Chrissi Island is just an hour away from Crete, but feels worlds apart. Here's how to get to Chrissi Island, and some travel tips on how to enjoy yourself in one of the most beautiful places in Greece when there!
Chrysi – A slice of paradise near Crete
I have a growing realisation that it's going to be very difficult for me to visit all the islands of Greece! At the same time, it's a shame not to share new places with you.
** Book a trip to Chrissi – Click here **
The solution? Guest blogger Radu of One Lifetime Trip shares his experiences of a little slice of paradise called Chrissi island! I'll hand you over to him with his insights on visiting Chrissi island…
Chrissi Island Crete
Welcome to the most remote island in Greece! Chrissi is the second most southern point in Europe after Gavdos island only by 2km but it's 8 times smaller and with no permanent residents.
This desert island is included in Nature Protected islands and is a wildlife refuge for many plants and animals. So, please do not collect sand, shells and other items from here, you can be fined a hefty fee if caught.
How to get to Chrissi Island
The only way to get here is using the Ierapetra to Chrissi island ferry from Crete. If you are not in the city of Ierapetra already, you can buy a full day trip from all over Crete that will include a guide, bus ride to Ierapetra and round-trip tickets to Chrissi.
Best way to do it yourself if you also want to spend a night here is to go to Ierapetra by bus and buy a round-trip ferry ticket that runs from May to October for the price of 25€ + 1€ cleaning fee, make sure you let them know that you will spend the night here and to pick you up next day.
** Book a trip to Chrissi – Click here **
Ierapetra To Chrissi Island Ferry
Most ferries to Chrissi beach run only twice per day so make sure you don't miss it, unless you want to spend the night there, and without a tent it's going be a cold and lonely night. You can also book your ticket to Chrissi island, Crete online using the link below.
** Book a boat trip to Chrissi – Click here **
What to do on Chrissi Island, Greece
There are only 4 places you can visit on Chrissi, a small bar on the north side, a tavern on the south side, St. Nicholas church and a lighthouse. The main reason to visit Chrissi island, Crete is to enjoy the crystal clear water and white sand of course!
Travel tips for Chrissi Island, Crete
When you finally arrive there it will be on the south side of the small island, and you will have to walk on the north side to reach the best part of it.
Make sure you have some sandals, sunglasses and a hat on because the sand will be very hot. Also take notice there is no toilet on the north side, the only ones are on the boat and on south side of the island.
If you forgot to take water with you, on the boat they sell frozen bottles of water for 1€ that will last for about 4 hours of cold water also on the north side of the island there is a bar where you can buy cold beer and water.
The umbrellas on the north side are limited and you need to pay 10€. If you would like one make sure you are one of the first people to get there otherwise sun will burn, there are no places where to hide from the sun.
The water it's mostly rocky with no sand under it but it's crystal clear so bring some snorkeling gear and be amazed by the beauty of it.
** Book a ferry to Chrissi – Click here **
Spending the night on Chrissi Beach
Do you want to spend the night here? Yes it's possible for no fees at least in 2017 when I was last time here, all you need to have with you is a tent and to find a place to hide.
Take notice there will be nobody here during the night so if you have any kind of emergency, there will be nobody there to help you.
** Book a boat to Chrissi – Click here **
Post by travel blogger: Radu Vulcu
Visit Chrissi Island
It's clear that this beautiful island with its pristine beaches is a place worth visiting, but it can be hard to get there. In this article we've given you all the information you need about how to get your boat trip booked and some travel tips for when you're on the island so go ahead and book your ticket today!
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FAQ About Planning a Trip to Chrissi Island
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions people have when planning to visit the island of Chrissi.
How do you get to Chrissi Island?
You have to travel by boat to Chrissi island from Ierapetra boat terminal, which is right next to the police station. The boat to Chrissi leaves Ierapetra at 10.30, 11.00, 11.30 and 12.00 in the morning. The journey over to the island takes around 45-55.
Can you stay on Chrissi Island?
In the past, people used to be allowed to stay overnight on Chrissi island, but that is no longer the case. Camping and open fires are strictly prohibited on the island to preserve its natural beauty.
Where is Chrissy Island?
Chrissi island or Gaidouronisi as it is sometimes known, is 8 miles south of Ierapetra city, in the open South Cretan Sea. It takes around 50 minutes to reach Chrissi from Ierapetra by boat.
Can you hire watersports equipment on the island of Chrissi?
There is nowhere to hire watersports equipment on the island, so you will need to bring everything you need over for the day such as snorkels or kitesurfing gear.
More fantastic Greek islands
If you would like to find out more about other Greek islands, these travel guides should help: