The gem of Chrissi (Chrysi) island is off the south coast of Crete. It is a protected ecosystem within the Natura 2000 initiative. It is known for its natural beauty, white sand beaches, and turquoise water that is ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Why Visit Chrissi Island?
The island is small (7 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide), and it is a haven for protected species like the Caretta-Caretta turtle and Monachus-Monachus monk seal. A unique 200-year-old cedar forest takes up 70% of the land on the island of Chrissi, making it the largest natural Lebanon cedar forest on the continent. The trees are 7-10 meters tall.
The island of Chrissi was created by lava flows and has a number of fossilized shells, corals, and sea urchins from about 350,000 years ago.
The name of the island means “golden” because of its golden beaches, but it also goes by a second name: Gaidouronisi. This word means “island of the donkeys” because locals in the closest town of Ierapetra on the Cretan mainland used to take their aging donkeys to Chrissi so they could enjoy their last days in a nature paradise.
How to Get to Chrissi Island
The best way to get to Chrissi Island is from Ierapetra in Southern Crete. Boats usually leave between 10:00 and 12:00 during peak season and cost about 25 euros per passenger. The return journey usually leaves in the late afternoon and the journey takes about 1 hour each way. Private speedboats are available for those willing to pay extra for the express route.
Beaches on Chrissi Island
Vougiou Mati Beach
This beautiful beach is on the south side of Chrissi Island, where most boats dock. There is a taverna on the West of the pier and a bay with caves. It’s an excellent spot to enjoy the Mediterranean when the waves are not choppy.
Belegrina / Golden Sand aka Chrissi Ammos
Belegrina Beach is on the north side of the island and requires a short walk through the cedar forest to arrive there. This beach is organized and has sunbeds and a beach bar. The sand is a golden color with some shades of pink because of the thousands of shells. Because of how close this area is to the harbor and the amenities available, Belegrina is usually the busiest part of the island.
Chatzivolakas (Hatzivolakas) Beach
This beach is located just west of Belegrina and has some shade because of the cedar trees. It is a bit rocky but has calm waters. Because it does not have any sunbeds, this beach makes you feel like you are on a deserted tropical island. Nearby is a lighthouse and the chapel of Saint Nicholas, which is said to be built in the 13th century. Uniquely there are graves in this area from the Roman Empire and some remains of a Minoan settlement.
When to Visit Chrissi Island
Like the majority of Greek islands, the summer is high season. You can expect to have the beach to yourself in shoulder season in May or October. For ferry routes, we recommend you consult FerryHopper to find the best rates.
Chrissi Island Closures
In the past few years, Chrissi has gained popularity and thousands of visitors came to camp and enjoy the scenic island. Because of the impact on the local environment, the authorities decided to close access to Chrissi this summer, from May 1 to October 31.
Entering the interior of the island, where there are dunes covered with cedar forest, is not allowed. On the beaches, no facilities will be available. For visitors in 2023, this means that you can take a boat into the area, you could swim on the island, and you can sit on designated beaches. But effectively, the island is closed for now and will open again in the Autumn.
Here is an example of a tour currently offered by the local company “Cretan Daily Cruises”: “The ship approaches the island and anchors in a leeward spot near a selected beach for swimming in crystal clear water, a short distance from the shore to facilitate access for passengers who want to reach the island by swimming. The use of the island’s beaches is allowed.”
