It is officially forbidden to live on Chrissi, but a lot visitors come to the island because of the exceptional natural beauty for relaxation.
The unique reserve got its name because of the golden sand that covers the whole island and is formed from fragments of small shells.
The island is a fairly narrow strip of land with a length of 5 km, a width of 1 km and an average height above sea level of 10 m. The highest hill of the island is called “Mullet” and has a height of 31 m.
The hill offers stunning forest views from Lebanese cedar, perhaps the last such forest in Europe. The density of trees is 28 units per hectare, the average height of one tree is 7 m and the average age is 200 years. It is here that you will find beaches of white shell rock, which gives the water a unique shade.
In the west of Hatziwolak beach, traces of the Minoan settlement, which flourished through the trade of purple, were discovered. This precious red dye was obtained from shells and used for dyeing royal clothes. Nearby is a small church of St. Nicholas, the old salt works and the lighthouse of the island. Pick-up from your hotel or any other place within North Heraklion region (for other regions of the island extra charges may apply).
Bus tour to the port of Ierapetra on the south coast of Crete.
The excursion boat departs daily from Ierapetra in the morning and returns in the evening.
A total of 50 minutes' journey is divided from the southern coast of Crete to the only port on Chrysi. There is only one tavern on the island where you can have lunch. All Chrysi can be circumvented in 3-4 hours.
After a few minutes of walking on the cedar grove you will find yourself on the most popular beach in the northern part of the island reminding the Caribbean of crystal clear azure water and white golden sand. A shallow entrance to the sea especially attracts tourists with children.
In the western area, the more tranquil part of the island, a rocky beach with bicentenary cedars is suitable for a more secluded holiday.
And on the opposite east side of the island with a wonderful view of the small island of Micronisi - a haven for migratory birds, stretches the beach making it the ideal spot for swimming with a mask..
The sightseeing boat departs from Chrissi at approximately 17:30.
Drop-off at your hotel.