Balos is an islet, which forms part of a cape, through the lagoon, called Cape Tigani. In the north of Balos, at the Korykon cape, you can see the ruins of the small ancient Roman city of Agnion, with a temple to the god Apollo.
Balos lagoon has white sand and exotic vivid blue and turquoise waters. The sea is very shallow and warm, ideal for young children. In many places the sand has a lovely pinkish color, because of millions of crushed shells. Beyond the rocks at the boundaries of the lagoon, the water is deeper and colder, ideal for snorkeling. The lagoon and the wider area, with rare species of flora and fauna, are protected under the Natura 2000 program, and also a shelter for the protected monk seal and the famous sea turtles Caretta Caretta.
Balos is surely the mostly photographed beach in Crete.