Gramvousa Beach

You can find Gramvousa’s beach beneath the Venetian fort at Imeri Gramvousa. It’s in the bay area of the southern end of the island. Its white sand and clear waters are welcoming to all the visitors of the island. The water is calm, and relaxing under the tamarisk trees offers a peaceful escape from daily life. The fact that it’s only reachable by boat adds to its exclusivity.

Balos Lagoon

Once graced by Princess Diana and Prince Charles, Balos Lagoon is known for its stunning exotic scenery, wild natural beauty, and breathtaking turquoise waters. The lagoon has turquoise, vivid blue, and exotic white waters. The sand in some places has a dazzling pinkish color because of the millions of crushed shells. As you go further into the sea, beyond the rocks that form the natural boundaries, the water is colder and deeper, ideal for snorkeling. The Natura 2000 program protects Balos Lagoon because of the rare flora and fauna species. Around 400 plant species have been registered in the area. Twenty-five of these species are indigenous to Crete, with three of them only found in Balos. The lagoon accommodates a large number of birds that migrate, feed, and breed here. You will find Eleonora falcons, cormorants, and shags nesting in surrounding caves. The area also acts as a shelter for the protected loggerhead or Caretta-Caretta sea turtle and monk seal.