Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa Cruise: 3 Beaches in One Day

Swim in turquoise shallows, then climb to a Venetian fortress high above the sea

A group cruise from Falassarna Port to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island aboard a speed boat, departing at 10am and returning the same day. You spend 1.5 hours in the lagoon's shallow turquoise waters (famous for pinkish sand made of crushed shells), then move to Gramvousa island for two hours to explore the abandoned Venetian fortress and an old shipwreck on the beach. Life jackets, snorkelling equipment and cold drinks are provided throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cruise to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island

• Depart from Falassarna Port at 10:00 am
• Travel 30 minutes to Balos Lagoon
• Explore Balos Lagoon and beaches for 1.5 hours
• Return to boat for cold drinks
• Travel to Gramvousa Island
• Visit Venetian fortress and explore island for 2 hours
• Enjoy panoramic views and see shipwreck
• Return to boat and enjoy complimentary drinks

The experience

The boat leaves Falassarna at 10am and reaches Balos Lagoon in 30 minutes, so you're in the water without losing half the morning to travel. The lagoon itself is the draw: the sea stays shallow and warm across most of it, which makes it safe for young children and means you can wade far from shore. The sand has a distinctive pinkish tint from millions of crushed shells, and the water shifts between pale green and deep turquoise depending on where you stand. You get 1.5 hours here to swim, wade and snorkel before returning to the boat for a cold drink.

Gramvousa island sits just across the water and claims the second half of the day. The Venetian fortress dominates the landscape from 137 metres above the beach: a real climb if you want the 360-degree view, so bring sneakers rather than flip-flops. The trail is steep but walkable, and the panorama from the top takes in both the lagoon you just left and the open sea beyond. An old shipwreck abandoned years ago sits on the beach below, now a permanent fixture of the scenery. You have two hours to explore the fortress, the wreck and the island's beaches before heading back to Falassarna.

Snorkelling gear is included, so you don't need to rent or bring your own. Cold drinks come free on board at both stops, and the crew will help you with timing. They ask that you return to the boat on schedule so the group stays together. The whole outing runs about five hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Life jackets.
• free cold drinks on board at both stops.
• snorkelling equipment for use in the lagoon and around Gramvousa island.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to3h before

GroupUp to 24

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Falassarna Activities

Is this one for you?This is a shared group cruise, so you'll travel with other visitors rather than as a private party. It suits anyone who wants to see both Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa in a single morning and afternoon without renting a boat or arranging separate transport to each site.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the boat ride take from Falassarna to Balos Lagoon?

The crossing takes 30 minutes, so you reach the lagoon quickly and have time to swim and explore without a long commute eating into the day.

What is Balos Lagoon actually like when you get there?

Balos Lagoon has shallow, warm turquoise water ideal for wading and swimming, with sand that turns pinkish in many spots because it's made of crushed shells. The sea stays so shallow in places that young children can walk far from shore safely.

Can you climb the fortress on Gramvousa island, or just see it from the beach?

You can climb to the top of the Venetian fortress (it stands 137 metres above the beach), but the trail is steep and requires proper footwear like sneakers. Flip-flops won't work. The climb rewards you with a 360-degree panoramic view of the island and surrounding sea.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Life jackets, snorkelling equipment and cold drinks on board are all included. Bring sneakers if you plan to hike up to the fortress, sunscreen, a towel and a change of clothes. The boat provides everything else you need for the water.

Does the tour work for families with young children?

Yes. Balos Lagoon's shallow, warm water is designed for young children, and life jackets are provided. Gramvousa island has a beach for younger kids who don't want to climb, though the fortress hike itself is steep and better suited to older children and adults.