After jumping onboard, our first stop on this full day trip is Balos beach, a lagoon of outstanding natural beauty located at the far tip of Gramvoussa peninsula, the most western point of Crete. The whole area is been declared a protected area by the Natura 2000 programme and conservation of the area is our top priority. Leaving only our footprints in the pink-white sand, we take a swim in the turquoise waters of Balos and Gramvoussa island before heading to our next stop, Menies.
This hidden cove is located on the northeastern shore of the Rodopou peninsula, parallel to Gramvoussa. Menies is located on the site of ancient Diktynna, that was the most important temple of the goddess Vritomartis, which is believed to be goddess Artemis. After a refreshing swim on the pebbly beach, we make our way back along the coast towards Chania.
We cannot miss the opportunity of making a stop alongside Thodorou island, a protected haven for the endangered wild Cretan goat (or easier, “kri-kri”).