A boat trip to Chrissi, Crete’s golden island
OVERVIEW
A boat trip to Chrissi island from Crete
Golden by name, golden by nature. Chrissi takes its name from the colour of the shimmering sand on its beautiful beaches. Now add to that the experience of a tiny island of aquamarine water and colourful shells and the scent of cedar trees wafting through the air. There’s no question. If you take a day trip here, you’re in for a treat.
Around nine nautical miles into the Libyan Sea from Ierapetra, on the south coast of Crete, Chrissi was inhabited in Minoan and Roman times. But its history is more closely linked with the fortunes of nature, not man. Submerged around 350,000 years ago, it boasts an abundance of fossilised shells as well as Europe’s largest natural Lebanon cedar tree forest and more than 120 recorded species of migratory bird. It is part of the Natura 2000 network, making it Europe’s southernmost protected environment. Many trees are believed to be over 200 years old, with a root system that’s double the height of the tree and specially adapted to sand.
Boat trips to Chrissi typically visit Golden Beach (named after the expanse of gleaming sand that greets you, although officially called Belegrina Beach) on the north coast and Vougiou Mati beach in the south.
Conservation rules mean that there are no sunbeds, umbrellas or other facilities on these beaches and visitors are no longer allowed to swim at other beaches or explore the island on foot, including the juniper tree forest and archaeological remains. So make sure to respect these rules and do your bit to help preserve Chrissi’s golden touch for future generations.
GET PLANNING
Where do boat trips to Chrissi island leave from in Crete?
- From Ierapetra port: Boats depart daily at 10:00-11:00 and return 17:00-18:00. Or you can hire a sea taxi or a boat & skipper and make your own itinerary.
- You can reach Ierapetra from Agios Nikoloas by car or bus (37km, 45mins) and from Heraklion by car or bus (100km, 1hr30mins)
More info on bus service (KTEL)
When is the best time to visit Chrissi island from Crete?
- Boat excursions to Chrissi run from May to October.
The beaches do get crowded in the peak summer months, so for the best experience visit in May-June or September-October.
How much do Chrissi island boat trips cost?
- Crossings start from around €25 per person, rising for boat trips including drinks and snacks and for private hires.
- There’s an additional €1 municipal charge per passenger when you buy your ticket.
- All crossings are dependent on weather conditions.
- Autumn
- Spring
- Summer
- Winter
How long does it take to reach Chrissi island from Crete?
- The crossing from Ierapetretra takes 30mins-1hr.
- Excursions last 5-8 hours, depending on which boat or package you choose.
- There are no sunbeds & umbrellas or other beach facilities (including beach bars or tavernas) on Chrissi so make sure to come prepared
- Chrissi is a protected island and exploring on foot is prohibited (including the juniper tree forest and archaeological remains)
Make sure you’re equipped for a day in the sun:
