- Balos
- Boat from Kissamos, or dirt road + walk
- Elafonisi
- Paved road, about 75 km from Chania
- Both
- Protected areas; take nothing away
- Time
- A full day each
Balos
Balos lagoon lies at the base of the Gramvousa peninsula, north-west of Kissamos. Boats from Kissamos port stop first at Imeri Gramvousa island, with its Venetian fortress, then at Balos. By car, the last 8 km is a dirt track from Kaliviani with a small toll, followed by a steep walk of 20–30 minutes down (and harder back up).
The view from the path above the lagoon is the reason most people go.
Elafonisi
Elafonisi is in the far south-west, about 75 km from Chania. A shallow lagoon separates the beach from a small islet you can wade to. The sand is tinged pink in places by shell fragments.
It is a protected Natura 2000 area: do not take sand or shells, and keep to marked paths on the islet.
How to decide
Families with small children usually find Elafonisi easier. Photographers and walkers usually prefer Balos. If you only have three days in Chania, choose one; with a week, do both on different days.
Avoid the crowds
Both are very busy in July and August. Arrive early, or late in the afternoon, and avoid mid-August weekends.
Questions before you go
Is Balos or Elafonisi better for children?
Elafonisi, because it is reached by paved road and the water is very shallow.
Can you drive to Balos?
Yes, but the last 8 km is a dirt track and there is a steep walk down to the lagoon.
Can you do Balos and Elafonisi in one day?
Technically yes, but it means hours of driving. Do them on separate days.
