Kavoussanos Studio

The incredible islet of Chrissi, located off the coast of the famous Greek island of Crete, is a stunning slice of paradise on earth. With ferries leaving daily from Ierapetra in the mornings and returning in the afternoons, between the middle of May to late October, it can easily be visited as a day trip if you have found a vacation rental in Crete and makes for a great place to get far away from your daily life.

Beaches are the main attraction of the island, as we noted in the first part of this series – with their extraordinarily picturesque white sands, exotically blue waters and wonderful views – and there are several to choose from. Here is a guide to the rest of Chrysi's excellent beaches and more reasons to visit...

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.

Imagine waking up to that view. Imagine watching the sun set over the water. Imagine dining on the terrace. You don't have to simply imagine it. These incredible views and ones just like them are possible with so many of our beautiful luxury villas in Greece. To find the right one for you, keep reading for more of our most amazing luxurious rentals and the extraordinary features that they boast all around the country...

4. Domes Of Elounda (Available from €1259 per night)

This stunning property is located in a large, modern resort, 2km from the centre of Plaka in Crete and just 50m from the sea. On the resort there are 2 swimming pools, a tennis court, a playground, a reception, a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, a bistro, a sauna, spa, shops, terraces and more.

A vacation rental in Crete is a wonderful idea for those who love the great outdoors. It is famously home to some truly exceptional beaches and has a diverse and picturesque landscape, both of which afford the natural facilities necessary for all kinds of adventures. Whether you're interested in swimming, kayaking, snorkelling, cycling, walking, rafting, exploring caves, canyoning, hiking, or more, you'll be able to find somewhere to do it while on vacation in Crete. In particular, the hiking possibilities are especially rich and scenic from the wonderful views and range of routes afforded by the impressive peaks of the White Mountains and National Park on the western side of the island, near Samariá Gorge, to the famous and well-trodden canyon trails through Chania and Imbros Gorge. Another excellent and highly picturesque hiking option that is especially magical is the route through Richtis Gorge that ends at a majestic waterfall.

Richtis Gorge is located in a state-protected park near Exo Mouliana, Sitia, in eastern Crete, Greece. Just a few kilometers long and not especially difficult, this is an excellent option for beginners, those with kids in the party, or those looking for something that packs a serious punch. The whole route should only take a couple of hours each way and the elevation difference between the starting point and the beach is about 350 meters in total. The only real concern or consideration to keep in mind is that sections of the trail can be quite steep with stones that make it slippery. Just be sure to take these areas slowly and to watch your footing so that you do not fall. It is also probably a good idea to ensure that you are wearing sturdy and closed shoes to improve your grip and protect your feet.