Balos & Falassarna Beach: Jeep Tour with Loungers & Lunch

Summary

Crete’s wild roads, Balos lagoon views and Falassarna’s soft sand with local hosts

You’ll ride rough Cretan roads in a small group jeep tour from Chania, catching wild views over Balos Lagoon before settling into reserved loungers at Falassarna Beach. Swim in clear water, taste homemade Cretan lunch with wine or beer, and let local guides share stories along the way. It’s a day where comfort meets adventure — and you might come home still tasting sea salt.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, we’ll take the bumpy way — it’s how locals do it,” Manolis grinned as he checked our seatbelts in the 4WD. I’d never been on a road like that out of Kaliviani — dust everywhere, windows open just enough to catch the thyme in the air but not so much that you eat half the mountain. The ride felt half adventure, half inside joke between Manolis and the land. He pointed at goats picking their way up rocks (“they know more than Google Maps”) and stopped at this spot above Balos Lagoon. The view really does something to your chest — blue on blue, cliffs dropping away. My phone photos don’t get close.

I thought we’d hike down to Balos Beach itself, but Manolis shook his head: “No shade, no food, just sunburn.” Instead we lingered up top while he told stories about pirates and old salt pans. The wind up there is sharp — not cold, but it wakes you up. After that we wound back toward Falassarna Beach for what turned into three hours of pure laziness. Reserved loungers right at the front (with pillows! I nearly fell asleep), cold beer sweating in my hand, and lunch that tasted like someone’s grandma made it — grilled fish, tomatoes sweet as candy. I tried to say ‘thank you’ in Greek and got a laugh from Maria at the bar.

The water at Falassarna is so clear you can see your toes even when you’re floating — which I did until my fingers pruned up. There’s something about lying there with nothing but sun and chatter from nearby umbrellas (mostly Greek voices) that makes you forget every plan you ever had for the day. We finished with fruit and strong coffee before heading back along those same dusty roads. I still think about that view over Balos — feels like it stuck somewhere behind my ribs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jeep tour to Balos and Falassarna beaches

• Board comfortable 4WD vehicle
• Drive 18km rough road to Balos viewpoint
• Hike to Balos viewpoint for photos
• Drive to Falassarna beach
• Relax on reserved sunbeds at Falassarna
• Swim in crystal clear waters
• Enjoy restaurant and beach bar facilities

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Balos & Falassarna jeep tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels up to 5km east or 25km west of Chania.

Do we actually go down to swim at Balos Beach?

No, you visit a high viewpoint above Balos Lagoon for photos but swimming is at Falassarna Beach instead.

How many people are in each vehicle?

The tour runs semi-private with up to 6 guests per 4WD vehicle.

Are loungers reserved at Falassarna Beach?

Yes, first-row sunbeds with pillows are reserved just for your group at Falassarna Beach.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch with Cretan flavors plus wine or beer is included at a selected restaurant by the beach.

How long do we stay at Falassarna Beach?

You’ll have around three hours to relax, swim or sunbathe at Falassarna Beach.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available if needed.

What happens if there’s bad weather?

The tour will be canceled only in case of rain or storms; you’ll be offered another date or a refund.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Chania area, all transport in comfy AC 4WD vehicles driven by local hosts who know every twist of the road, a stop above Balos Lagoon for photos and stories (no hike down), three hours on reserved loungers right on Falassarna Beach’s sand with pillows waiting for you, homemade Cretan lunch with your first round of wine or beer covered, fresh fruit or dessert after swimming, coffee or soft drinks along the way — then drop-off back where you started.