Balos is more than just a beach...it one of the most impressive landscapes of Crete, which has been over-exploited during the past few years because of its popularity. White sand that creates small pathways in the sea, warm shallow waters and the imposing fortress of Gramvousa right across make it one of the most exotic places of Crete, a rare natural landscape protected by 'Natura 2000'. It is better to visit it off-season if you want to enjoy some privacy and the fantasy that you are a castaway in a pirate hub, or a protagonist in the 'blue lagoon'.