Chrissi island

Chrissi, also known as Gaidouronisi or simply “Nisi” by the residents of Ierapetra, lies approximately eight nautical miles south of the town in the South Cretan Sea. It is a low and almost flat islet, known for its sandy shores, turquoise waters and countless shell fragments that give the sand white, golden and, in some places, pink shades.

The name Chrissi is associated with the golden colour of the sand, while the name Gaidouronisi is traditionally linked to the former local practice of taking old donkeys from Ierapetra to the island. Traces of human presence and earlier activities have been found on Chrissi, including remains of a settlement, salt pans, rock-cut graves and the small chapel of Saint Nicholas.

The most important natural feature of Chrissi is its coastal dunes with large junipers, which form a rare and particularly fragile habitat. The islet belongs to the Natura 2000 network and has also been designated a Wildlife Refuge. Its best-known shores include Belegrina or Golden Beach, Vougiou Mati, Hatzivolakas, Kataprosopo and Vages.

Visits to Chrissi are now subject to strict environmental protection measures. Visitors may use only the designated beaches, while access to the interior and the juniper woodland is prohibited. Camping, overnight stays and the collection of sand, shells or any other natural materials are also forbidden. Disembarkation and the approach of vessels are permitted only under the conditions and at the locations specified by the current regulations and designated infrastructure. As these rules may change, visitors should obtain up-to-date information before departing from Ierapetra.

Map of Chrissi Island or Gaidouronisi

Chrissi beaches

Chrissi has both small and extensive sandy beaches with clear turquoise waters and sand rich in shell fragments. The best known is Belegrina or Golden Beach on the northern coast, while other characteristic shores include Vougiou to Mati, Hatzivolakas, Kataprosopo and Vages. Visitors may use only the designated beaches, without entering the island’s interior or the protected juniper woodland. As the rules governing disembarkation and the approach of vessels may change, visitors should check the current regulations before travelling.

Golden beach (Belegrina) at Chrissi

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Thousands of visitors arrive daily by boat from Ierapetra to Chrissi and spend most of their time swimming at Belegrina, also known as Golden Beach. Its brilliant blue water, white sand with pink shades created by thousands of broken shells, and the junipers that hold the sand together with their enormous roots form an unforgettable tropical landscape.

Shell Fossils of Chrissi

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Chrissi can be considered a paradise for geology enthusiasts. One of the most spectacular geological sights of the island can be seen east of Belerinina beach, where you will meet thousands of fossils, mainly bivalves. The fossils form a so-called thanatocoenosis, that is, dead shells that have been gathered there by the streams and have fossilized over time.

Chrissi Lighthouse

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At the west part of Chrissi islet you will meet the small lighthouse, powered by photovoltaic panel. The lighthouse is located close to the small chapel of Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas) and the dried lake of the island.

Chrissi island antiquities

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An important settlement of the Minoan and Roman period has been found in the island known to the ancient Greeks as Chrysea, the present island of Chrissi or Gaidouronisi. Buildings and at least three carved tombs have been identified near the church of Agios Nikolaos and the lighthouse on the island. The settlement was probably used for the production of Tyrian purple from the shells of Murex brandaris, exactly like the neighboring isle of Koufonissi.

Juniper Wood of Chrissi

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The dunes of the central narrowest part of the island of Chryssi, we meet one of the most important juniper wood (sp. Juniperus macrocarpa) in Greece, which has prevailed (erroneously) with the name cedarwood. In other parts of the island, such as west and east, we encounter vegetation with Juniperus phoenicea being the main plant.

Agios Nikolaos church at Chrissi island

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The church of Agios Nikolaos is located on the northern side of the island Chrissi, at the site where Tyrian purple was produced and graves are located. It dates back to the 13th century, although it has undergone more recent interventions. The temple is built on the site of an ancient building.

Saltpan of Chrissi

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Next to the only house of Chrissi island, at position Spilios, we meet the old saltpan where salt was produced in the past. In winter the spot turns into a small pond with brackish water and it attracts many migratory birds. This is not the only pond on the island, as a smaller one is formed in the location of Kaki Alyki.