Crete, in its own right, is a famously beautiful Greek island, populated by pretty villages, excellent beaches and stunning views. However, off this Greek island are even more little islands and each of these has its own charms and yet more pretty beaches. If you have found a vacation rental in Crete and well and truly want to get away from it all, just pack up for the day and come explore one of these islets for yourself.
Chrissi, or Chrysi (Χρυσή in Greek), meaning "golden" and also known as Gaidouronisi (Γαϊδουρονήσι), meaning "donkey island", is an uninhabited island located 15km south of Crete, close to Ierapetra. While the island is uninhabited, it can be visited by taking the ferries that leave from Ierapetra in the mornings and return in the afternoons, between the middle of May to late October.
Chrissi, or Chrysi (Χρυσή in Greek), meaning "golden" and also known as Gaidouronisi (Γαϊδουρονήσι), meaning "donkey island", is an uninhabited island located 15km south of Crete, close to Ierapetra. While the island is uninhabited, it can be visited by taking the ferries that leave from Ierapetra in the mornings and return in the afternoons, between the middle of May to late October.
Just 5km long and 1km wide, the island is a protected area of “intense natural beauty” that is populated by amazing beaches, a large cedar forest, a harbour and a 13th century chapel on the northwestern coast, a salt pan, an old port, some Minoan ruins, a lighthouse, and a Roman cemetery.
The small harbour on the south beach, at Vougiou Mati, where ferries arrive, is also home to a taverna but there is no fresh drinking water and no shops on the island other than this so, if you're planning a visit, be sure to stock up on supplies before heading out. Also bear in mind that camping on the island is forbidden and entering the woods and collecting sand and shells is also prohibited.
The main attraction is the beaches of the island with their impossibly blue waters and perfect white sand; it can seem like one is in a far more far-flung and tropical location or, perhaps, paradise! The shallow waters around Chrissi make snorkelling and diving popular and there are several beaches to choose from. Among these beaches Belegrina, a five minute walk away from the South beach and the harbour, is the most popular; boasting white sand, the broken remains of beautiful shells, azure waters, umbrellas and a canteen.
There are several other beaches worth mentioning so be sure to click through to the second part of this post for more perfectly relaxing reasons to book that trip to Crete and come explore this magical place for yourself!
The small harbour on the south beach, at Vougiou Mati, where ferries arrive, is also home to a taverna but there is no fresh drinking water and no shops on the island other than this so, if you're planning a visit, be sure to stock up on supplies before heading out. Also bear in mind that camping on the island is forbidden and entering the woods and collecting sand and shells is also prohibited.
The main attraction is the beaches of the island with their impossibly blue waters and perfect white sand; it can seem like one is in a far more far-flung and tropical location or, perhaps, paradise! The shallow waters around Chrissi make snorkelling and diving popular and there are several beaches to choose from. Among these beaches Belegrina, a five minute walk away from the South beach and the harbour, is the most popular; boasting white sand, the broken remains of beautiful shells, azure waters, umbrellas and a canteen.
There are several other beaches worth mentioning so be sure to click through to the second part of this post for more perfectly relaxing reasons to book that trip to Crete and come explore this magical place for yourself!
