Balos Lagoon, Lagoon and beach in Kissamos Municipality, Greece
Balos Lagoon is a shallow lagoon with white sand beaches and turquoise water that forms a natural pool between two rocky capes. The water stretches across a wide area, creating a protected zone with gentle sandbars and gradual depth.
The area was settled during Roman times, as ruins nearby show, and the region witnessed tragic events during the independence war. These layers of the past shape the landscape today.
The site takes its name from a family that once owned the land, and the protected lagoon today serves as a refuge for rare wildlife. Visitors can observe monk seals and seabirds that use the shallow, clear waters as their living space.
Visitors can reach the lagoon on foot, which takes about three hours, or drive along an unpaved road. Ferry services from the nearby port also offer another option, depending on what works best for you.
The sand on this beach has a faint pink tint in certain spots due to crushed seashells mixed into the white sand. This subtle color effect varies in appearance depending on the light and time of year.
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