Balos Lagoon: The Heavenly Gem of Crete
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Balos is widely regarded as the most photographed beach in Crete, acclaimed for its turquoise waters, untamed natural beauty, and stunning exotic landscape. The Gramvousa peninsula surrounding the area is a protected habitat within the Natura 2000 Network, recognised as a landscape of exceptional natural splendour.
Just over an hour's drive from Chania, Balos Beach can be quite crowded on hot summer days, so it's important to be prepared for long queues. Additionally, the journey involves traversing an approximately 8-kilometre dirt road, so caution is advised. Once you park your car, it takes around 20 minutes to descend to the beach, excluding the numerous stops you may make along the way to capture the magical views in photographs. Alternatively, you can also reach Balos Beach by boat from the port of Kissamos.
Photo 1 by Marina Vernicos
Photos 2 - 7 by @nick.haji
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Aspri Limni Beach
A relatively undiscovered yet truly enchanting beach is Aspri Limni (White Lake), located near the historic Monastery of Chrysoskalitissa in the Chania region of Crete.
Aspri Limni is a small, unspoiled beach with no amenities. It features white sand and is encircled by rocks, forming a natural barrier around a protected lagoon. Despite the fact that thousands of tourists visit the nearby Elafonisi, the beauty of Aspri Limni remains relatively undiscovered and off the beaten path.
The Forestry Department often guides visitors to this beach, primarily due to the presence of the protected Cretan date palm colony, which adds significant environmental value to the area.
Photos 1 and 2 by @nick.haji
Photo 3 by @manos.papadomanolakis
A relatively undiscovered yet truly enchanting beach is Aspri Limni (White Lake), located near the historic Monastery of Chrysoskalitissa in the Chania region of Crete.
Aspri Limni is a small, unspoiled beach with no amenities. It features white sand and is encircled by rocks, forming a natural barrier around a protected lagoon. Despite the fact that thousands of tourists visit the nearby Elafonisi, the beauty of Aspri Limni remains relatively undiscovered and off the beaten path.
The Forestry Department often guides visitors to this beach, primarily due to the presence of the protected Cretan date palm colony, which adds significant environmental value to the area.
Photos 1 and 2 by @nick.haji
Photo 3 by @manos.papadomanolakis
Gramvousa Beach
The splendid Gramvousa Beach boasts crystal-clear blue waters and is adorned with tamarisk trees that provide shade to those enjoying the sun and sea.
The beach is situated at the tip of the Imeri Gramvousa peninsula and can only be reached by boat from Kissamos.
This beach features a combination of sand and pebbles, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate natural beauty and prefer a more rustic and unspoiled setting without unnecessary amenities.
The scenic beauty of the landscape is enhanced by the presence of the chapel of Agios Georgios and the historic Venetian castle of Gramvousa.
Staying overnight in the area is not allowed, as it falls within the Natura 2000 network, which is designated to protect and conserve natural habitats and biodiversity.
Photos by @nick.haji
The splendid Gramvousa Beach boasts crystal-clear blue waters and is adorned with tamarisk trees that provide shade to those enjoying the sun and sea.
The beach is situated at the tip of the Imeri Gramvousa peninsula and can only be reached by boat from Kissamos.
This beach features a combination of sand and pebbles, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate natural beauty and prefer a more rustic and unspoiled setting without unnecessary amenities.
The scenic beauty of the landscape is enhanced by the presence of the chapel of Agios Georgios and the historic Venetian castle of Gramvousa.
Staying overnight in the area is not allowed, as it falls within the Natura 2000 network, which is designated to protect and conserve natural habitats and biodiversity.
Photos by @nick.haji
Drapanias Beach: A Charming Coastal Gem with Shallow Waters
The beach of Drapanias is positioned at the heart of the 2-kilometre coastline that stretches from Kissamos to Cape Rodopos. It boasts a sandy pebbly shoreline with shallow waters, though it's worth noting that it often experiences waves due to its north-facing orientation. Along the beach, you'll find a pleasant mix of tavernas, cafés, and various types of accommodation, offering comfort and services to visitors. The western end of the beach is known as Kokkino Metochi.
Information Municipality of Kissamos
The beach of Drapanias is positioned at the heart of the 2-kilometre coastline that stretches from Kissamos to Cape Rodopos. It boasts a sandy pebbly shoreline with shallow waters, though it's worth noting that it often experiences waves due to its north-facing orientation. Along the beach, you'll find a pleasant mix of tavernas, cafés, and various types of accommodation, offering comfort and services to visitors. The western end of the beach is known as Kokkino Metochi.
Information Municipality of Kissamos
Falassarna Beach: Crete's Crown Jewel, Among Europe's Finest
Stretching for approximately three kilometres, it encompasses five distinct sections, each separated by either rocks or dunes. Falassarna Beach has earned recognition as part of the Natura 2000 Project.
Among the sections of Falassarna Beach, the most popular and largest is Pachia Ammos, extending for approximately one kilometre. Located north of Pachia Ammos, the second longest beach stretches for 800 metres and offers a serene ambiance, making it an ideal spot for tranquillity seekers. This section is further divided into smaller sandy beaches adorned with rocks and a sand dune. Moving south from Pachia Ammos, the beach in Livadi features a sandy and stony bottom, making it an excellent choice for those interested in observing and exploring the underwater world with a mask. Even further south, near the small port, a small pebbly beach awaits, providing a peaceful setting to enjoy the sea.
Photo by @nick.haji
Stretching for approximately three kilometres, it encompasses five distinct sections, each separated by either rocks or dunes. Falassarna Beach has earned recognition as part of the Natura 2000 Project.
Among the sections of Falassarna Beach, the most popular and largest is Pachia Ammos, extending for approximately one kilometre. Located north of Pachia Ammos, the second longest beach stretches for 800 metres and offers a serene ambiance, making it an ideal spot for tranquillity seekers. This section is further divided into smaller sandy beaches adorned with rocks and a sand dune. Moving south from Pachia Ammos, the beach in Livadi features a sandy and stony bottom, making it an excellent choice for those interested in observing and exploring the underwater world with a mask. Even further south, near the small port, a small pebbly beach awaits, providing a peaceful setting to enjoy the sea.
Photo by @nick.haji
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