Visiting Bali in Crete: Things to Do, Where to Stay and How to Get There
Crete is our favorite Greek island. It’s like a mini Greece, with pristine beaches, archaeology, culture, awesome views, delicious food, and fantastic hosts. Bali is one of the nicest beaches in Crete. Not only that, but it’s still a bit under the tourist radar.
Bali is on the northern shore of the island. It’s a bay with calm waters and not that many hotels. There aren’t any big buildings, nor package tourists, nor drunken streets. It’s all very quiet, relaxed, and totally Greek.
How to Get to Bali
By Car
Most tourist arrive in Heraklion, Crete’s capital, or Chania, the island’s second biggest city. Bali is approximately 30 miles (50 km) west of Heraklion. Driving there should take some 45 minutes. The road is in great shape, and there are signs everywhere. You can’t get lost.
Chania is 50 miles (80 km) west of Bali. Driving from one to the other should take an hour and a half. Once again, the road is in great shape and you can’t get lost. There are plenty of car rental options on the island.
By Bus
Since we don’t drive, we always take the public bus to go to Bali. Greek drivers are responsible and polite. The buses are in perfect shape and have AC, much needed in the summer. We’ve always felt safe and arrived without a glitch to our destination.
The bus route Heraklion – Bali – Rethymno – Kavros – Georgioupolis – Chania operates all year round. You can check the schedule here. Bali’s bus stop is 15 minutes on foot to the beach. The journey from Chania’s airport should take some 2 hours, from Heraklion less than one hour.
By Private Transfer
Evidently, a private transfer is a much better and fancy option. Particularly if you are traveling with friends or family or arrive late at night or too early in the morning.
Here you can find the best private transfer from Heraklion, and here you can find the best one from Chania. We used the one from Chania when my parents came to visit. They are not that young so we wanted to treat them!
What to Do in Bali
Chill on Livadi Beach
Livadi is Bali’s main and biggest beach. It’s a 1500 feet (500 meter) long sandy beach. The water is crystal clear and with no waves and hardly any wind. Perfect for kids and swimmers. There are couple of fancy bars and hotels directly on the beach where you can rent a lounge and an umbrella.
To be honest, it’s not that easy to find space to sit on your own for free. Note that some bars play music. We usually go to Livadi at night to have a cocktail and people watch.
Play at the Water Park on Varkotopos Beach
Varkotopos Beach is the next beach north of Livadi. It’s smaller, and almost entirely full of private lounges and umbrellas. Due to its extra calm waters it’s very popular amongst families with kids. You can snorkel and see lots of fish.
Its biggest draw is the Jura Splash Water Park. Kids simply adore the slides and toboggans that go directly into the water. Parents love that they can chill on the beach while their kids are safe and happy.
Soak up the Atmosphere of Bali Beach (Bali Marina)
Bali Beach, also known by locals as Bali Marina, is the tiny bay north of Varkotopos Beach. It’s also sandy and full of lounges and umbrellas. However, it has a totally different vibe. Not many kids here!
We like renting a kayak and paddle west to the Cave Beaches to snorkel. The bars here are pretty cool and cater to the local clientele. The marina is to the north, where you can fish. There’s a cliff to the south, perfect for pictures. There are several shops, and showers.
Escape the Crowds on Karavostasi Beach and North Ness Top
Karavostasi is our favorite beach in Bali. It’s the last one north of Bali Beach. Several cliffs separate it from the marina, so you have to walk through the town for 10 minutes. Karavostasi is smaller but wider than the previous beaches. It’s the best place in Bali for snorkeling.
North Ness Top is the cliff north of Karavostasi. It’s an easy walk up the cliff to the stones. The views of the open sea and Bali are epic. Go there to catch the sunrise and for a killer sunset.
Visit a Nearby Monastery
Attali Monastery is less than 2 miles (3 km) from Bali. In fact, we walked there in less than an hour. The monastery hangs on a small cliff and is surrounded by ancient trees. It’s lovely! It opens every day except Fridays from 9 AM to 12 PM and from 6 PM to 8 PM.
If you don’t feel or don’t want to walk there, you can go on an organized excursion from Bali. Ask in your hotel. They take you there and back for less than 10 euros.
Where to Stay
Our favorite hotel in Bali is the one and only Sea Vessel. It’s on a cliff and has a pool with unforgettable views over the sea. The beach is literally minutes on foot. The fully equipped studios are super comfortable and come with a balcony. We love it here!
We visited Bali once in winter and stayed at the Mira Mare Luxury Residence, which opens all year round. It’s on a cliff pretty close to Varkotopos Beach. Their fully equipped units have everything you need, including views.
If you are into fancy hotels with a cool vibe, book a room at the Nostos Beach Boutique Hotel, Bali’s best hotel. The rooms are big and extra comfy. It’s got a big pool and amazing sea views.
Where to Eat and Drink
For such a small bay, Bali is full of eateries of all types. We always eat at Caldera Seaside Restaurant, close to the marina. Their seafood is fresh and delicious. For cocktails and terrific coffee go to The Sailor’s Bar, a local institution next to Caldera.
We have to recommend the pita place Hellenic, up the road from the marina. They open till late at night and prepare the best gyros ever. Their prices are ridiculous!
