Tersanas Cave

A Hidden Sea Cave Near Balos Beach

Tersanas Cave is a huge and mysterious sea cave, located on the Gramvousa Peninsula, in the wild southwest part of Crete. It’s just a short distance from the world-famous Balos Beach, and it’s truly worth discovering.

This cave is not just impressive in size—it’s also surrounded by dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Visiting it feels like stepping into a secret world.

Hiking to Tersanas Cave

If you love adventure, you can reach the cave by hiking. But be prepared—it’s not an easy walk.

First, you need to drive along the bumpy road that leads to Balos. This road starts from the village of Kaliviani. For the bravest hikers, it’s even possible to walk from the village, but it’s a long and hot journey.

From the road, there are two different hiking paths that lead to the cave:

• The southern path: This is the one I personally took. It starts here . After around 1 hour of hiking, you’ll reach a rocky beach. The water is amazing, but you might see some garbage washed in by the sea during storms. From there, you follow a rocky coastline until you reach the cave.
• The northern path: This one starts from a point north of the cave (open google maps location) and also connects to the main dirt road from Kaliviani to Balos.

Important tip: If you plan to hike, bring lots of water, wear good shoes, and start early in the morning—especially in summer, when the heat can be intense.

Visiting Tersanas Cave by Boat

Not a fan of hiking? No problem!

You can also reach Tersanas Cave easily by private boat. This is the most relaxing and scenic way to enjoy the area—plus, you can combine it with a visit to Balos and Gramvousa.

Tersanas Cave is just 4.2 nautical miles from Kissamos Port. That’s only about 10 to 15 minutes by speedboat! It’s a great stop for a half-day or full-day private cruise, especially for those who want to swim, explore, and take amazing photos.

The Best Way to Visit

Whether you love hiking through rocky terrain or cruising along the coast in comfort, Tersanas Cave is a special place. It’s a spot full of mystery and natural beauty—perfect for those looking to explore the wild side of Crete.

With SEAze the Day private boat tours, you can cruise there in style. Combine the cave with other breathtaking stops, and let the sea show you the hidden gems of the island.