm waters create a unique ecosystem where small fish and crustaceans thrive, visible to snorkelers exploring the lagoon’s edges. The area’s isolation has preserved its pristine condition, though visitors are encouraged to respect the fragile environment by avoiding littering and disturbing wildlife.
Historically, Balos Beach and its surroundings hold strategic importance due to their proximity to the Gramvousa Fortress, located on a nearby islet. The fortress, built in the late 16th century, sits atop a 450-foot-high rock and was used by Venetian forces to control maritime routes in the Mediterranean. Later, it became a pirate stronghold in the 17th and 18th centuries, with the coves around Balos serving as hideouts for ships evading Ottoman patrols. The beach itself was likely a landing point for supplies and a refuge for locals during times of conflict. Archaeological evidence suggests human activity in the region dating back to Minoan times, around 2000 BCE, with pottery fragments found on nearby islands indicating trade routes. Today, the beach’s remote location and historical significance add to its allure as a place where natural beauty and centuries-old stories intertwine.
