Balos Beach at a glance
Balos Beach lies between the island of Gramvousa and the Tigani peninsula, about 17 km north-west of Kissamos. The regional tourism office describes pale sand, shallow water, no natural shade and no lifeguard service. The sand has a pink tinge in places, but the colour is not even, so do not expect a pink beach everywhere and on every day.
The shallow lagoon is the main draw. The open-sea side is deeper and partly rocky. You reach the beach either by boat from Kissamos or by road and a final walk of about 1 km. This site is independent and has no link to the municipality, the boat operators or any authority.
Three ways to reach the beach
Prices are operator figures for 2026 and can change.
| Option | Starts at | Time at Balos | Price 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boat with a Gramvousa stop | Kissamos harbour (Kavonisi) | About 2.5 hours, whole trip about 7 hours | €40 adult, €45 from 15 July to 15 September |
| Boat to Balos only | Kissamos harbour (Kavonisi) | Set by the operator | €36 adult, €40 from 15 July to 15 September |
| Land transfer, then walk | Opposite the museum in Kissamos | Fixed window of 5 hours, three to choose from | €27 per person |
| Own car, then walk | Gravel track from Kaliviani | Your choice | – |
The boat prices are for ages 13 and up. Children aged 3 to 12 pay €24 on the combined trip and €21 on the Balos-only trip, and children up to 2 travel free. The boat season runs from April to October. Details are on the page about boat trips from Kissamos, and the road is explained in how to get there.
Our picks: ways to reach Balos Beach
An off-road bus, a jeep or the boat, all leaving from Kissamos.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Off-road 4x4 jeep safari to Balos from Kissamos
Air-conditioned jeep with an English-speaking driver, plus water and a local pastry. The €1 Balos fee is not included.
Check availability →
Full-day boat cruise to Balos and Gramvousa
Return boat ride to both stops, with crew and an audio guide. The €1 municipal fee per passenger over 13 and any hotel transfer are extra, and food and drinks only come with the matching option.
Check availability →
Off-road bus to Balos Beach from Kissamos
A 4x4 bus transfer with air conditioning and an English-speaking driver. The €1 Balos entry fee is not included.
Check availability →Balos and Gramvousa tours
Boat trips, land transfers and day trips to the lagoon, with live prices and availability.
Sand, water and shade
What you find once you are down at the water.
Shallow water
The lagoon is shallow, which is why it suits a slow wade and a swim without much current. The deeper side faces the open sea. There is no lifeguard service, so keep an eye on children and on the wind.
Little shade
There is no natural shade. Bring a hat, sun protection and enough water. Umbrella and lounger rental is mentioned for the beach, but no price is published and you cannot count on it being available. The walk back up is the hottest part of the day for most people.
Food and drink
The municipality lists two sales points on the beach, while a boat operator says there are no shops. Treat both as uncertain. Bring water and something to eat, especially if you walk down.
Photos from above
For drones, the civil aviation authority points to its official map and to permit requirements. Unauthorised flights can lead to fines and confiscation. Do not fly without checking the current rules.
Protected area: the rules
Balos is part of the Natura 2000 network (GR4340001 and GR4340017).
What the municipality prohibits
No overnight stays or camping, no staying in the dunes, no smoking on the beach, no fires, no litter and no damage to the vegetation.
Sand and shells
Greek tourism guidance for this stretch of coast asks visitors not to move sand and not to collect shells. Leave both where they are. Take all your rubbish with you.
The €1 fee
The municipality collects a fee of €1 per person. The boat operator says it is paid before boarding by passengers over 13, and the land-transfer operator says it is paid at the municipal kiosk at the start of the track by visitors over 12. Have a euro ready.
Umbrellas and concessions
Greece protects a list of unspoilt beaches, which grew to 251 in April 2026, with a ban on concessions and harmful activities. Do not assume the same rules apply at every beach, and follow the signs on site.
Crowds, closures and timing
What to check before you set off.
Best months
The municipality recommends April, May, June, September and October, and an early start. Best time to visit compares the months.
Crowd control
On 16 September 2026 the municipality announced talks with day-boat operators about the concentration of visitors. Electronic time slots have been proposed but are not a booking requirement. Check the current situation before you plan around it.
Path closures
At the end of August 2026 the hiking routes to and from Balos were closed for a time because of strong wind and high fire risk. Closures like this can return in summer, so look for a current notice before you drive out.
Reduced mobility
The boat operator says its trip is not suitable for people with significant mobility limits. The land route also ends with a walk on a natural path with steps.
Balos Beach: frequently asked questions
Is the sand really pink?
The sand has a pink tinge in places, but the colour is not even and depends on the light. Expect a pale beach with pink patches rather than a pink beach.
Is there shade at Balos Beach?
There is no natural shade. Umbrella rental is mentioned for the beach, but no price or availability is published. Bring a hat and sun protection.
Are there shops or toilets?
Sources disagree. The municipality lists two sales points, and a boat operator says there are no shops. Bring your own water and food.
Can I take sand or shells home?
No. The tourism guidance for the area asks visitors to leave sand and shells where they are. The beach is part of a protected Natura 2000 area.
Do I have to pay to visit?
The municipality collects a fee of €1 per person in 2026. Boat tickets and land transfers are priced separately.