Okay, beach lovers, I’m about to drop a truth bomb that’ll blow your flip flops off.
Imagine a place where the sand is tinged pink, the water’s so blue it hurts your eyes, and ancient trees grow right on the beach.
No, this isn’t a dream it’s Chrissi Island, and it’s about to become your new obsession!
Chrissi Island is this incredible little slice of paradise just off the coast of Crete.
It’s a short boat ride from Ierapetra, and let me tell you, it’s worth every second of that 50-minute trip.
The main beach here is called Belegrina, but everyone knows it as Golden Beach.
And golden it is the sand here is this amazing mix of white and pink, thanks to all the tiny shells mixed in.
The water?
It’s the kind of blue you think only exists in postcards.
But the real stars of the show are the juniper trees.
These gnarly old trees have roots that stretch out across the sand, looking like something out of a fairy tale.
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Now, here’s the deal Chrissi Island isn’t your typical beach destination.
It’s a protected area, which means there are some rules you need to follow.
You can’t just wander into the juniper forest (as much as you might want to), and you absolutely can’t take any shells or sand home with you.
It’s all about leaving no trace and keeping this place pristine for future visitors.
The beach itself starts off a bit rocky, but then it turns into this gorgeous stretch of sand.
It’s the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, or just staring at the sea in disbelief that a place this beautiful actually exists.
Chrissi Island is perfect for nature lovers, beach bums, and anyone who wants to experience a truly unique part of Crete.
Families love it here because the water is calm and shallow.
Couples come for the romantic vibes – I mean, who wouldn’t want to walk hand-in-hand along a pink and white beach?
And if you’re into photography, you’re going to have a field day with those juniper trees and that crystal clear water.
Chrissi Beach Key Information
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Lassithi Prefecture, off coast of Ierapetra |
| Beach Composition | White and pink sand, Some rocks |
| Water | Bright blue, Clear |
| Beach Features | Juniper trees, Shell fragments |
| Amenities | Limited, Basic facilities near boat landing |
| Famous For | Golden Beach, Juniper forest, Pink sand |
| Activities | Swimming, Sunbathing, Snorkeling, Nature walks |
| Historical Role | Ancient Minoan settlement |
| Surrounding Region | Protected nature reserve |
| Atmosphere | Natural, Unspoiled, Peaceful |
| Dining | Very limited, Small cantina |
| Accessibility | Boat access only from Ierapetra |
| Period to Visit | May to October |
| Demographics | Nature lovers, Beach enthusiasts, Day-trippers |
Chrissi Beach Profile
Belegrina Beach on Chrissi Island is a stunning mix of sand and sea.
The sand is a unique blend of white and pink, thanks to countless crushed shells.
The water is an incredible bright blue, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Ancient juniper trees line the beach, creating a one of a kind landscape.
Amenities
Chrissi Island is all about natural beauty, so amenities are limited.
There are basic facilities near the boat landing area.
Bring your own water and snacks, as options on the island are limited.
Remember to take all trash with you when you leave.
Accommodations
There are no overnight accommodations on Chrissi Island.
The island is a day trip destination from Ierapetra.
Visitors must return to Crete in the evening.
Stay in Ierapetra for easy access to boat trips to Chrissi Island.
History and Significance
Chrissi Island has a rich history dating back to ancient times.
The island was once home to a Minoan settlement.
Ancient shell fossils can be found on parts of the island.
The juniper forest is one of the oldest in Europe.
Activities
Swimming in the crystal clear waters is a must do on Chrissi Island.
Snorkeling around the rocky areas offers glimpses of colorful marine life.
Sunbathing on the unique pink and white sand is a popular activity.
Photography enthusiasts will love capturing the juniper trees and coastline.
Nature walks along designated paths offer beautiful views of the island.
Dining
Dining options on Chrissi Island are very limited.
There’s a small cantina near the boat landing that sells basic refreshments.
It’s best to bring your own food and drinks for the day.
Remember to take all trash with you when you leave the island.
Best For Travelers
Chrissi Island is perfect for several types of travelers:
Nature lovers will appreciate the unique ecosystem and protected juniper forest.
Beach enthusiasts can enjoy the stunning golden and pink sands.
Photographers will find endless inspiration in the landscape and seascapes.
Day trippers from Crete looking for a unique island experience.
It’s ideal for those seeking a natural, unspoiled beach experience.
And for comprehensive information about everything Crete has to offer, from beaches to mountains to ancient ruins, visit Cretorama.
Chrissi Beach Map – Getting There
The only way to reach Chrissi Island is by boat from Ierapetra.
Ferries run daily during the summer months, usually from May to October.
The boat trip takes about 50 minutes each way.
Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
Arrive at the port early to ensure you get a spot on the boat.
Distances from Major Cretan Cities:
- Chania: Approximately 215 km (134 miles), about 3 hours 15 minutes drive
- Rethymnon: Around 165 km (103 miles), about 2 hours 30 minutes drive
- Heraklion: About 100 km (62 miles), roughly 1 hour 30 minutes drive
- Hersonissos: Approximately 90 km (56 miles), about 1 hour 20 minutes drive
- Malia: Around 80 km (50 miles), about 1 hour 10 minutes drive
- Agios Nikolaos: About 35 km (22 miles), roughly 40 minutes drive
- Ierapetra: This is the departure point for Chrissi Island
Note: These distances and times are to Ierapetra, from where you’ll take the boat to Chrissi Island.
The boat journey to Chrissi Island takes about 50 minutes.
There’s no direct access to Chrissi Island from these cities you must go through Ierapetra.
Public buses run regularly from Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos to Ierapetra.
If driving, the roads are generally good, but can be winding in some coastal sections.
Once in Ierapetra, the port for Chrissi Island boats is easy to find in the town center.
It’s advisable to arrive in Ierapetra the day before your planned trip to Chrissi Island, especially if coming from the more distant cities, to ensure you don’t miss the morning boat departures.
Before planning your trip, make sure to check the official Crete government website for the latest travel updates and local regulations.
Tips
1. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as options on the island are limited.
2. Wear sunscreen and bring a hat – there’s limited shade on the beach.
3. Bring water shoes for the initially rocky part of the beach.
4. Respect the environment – don’t take shells or sand, and stay on designated paths.
5. Bring a camera to capture the unique landscape and juniper trees.
6. Check return boat times carefully – you don’t want to miss the last ferry!
7. Consider visiting in shoulder season (May or September) for fewer crowds.
For more amazing beaches in this part of Crete, check out our guide to Lassithi Beaches.
For stunning photos of Chrissi Island and other Cretan gems, follow us on Instagram!
Discoveries Around Chrissi Beach
| Attraction | Distance | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Juniper Wood of Chrissi | 0.2 km (0.12 miles) | Ancient protected juniper forest |
| Fragou Mnima Beach | 0.5 km (0.31 miles) | Another beautiful beach nearby |
| Shell Fossils of Chrissi | 0.5 km (0.31 miles) | Ancient shell fossil site |
| Vougiou Mati beach | 0.5 km (0.31 miles) | Scenic beach on island |
| Vages beach | 0.7 km (0.43 miles) | Another beach option nearby |
| Kataprosopo beach | 0.8 km (0.50 miles) | Beach with unique rock formations |
| Vlychadia beach, Chrissi | 1.2 km (0.75 miles) | Quiet beach on island |
| Hadzivolakas beach | 1.4 km (0.87 miles) | Remote beach on Chrissi |
| Avlaki beach, Chrissi | 2.1 km (1.30 miles) | Small, secluded beach cove |
| Saltpan of Chrissi | 2.2 km (1.37 miles) | Natural salt flat area |
