4X4 Jeep Safari To Balos

4x4 Jeep Safari to Balos, 6 hours, rated 4.9 across 851 traveller reviews.

Overview

This tour runs from Kissamos in an air-conditioned jeep with a driver who handles the rough tracks of the Gramvousa Peninsula, so there is no need to take a rental car down the dirt road to Balos. Each jeep carries up to six people, which the operator says keeps the atmosphere relaxed. The whole trip lasts six hours, and departures are spread across the day.

The route out is treated as part of the experience. Drivers make short stops at viewpoints over Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Island and the coastline. At the parking area the group walks a footpath down to the beach, roughly 20 to 25 minutes descending and 30 to 35 minutes back up.

Once down, the time is yours. Balos is a shallow, warm lagoon with turquoise water and white-and-pink sand from crushed shells, and Gramvousa with its Venetian castle sits just offshore. Swim, sunbathe or photograph. Bottled water and a Cretan welcome treat of local biscuits are included.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet in KissamosJeeps depart from the centre of Kissamos at the eDay Travel Tours & More meeting point. There is no hotel pickup.
2. Scenic drive with viewpointsCross the Gramvousa Peninsula by 4x4 with photo stops at panoramic viewpoints over Balos Lagoon, Gramvousa Island and the coastline. This portion takes 1 hour.
3. Balos Beach free timeWalk the footpath down to the lagoon, then enjoy 4 hours for swimming, relaxing and photos before the climb back up.
4. Scenic drive backReturn across the peninsula with scenic views along the way. This portion takes 1 hour.
5. Arrive in KissamosThe tour ends back at the eDay Travel Tours & More meeting point in Kissamos.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape the day, from the walk down to the lagoon to the timing of your departure slot.

• The walk. The footpath from the parking area takes about 20 to 25 minutes down and 30 to 35 minutes back up. Sports shoes are on the operator's bring list, and reviewers called the walk well worth it.
• Go early. One reviewer on the 9:00 AM departure said the group was at Balos before the crowds, and that by early afternoon the beach was noticeably busier.
• What to bring. The listing recommends swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, camera, water, snacks and an umbrella. There is no food included, so bring something to eat if you plan to stay through the full beach time.
• Group feel. Up to six people ride per jeep with an English-speaking driver. Reviewers repeatedly mention friendly, informative drivers who share anecdotes and local tips along the way.
• It is mostly transport. Some feedback notes the tour is primarily comfortable transport plus free time at Balos, rather than a long off-road driving adventure. Set expectations accordingly and the day lands better.
• Weather flexibility. On a windy day one group was still able to reach the beach by jeep and found it nearly empty. The operator has also been credited with making the most of a rainy day.

Common issues. The tour needs a minimum of two participants to run, so solo travellers should check before relying on it. There is a municipality tax of one euro not included in the price, and food and drinks beyond the provided water and biscuits are at your own expense. No hotel pickup is offered, so you must reach central Kissamos yourself; the listing points to the public bus timetables at e-ktel.com for travellers without a car. One reviewer also felt the price of the tour could be lower.

Common Questions