Gramvousa Beach — Attraction in Municipality of Kissamos

Gramvousa is a small, uninhabited island near the famous Balos Lagoon. If you’re planning a visit, you have two main options:

By ferry: this option includes a visit to Balos Lagoon as well. By a private boat: you can rent one from the port of Kissamos. While this is a more expensive option, it’s convenient for groups of tourists.

If you choose the ferry, keep in mind that you’ll have limited time to enjoy Gramvousa, since most of the trip is spent at Balos. In this case, I recommend focusing on just one of Gramvousa’s highlights: either hike up to the castle or relax on the beach. If you try to check off both of them, you'll end up with two unsatisfactory experiences instead of a pleasant one.

For now, I’ll focus on the beach and leave the castle ruins for another time.

Gramvousa Beach is a wild spot. There’s a small bar where you can grab a drink, but that’s about it in terms of amenities.

The crystal-clear water is perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, but there are no sunbeds or umbrellas available for rent. While there are a few trees that offer shade, they’re far too few to accommodate the hundreds of tourists arriving by ferry. Bringing your own beach umbrella might be a good idea.

The water has some rocky areas, so swimming shoes are highly recommended.

One important thing to note: in the bar's area, the entrance to the water is on a smooth rock, which can be quite slippery. The water here is shallow for a few meters, but the slab ends abruptly at a drop-off where the depth reaches 3–4 meters. The underwater view in this area is stunning, with hundreds of colorful fish swimming near the rock. However, if you’re not a confident swimmer, it’s best to avoid venturing too far...

Today i lost my friend and all the luggages in Balos. When i came back, a small girl in the 2nd floor was kind and brought me to the receptionist.

Then i must say thanks a lot and highly appreciate the young man (who was in the cashier of the main kitchen restaurant) who dropped what he was doing and helping me finding my friend.

I was panic and scared all day long after Balos. He offered me a new pair of shoes to walk on the rock to go Gramvousa and also a water bottle. He told me i can just go out and do something while waiting him finding my friend and my luggagues.

Finally when i came back to the main big ship he told me he found them. Also when my friend blamed on me for every thing today i brought him back to the ship and this young man employee was really nice and again explained calmly to my friend what happened to me. I couldnt help myself and bursted into tears in front of every one (staffs in the ship today). I would like to send him all my gratefulness. God bless him. I wish him all the best. This company should give him a promotion and a raise in salary for his excellent job and performance. He knows how to handle the situation really well and every one should always rely on his kindness. My english is limit so i couldnt show him myself how much i highly...

Gorgeous island and spectacular water. Great for a good swim, the water temperature is just perfect 🏖🫠 As soon as you enter the water you will have to walk on stones and rocks. If you're afraid to fall, consider bringing beach shoes. But if you're like me, you'll be very careful and have no issues or whatsoever 😉👍 The amount of agave plants on the island is the biggest concentration I've ever seen in my life. Just like in the Algarve 🇵🇹

The only thing I dislike here is littering: The sand is full of cigarette butts. The lack of hygiene, cleanliness and responsibility of people is just obnoxious and I see that this is common in other beaches in Crete where I've been. There should be signs to appeal to the persevation of the place and action should be taken regarding littering. Paying a 1€ environment tax and still seeing this ridiculousness sounds like convenience and theft.

Tourists: If you don't litter your country, don't do it in others countries.

Locals: Have more respect for...