The famous lagoon of Balos is about 56 km northwest of Chania and 17 km northwest of Kissamos. It is a shallow sandy beach formed between the Gramvousa peninsula and the smaller Cape Tigani, under the imposing Geroschinou mountain range. Balos is definitely the most photographed beach of Crete, a very favorite theme of all tourist guides in Greece. It is famous for its turquoise waters, wild natural beauty and exquisite exotic scenery. In summer, the beach is flooded daily by hundreds of visitors, who mostly arrive by boat from Kissamos.
The lagoon of Balos has white sand and exotic white, deep blue-green and turquoise waters. The sea is very shallow and warm, ideal destination for young children as well. In many places, the sand has a lovely pink color, coming from the crushed sea shells. Beyond the rocks, the waters are deeper and cooler, ideal snoekeling. The surrounding area, and Balos, are part of the Natura protection program, with rare species of flora and fauna. Despite the fact that it is a protected area, unfortunately in recent years, a canteen and umbrellas have appeared on the beach.
