It is rumored that Princess Diana graced Balos Lagoon with her presence during her honeymoon. Whether this is part of Cretan folklore or not, it’s hard to dispute the allure of Balos—such a stunning location that it would likely captivate even royalty. Moreover, statistics reveal a telling trend: one in every three travelers to the Chania region makes it a point to visit this breathtaking lagoon.
On the western shores of Crete lies a stunning spectacle often deemed the island’s most photographed site. The remote yet renowned Balos Lagoon is celebrated for being where the waters of the Libyan, Ionian, and Aegean seas converge. Its fame is further bolstered by the sea’s mesmerizing hues, ranging from vivid blues to turquoise, painting a breathtaking aquatic tapestry.
Balos Lagoon boasts unique scenery with its pristine white sands tinged with pink hues and shallow waters perfect for children’s safe swimming. The western edge of the lagoon is bordered by the rocky Tigani peninsula, connected to Crete by a slim sandy isthmus, creating a natural harbor where ships anchor. To the north of Tigani lies a cave that served as a refuge for women and children during the revolutionary uprisings of the early 19th century; a tragic site where they were discovered and killed by Turks. A small chapel now stands in Balos as a memorial to these victims. Another point of interest is the remnants of the ancient Roman city of Agnio with its temple ruins dedicated to Apollo, beside which is the chapel of Saint Sozon.
Balos’s natural landscape is fascinating, boasting unique endemic vegetation and rare wildlife, including falcons, cormorants, and lizards found solely in Western Crete. Occasionally, Mediterranean monk seals and the loggerhead turtles known as Caretta-Caretta seek refuge along its lagoon shores. Balos is protected under the Natura 2000 environmental initiative, imposing regulations against littering, smoking, overnight camping, fire setting, rock climbing, and any activities that could harm the local ecosystem.
Balos is a spacious lagoon that can accommodate hundreds of visitors, even during the high season. Beach chairs are scarce and generally available only in the central area from June to August. A nearby café and restroom facilities are available for convenience. The lagoon is segmented into various beaches, including both sandy and rocky areas. Near the rocky sections, the water is deeper, making it suitable for swimming, while the sandy areas are predominantly shallow.
Balos Lagoon, on Crete’s west coast, is 53 km from Chania. Two travel options exist: