Where is Balos Beach?
Greece, europe
8.8 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're headed to Balos Beach in western Crete, famous for its unreal turquoise lagoon? Awesome choice! But listen up, getting there is half the adventure...and maybe a *little* bit of a headache.
The "road" (and I use that term loosely) from Kaliviani is about 9 km of pure, unadulterated Cretan wilderness. It's unpaved, rocky, and narrow, with some concrete patches thrown in for kicks. You'll be crawling along at a snail's pace, probably averaging around 30 km/hour, so budget about 40 minutes for the drive. Definitely worth it for the views, though!
Think dramatic drop-offs, switchbacks, and hairpin turns aplenty. Oh, and did I mention the goats? These little guys are everywhere, and they have zero fear of cars. Keep your eyes peeled! A 4x4 is recommended, but any car can make it if you take it super slow. Check your rental agreement first; some companies have a "no Balos" clause in their contracts, which is something to keep in mind.
You'll need to pay a toll to use the road. The rugged, dusty scenery is incredible. Think thyme-covered hills, wildflowers, and distant sea views of Kissamos Bay. The hike down from the parking area takes about 90 minutes; the hike back up is a little longer. Arrive early in the summer, because this place gets *packed*.
Road Details
- Country
- Greece
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8.8 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
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