The Chrissi Island, which is translated to “golden”, refers to the gorgeous sand on the beach of the island. The island of Chrissi is located 15 kilometres south of Ierapetraon on the island of Crete. The tiny, secluded island is approximately 7 kilometres by 2 kilometres in size. The highest point is barely 30 metres above sea level. There are numerous beaches on the rocky island that are visited from spring to fall by tour boats and watercraft. Chrissi Island almost resembles paradise and is a tourist destination that must be on an itinerary. The white sand beaches and African Cedar-woods are ideal for snorkelling, not to mention the crystal clear turquoise sea. The island offers good facilities and has exceptional reviews from tourists. Accommodations are available nearby the island, which offers great amenities and services. The best hotels such as The Enorme Santanna Beach and Tylissos Beach Hotel. The Enorme Santanna Beach is one of the luxury hotels, while the Tylissos Beach Hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool and poolside.
Generally, Chrissi Island offers plenty of exciting tourist attractions that are accessible to tourists. There are 6 breathtaking beaches including Vougiou Mati, Belegrina / Golden Sand aka Chrissi Ammos, Chatzivolakas (Hatzivolakas) Beach, Kataprosopo Beach, Kendra Beach and Vages Beach. Firstly, the Vougiou Mati, is where the boats bring tourists from the Ierapetra. Secondly, tourists fall in love with the Belegrina or Golden Sand aka Chrissi Ammos. The beach is known for its clear blue waves, and white sand that has pink tints. From the hundreds of shattered shells, and towering junipers that hold the sand in place. Thirdly, the Chatzivolakas beach is perfect for tourists that are looking for an isolated and peaceful time at the beach. Fourthly, Kataprosopo Beach is a perfect spot to visit for tourists to go snorkelling. Fiftly, Kendra Beach is a perfect place to visit after visiting the lighthouse and Agios Nikolaos. Lastly, Vages beach is mostly made up of rocks and is one of the many beaches on the island of Chrissi. Aside from the breathtaking beaches, most tourists recommend visiting the sacred Church of Agios Nikolaos. The church is one of the most important religious places on the island of Chrissi. To experience the best of Chrissi Island, the best time to visit is around the month of mid-May through October.
What is Chrissi Island?
The Island of Chrissi is 7 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide. The Libyan Sea surrounds the shore. The island’s breathtaking scenery and unique ecosystem are protected by the European Natura 2000 Networking Programme. The collection of stones and shells on the island is strictly prohibited. Seventy percent of the island is covered by a unique, 200–300-year-old cedar forest. It is known as the biggest naturally occurring Lebanon cedar forest in Europe and has trees that are 7–10 metres tall and one metre in diameter. The history of Chrissi Island remained uninhabited. However, recent archaeological excavations have recorded human activity on the northern side of the island as early as the Minoan era. There are archaeological sites that reveal traces of buildings and artefacts. The evidence tells that the people were involved in fishing, salt extraction, and processing shells to make a dye which is called Royal Purple. The dye was made in classical antiquity and was extracted from a mucus produced by a spiny dye-murex snail. It is referred to as the purple dye murex. Snail species are usually seen in the Mediterranean Sea. Furthermore, on the northwest part of the island, a church dedicated to Saint Nicholas is situated. The church is known as Agios Nikolaos. The church dedicated to Saint Nicholas most likely dates to the 13th century.
Where is Chrissi Island located?
Chrissi Island is situated 15 kilometres south of Ierapetra, Lassithi. The island of Chrissi is 7 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide. The Libyan Sea surrounds the shore. It is a flat islet which is famous for its tropical blue water. It covers all possible palette hues of blue and green, the protected forest with large juniper trees. Additionally, the island is filled with thousands of broken shells that make the sand pinkish. The locals of Ierapetra love the island of Chrissi and call it simply “the Island”.
What are the beaches on Chrissi Island?
Listed below are the beaches on Chrissi Island.
- Vougiou Mati Beach: Vougiou Mati beach is where the boats bring tourists from the Ierapetra. It stops on the southern side of the island of Chrissi. The island’s most well-known best beaches on Chrissi Island, Belegrina or Golden Beach in the north Due to its wave-ridden, people choose this long, rocky beach that forms on the east side of the quay.
- Belegrina / Golden Sand aka Chrissi Ammos: The majority of the tens of thousands of tourists that arrive by boat each day from Ierapetra to Chrissi Island come for Belegrina or Golden Beach. Anyone falls in love with the location because of the clear blue waves, white sand that has pink tints from the hundreds of shattered shells, and towering junipers that hold the sand in place.
- Chatzivolakas (Hatzivolakas) Beach: The Chatzivolakas beach stretches west of Belergina’s main beach. It is Chrissi island’s longest beach. The beach is mostly stony bottom, which is perfect for tourists that are looking for a more isolated and peaceful time at the beach. The majority of island visitors are Belegrina.
- Kataprosopo Beach: The lovely beach of Kataprosopo faces the island of Mikronissi, and it is located at the easternmost part of the island of Chrissi. The beach is actually split in half by a tiny stretch of rocky terrain. The juniper vegetation is obviously less abundant than on the other beaches on the eastern section of the island. The depth of Kataprosopo beach is just 5 metres, which is a perfect place to visit for tourists who want to go snorkelling.
- Kendra Beach: The tiny Cape Kendra and the island’s southernmost beach are located at the western and southern ends of Chrissi, respectively. While the bottom is mostly rocky over the whole island, there is no high vegetation to provide shade. You may take a walk to Kendra beach after visiting the lighthouse and Agios Nikolaos.
- Vages Beach: The vast Vages beach is formed by the eastern and southern ends of the island of Chrissi. Except for the eastern side, which is covered with sand, Vages’ bottom is mostly made up of rocks and is one of the many beaches on the island of Chrissi.
How was the preservation of Chrissi Island?
The island’s breathtaking scenery and unique ecosystem are protected by the Natura 2000 Networking Programme. The collection of stones and shells on the island is strictly prohibited. It has a significant ecology and is home to non-poisonous snakes, lizards, worms, and rabbits, as well as Caretta-Caretta sea turtles and the Monk Seal Monachus-Monachus, which tourists visit the island. Seventy percent of the island is covered by a unique, 200–300-year-old cedar forest. It is the biggest naturally occurring Lebanon cedar forest in Europe and has trees that are 7–10 metres tall and one metre in diameter. Furthermore, forty-nine types of fossils have been found on the island. The fossils were produced after being trapped by hardened lava between 350,000 and 70,000 years ago when the island was still underwater. These distinct natural features make this island stand out from other islands on Crete.
How does the Chrissi Island Map look?
Tourists remember Chrissi Island because of the dramatic scenery and the iconic whitewashed village. It is located on the West Coast. The island of Chrissi in Crete, is one of the most famous beaches on the island. Accompanying secluded hidden beaches and rocky landscapes with majestic views from the seaside. The map of Chrissi Island gives a glimpse of the route and one understands why it should be part of a bucket list when visiting the island of Crete.
Below is the sample picture of Chrissi Island Map.
What are the activities in Chrissi Island?
Chrissi Island is home to the largest naturally formed Lebanon cedar forest in Europe. Almost 70 percent of the island is covered with a cedar forest. It is recommended to visit the Church of Agios Nikolaos and the Lighthouse. The Church of Agios Nikolaos is one of the most important religious sites on the island, dating back to the 13th century. The church of Agios Nikolaos was constructed on the site of an ancient building. The church is as well known as St. Nicolas. The temple acted as a religious centre for the hermits who lived on the island. There are additional near the church as well as ancient graves, some of which date back to the Roman Empire. Camping, swimming, and band are the best things to do in Chrissi Island.
When is the best time to visit Chrissi Island?
The boats depart from around mid-May through October. The best weather is usually between June and September. Chrissi Island sees the most tourists arriving in July and August. During these months. It is recommended arriving early in the day to get ahead of the crowds.
How do you get to Chrissi Island?
The only way to get to the island of Chrissi is by ferry. The ferry leaves from the Ierapetra Smaller Harbour. The ferry is scheduled to depart early in the day and return in the late afternoon. The ferry leaves from Ierapetra Crete twice a day, the first trip is around 10:30 a.m. and then later sometime between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. It is recommended to arrive at the harbour half an hour before departure to avoid trouble with the tickets and boarding the ferry. Travelling by ferry is nice and comfortable. However, the busiest holiday lasts from the month of July to August and is too crowded. There is another option of taking a tour of the island, which normally lasts around seven hours. The actual boat ride lasts for around 69 to 75 minutes, and spends the remaining four to five hours relaxing at the beach.
What are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete?
Listed below are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete.
- Insurance: Car rental insurance is important, as it protects a passenger against the cost of damage when renting a car. Crete car rental includes insurance for collision damage waiver and a driver’s credit card is required as a guarantee.
- Driver’s age: The legal age requirement when driving in Crete is 18 years old. The driver must have a valid driving licence and essential documents like an ID or passport.
- Driver’s gender: Women and men are able to drive in Crete. As long as the driver is of the legal age of 21, driving is permitted in Crete, regardless of gender.
- Car type: Travelling with groups or family members requires a much bigger car. Car rental companies in Crete offer a variety of cars to choose from. Selecting a smaller car is best when driving in Crete. The reason for that is that some Greek roads are narrow. The car type is one big factor in answering the question of how to choose the right car to rent in Crete.
- Documents needed for renting a car: One important document needed for renting a vehicle is a valid driving licence. However, a credit or debit card is presented, including a passport or an ID card.
How much does a car rental in Crete cost?
Crete is best travelled using a rented vehicle. Tourists quickly get to Crete’s top destinations using a rented car. Crete car rental costs vary depending on the number of persons, itinerary, car type, destination, and duration. The average cost of renting a car in Crete is around €30 to €40 per day. A car rented for a whole week costs an average of €250. Renting a vehicle for the weekend costs around €78. Crete car rental rates differ depending on the car type. Car rental companies offer a variety of cars depending on customers’ liking. Most car rental shops in Crete offer an online booking system, whenever customers want to book a car. Simply follow the process and instantly book a vehicle on their website. Before availing of a rental car service in Crete, make sure to check and secure all the requirements needed.
How much does it cost to get to Chrissi Island?
The Southern Eastern town of Ierapetra is the main departure point for Chrissi Island. The boat ride costs about €20.00-€25.00 each. Note that each of the visitors is required to pay a visitor’s tax of €1.00 on the boat, and not included in the ticket.
Where to stay near Chrissi Island?
There are numerous tourists’ accommodation near Chrissi Island that offer amenities and services. Accommodations are ranging from affordable yet comfortable rooms to upscale villas. The Enorme Santanna Beach is one of the luxury Hotels Near Chrissi Island and found in Ierapetra. The hotel is only a few kilometres away from Chrissi Island. The Enorme Santanna Beach provides modern amenities and traditional Greek hospitality, making it an ideal choice for tourists who want to experience the best during their stay. A pool, a restaurant, a bar, and a spa are among the amenities offered by the luxurious hotel. On the other hand, Tylissos Beach Hotel is only a few metres away from its own beach, which offers an outdoor swimming pool and poolside bar. Additionally, there is a snack bar found at the private beach with free sun lingers for the guests to use. The rooms in Tylissos Beach Hotel come with AC systems and furnished balconies providing fantastic views of the sea.
Where to eat at Chrissi Island?
The Crete experience is never complete without trying the local cuisine. The region offers several places where to eat and drink at the tourist’s heart’s desire, as well as experience traditional Greek culture first-hand. Firstly, BOΗΕΜΕ café – bar – restaurant is the best if tourists are looking for a laid-back place where to eat and drink while enjoying the magnificent view. The restaurant is a modern-themed café that offers a great selection of sandwiches, meat dishes, salads, and appetisers. Secondly, Vira Potzi is a restaurant that offers fantastic views of the Cretan sea. Vira Potzi is an excellent spot for some good food while on the island of Chrissi. From traditional Greek cuisine to seafood, this restaurant serves some of the best dishes in Crete. The staff is rated very friendly and offer their service with a smile, making it an ideal place to dine in when visiting Chrissi Island. Lastly, the Levante Restaurant Fish Tavern is a great place for the best seafood in Crete. Although the rates are a bit pricey compared to other restaurants. The serving is huge and with every cent. The restaurant is open seven days a week. It is convenient for tourists who want to eat seafood when on the way to Chrissi Island.
Is Chrissi Island safe?
Yes, the island of Chrissi is safe. Crime rates in Chrissi Island are typically low, just like in any other part of Greece. Since there are many police officers on the island, assistance is never far away should an accident occur. Like other Mediterranean islands tourists have visited, Chrissi Island is considered a secure tourist destination. The locals at Chrissi Island are welcoming and friendly, anyone is allowed to freely explore the village and feel quite secure and relaxed. However, keeping an eye on one’s belongings and avoiding walking late at night alone are just a few of the sensible things to consider when travelling.
Are children permitted at Chrissi Island?
Yes, children are permitted on the island of Chrissi. The entire area of Chrissi Island looks like a big water park for young kids. Children surely enjoy activities like snorkelling in shallow, clear waters. The dunes and the beautiful long stretches of white sand are just a few of the numerous reasons why Chrissi Island is among the best beaches in Crete for toddlers and young kids. Everyone enjoys their stay at Chrissi Island, there are several activities in the area that people from different age groups have to try.
