Golden beach (Belegrina) at Chrissi 
Thousands of visitors arrive daily by boat from Ierapetra to Chrissi Island 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.
Chrissi can be reached by excursion boat from Ierapetra, with the crossing taking approximately 50 minutes. The boats anchor a short distance offshore and visitors swim to the beach. Collecting shells, sand or any other natural material from the island is strictly prohibited. Great care must also be taken not to damage or break branches from the protected junipers. The shoreline is initially rocky and covered with flat rock slabs, but after a few metres the seabed becomes sandy.
The name Belegrina probably derives from the word Pelegrinos. Pelegrinos were pilgrims who had travelled to the Holy Land and had been baptised in the River Jordan. This name supports historical references suggesting that the island was an important religious centre inhabited by hermits during the Middle Ages. The name of the neighbouring Chatzivolakas Beach is probably also connected with this religious tradition.
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Additional Info
- Location: Lassithi Prefecture
