Balos Beach without Floating Platform and Tourist Stampede into the Sea – or Managing the Overcrowding.
Balos beach: tourist stampede from the excursion boat into the sea without a landing platform
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Balos Beach in Chania has recently been in the spotlight. Photos showing tourists struggling to get off a tour ship and into the sea have raised concerns about safety and overcrowding. Visitors can be seen wading through deep water, with many reporting that the conditions are unsafe and unacceptable.
Recently, visitors to Balos Beach experienced congestion and difficulties due to the absence of a floating platform. This platform, initially removed – obviously to discourage the masses of visitors from excursion boats -, played a vital role in allowing tourists to disembark safely.
With the high number of tourists, the beach faced severe overcrowding, making it unsafe for many. People were forced to wade through neck-deep water while holding their luggage aloft. The platform has been reinstated to make the process of arriving and leaving smoother for everyone.
Local authorities acted swiftly after a video showing tourists struggling went viral. The return of the platform is expected to improve the overall safety and experience at the beach. For detailed information about the platform’s return, see this report.
D-Day at Balos beach:
Balos Beach, located in Chania, Crete, is known for its stunning turquoise waters and serene beauty. This reinstatement is a welcomed change for those who love to visit this iconic destination. The floating platform aims not only to manage the influx of tourists but also to maintain the beach’s natural charm.
This move by the local government showcases their commitment to the safety and comfort of visitors, ensuring that Balos Beach remains a premium tourist spot.
The floating platform has returned to the beach at Balos
To address these issues, local authorities have announced that a floating platform will be installed at Balos Beach. This platform aims to make it easier and safer for the hundreds of visitors who disembark from the large tour ships. The platform is ready for use starting last Monday (July 15), providing a solution to the problems of overcrowding and dangerous conditions that were previously experienced.
Balos Beach, located in western Crete, links to the mainland by a picturesque sand isthmus. The water at Balos Beach shifts between turquoise in the shallow lagoon to deep blue in the northern bay. This beach, admired for its beauty, now features a floating platform to make visitor access safer.
This decision followed after feedback from the Municipality of Kissamos and has been widely implemented. Previously, only one company used this platform, but the new ministerial ruling means all will now use it. Ships will anchor in designated areas, and visitors will use the floating platform to reach the shore.
Giorgos Mylonakis, the mayor of Kissamos, emphasized the importance of this plan. With the increasing number of tourists arriving by boat cruises and private cruises to Balos Beach, ensuring their safety during disembarkation is crucial. This is particularly important for those visiting the beautiful waters and white sand of Balos, whether they come from Heraklion, Chania, or Rethymnon.
Visitors can now enjoy a safer experience, without wading through deep waters. The platform also helps protect the delicate Poseidonia meadows nearby. Future management plans might bring more improvements, but this floating structure is already a significant step towards enhanced safety and environmental protection at Balos Beach.
The floating platform at Balos Beach provides a solution for tourists arriving by ferries and boats, helping them experience the stunning views of the Mediterranean and the charm of the Gramvousa Island and Venetian Fortress nearby with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps have been taken to ensure the safety of visitors to Balos Beach?
Authorities have taken action to improve the safety of visitors at Balos Beach. One major step is the installation of a floating platform. This platform will help tourists get on and off their boats more safely, avoiding the need to wade through water.
Are there any limits on the number of people allowed on the Balos Beach floating platform at one time?
To manage crowd levels and ensure safety, there are limits to how many people can be on the floating platform at once. This helps prevent overcrowding and makes sure that the platform remains stable.
When is the best time to visit Balos Beach to avoid large crowds?
Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon is recommended to dodge the busiest times. The peak times are usually in the middle of the day, particularly during the summer.
How can tourists access the floating platform at Balos Beach?
Visitors can reach the floating platform by taking a boat to Balos Beach. The platform is positioned where tourists can easily get on and off the boats without stepping into the water.
What amenities are available to visitors on the Balos Beach floating platform?
The floating platform at Balos Beach comes equipped with railings and steps to help people get in and out of boats safely. There are also designated areas for resting and waiting for the next boat.
Have the authorities made any statements about controlling the number of tourists at Balos Beach?
Local authorities have acknowledged the issues with overcrowding and are working on strategies to manage the number of visitors. This includes monitoring the number of boats allowed to dock at the beach and implementing timed entries.
