Бали

Bali is located exactly in the middle between Rethymno (32 km) and Heraklion (50 km). The international airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" is a 45-minute drive away from it. To get to Bali from there, you can only do so with a transfer. First, you need to take a bus to Heraklion, then transfer at the bus station to a route to the city of Rethymno. The bus runs once an hour and makes stops at all resorts along the way, including Bali.

From the bus stop on the highway to Bali (2 km), you will have to walk or buy a ticket for a tourist train. Taking this into account, it is possible to pre-book a transfer from the airport to Bali. It will be more expensive than a bus ticket, but it will save time and energy.

Bali is a compact resort. But with a twist: you will have to either go uphill or downhill. Here, there are hilly landscapes and many buildings are constructed on elevated grounds. If your hotel is situated too high, in Bali you can rent a bicycle or a car and drive straight to the beach.

Next to Bali runs the National Road. Therefore, it is easy to reach the major cities of Rethymno, Heraklion, and Chania, or the nearby resort villages.

Bali is one of those cities that do not stand out for historical landmarks. And the main attraction here is the amazingly beautiful landscapes (hills covered with trees) and the beach. More precisely, there are several beaches in Bali:

• Livadi - the largest, most popular, and organized beach in Bali. During the season, it can get crowded, but there are taverns, hotels, and beach bars nearby. In the left part of Livadi, there is a tiny beach called Kuskouras;
• Varkotopos - located next to Livadi. This beach is situated in the central part of Bali and is particularly popular among families with children. It is almost 6 times smaller than Livadi, so it may not impress with its size, but it will pleasantly surprise you with its cleanliness and proximity to infrastructure;
• Limani - a beach in the harbor of the village. It is sometimes simply referred to as "Bali Beach." It is small, with taverns and shops just a stone's throw away;
• Karavostasi - the westernmost and most beautiful, yet less organized beach in Bali. There are natural caves in the cliffs surrounding Karavostasi. To fully enjoy the beauty of the beach, it's best to come here early in the morning.

All the beaches of the resort are sandy, protected from the waves, washed by calm sea and safe for children. Everywhere there are sun loungers, bars, water activities.

When you feel like exploring beyond Bali, you can discover the surroundings of the village. Just 13 km from Bali is the Melidoni Cave - one of the most visited and beautiful caves in Crete. It is known that for ancient Cretans, it was a cult place for millennia, and once served as a refuge for the island's inhabitants from invaders. Inside Melidoni, the cave is adorned with stalagmites and stalactites that take on the most whimsical forms and delight visitors.

1.5 km away from Bali is the Attali Monastery. It can be reached on foot in 30-40 minutes or by car. Attali is far from tourist paths and is not among the most popular places in Crete. Therefore, there are no crowds here. The monastery is located on a hill with views of Bali. It was founded in the 17th century, and today it is an amazing place where you can experience the spiritual life of Crete, light a candle, admire the ancient architecture, and landscapes.

In Bali, everyone will find leisure activities to their liking. Although the pace of life here is calm, the resort town has everything for a vibrant vacation: from water sports to exciting sightseeing tours.

Active recreation

Although Bali is a modestly sized village, enthusiasts of active recreation will not be bored. On the beach, you can explore caves, go snorkeling and diving (the underwater world of Bali is fascinating), rent a catamaran and sail on the calm waters of one of the bays. Canoe rental is also available here, as well as walks along the coast of Crete on a boat and jet skiing.

Shopping

Like in any resort town, Bali has supermarkets, souvenir shops, shoe stores, and clothing stores. First and foremost, it is worth buying environmentally friendly products here: olive oil, shrimp, spices, essential oils, and, of course, honey. After all, according to one version, the name of the village originated from the Turkish word bal ("honey").

What else to pay attention to in stores? To original and durable tableware made of olive wood, textiles, leather accessories, and natural cosmetics.

For children

Travelers with children are attracted to Bali for its sandy beaches. In the shallow waters, children can play and swim safely. At Varkotopos Beach, there are inflatable attractions. When you want to diversify your vacation, it's worth visiting the mini-zoo Reptisland. It is located 12 km from Bali (next to the Melidoni Cave). Reptisland has become a habitat for geckos, snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, and spiders. Both children and adults will also enjoy a ride on a little train. It passes through Bali and nearby villages.

Nightlife

In Bali, there are no parties and active nightlife. For that, it's better to head to Heraklion and Rethymno - that's where you'll find plenty of bars, rock cafes, and clubs. A typical "nightlife" in Bali is having dinner at a seaside tavern with a view of the bay and sunset.

Excursions

Bali is a convenient starting point for excursions to Rethymno and Heraklion. While the former city charms with its old town center and Venetian monuments, the latter is famous for the Archaeological Museum — one of the largest in Greece. A trip to Heraklion should be combined with a visit to the Palace of Knossos. By the way, you can reach Rethymno not only by bus but also by sea. Boats depart daily from the port of Bali as part of a one-day cruise.

Located 21 km from Bali is the picturesque village of Margarites, which is worth visiting on an excursion. It has long been considered the homeland of the best potters in Crete - the creations of the masters are not only sold, but also adorn the village streets. In addition, Margarites is known for its beautiful architecture.

You can travel from Bali to anywhere. Local agencies offer trips to the Samaria Gorge, Festos and Gortyna with a visit to the beach Matala, to the city of Chania, to the island of Spinalonga, and to the beach with pink sand Elafonissi.

Every other building in Bali is a hotel of various star ratings. The hotel industry here is well developed, but it's important to choose carefully. Many hotels are built on mountain slopes. On one hand, the views of the bay and sunsets are magnificent. On the other hand, it can be exhausting to climb up and down the roads and stairs in the heat. If it's essential for you that the hotel is located at the foot of the mountains, it's better to book a room in advance.

In Bali, there are almost no five-star hotels. Mostly available for rent are apartments and hotels up to a 4-star level. The closer to July and August, the higher the prices and the less choice, especially considering the resort's popularity.

Most restaurants and bars are located in the port of Bali. You can have a fast food snack for 2.5-5 euros, the average bill for a full lunch or dinner is 15-25 euros (per person). If you move away from the port deeper into the village, prices in taverns will drop by 10-20%.

In Bali, some of the best fish taverns on Crete can be found. The gifts of the sea are usually cooked over a fire and served with fresh vegetables and a slice of lemon. Local chefs excel at grilling octopus. Overall, the cuisine in Bali is diverse. The menu has everything from Cretan lamb ribs and moussaka to pizza, salads, and traditional village pies.

• Bali is suitable for those who want to relax without noise around. There is no intense car traffic on its roads.
• Do not choose Bali for a vacation if you have health restrictions - getting around the village can be difficult.
• Not all restaurants and shops in Bali accept cards for payment. But there are a couple of ATMs where you can withdraw cash.
• Prices for souvenirs in Bali may be inflated due to the resort being "isolated" in the bay, with no way to walk to neighboring towns and no alternatives. Therefore, it is worth considering shopping in Rethymno or Heraklion.