Which Crete Balloon Ride Is Right for You?
What to Expect on the Day
1
Very early pickup
You are collected before dawn from the Heraklion area for the drive up to the Lasithi Plateau, about an hour and a half inland.
It is a long, early morning. Stay on the north coast the night before and rest afterwards.2
Inflation and take-off
You watch the crew inflate the balloon on the plateau and lift off as the sun rises over the mountains.
3
The flight
For about an hour you drift over the green highland basin, its old stone windmills, orchards and villages ringed by peaks.
4
Breakfast and extras
After landing you have breakfast and, depending on the tour, a pottery visit, a jeep tour or a later catamaran cruise.
What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)
✓ Bring
- Warm layers for the cool highland morning
- Closed flat shoes
- A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Camera or phone with a wrist strap
- Cash for a tip
- Your booking voucher
✗ Leave behind
- High heels or loose sandals
- Loose scarves without straps
- Selfie sticks and tripods (often not allowed in the basket)
- Large bags, since basket space is tight
- Drones (bring only if the operator confirms they are allowed)
How to Choose a Good Balloon Operator
What good operators do
- Hold a Greek (HCAA) commercial balloon operator licence
- Postpone or cancel when the wind or visibility is marginal
- State the pickup point and passenger count clearly
- Include breakfast and a certificate
- Have consistent, verified reviews
Red flags to avoid
- Overload the basket or hide the passenger count
- Pressure you to fly in borderline weather
- Bury a costly transfer or add-on in the small print
- Offer no free cancellation or weather refund
- No clear licence or authorisation
