Despite its size, the small island of Chrysi has loads to offer to those who venture on it.
Also known as Chrissi, but dubbed by Greeks “Gaidouronisi”, which means donkey island, Chrysi is uninhabited and can only be reached by sea from either Ierapetra or Myrtos.
Its lack of residents and infrastructures for tourists, which means visitors can only walk around Chrysi and can’t rely on roads and vehicles, have helped maintain the island as a pristine paradise.
Lying in the Libyan Sea, this nearly flat island boasts small beaches, including Belegrina Beach, where visitors can admire the pinkish hue of the sand created by thousand-year-old fossilised sea shells.
Chrysi is not just perfect for a beach day, as it is home to the small church of Agios Nikolaos, dating back to the 13th century, Roman graves, Minoan ruins and an old lighthouse.
While the coastline is dotted with small beaches, Chrysi’s internal area is covered by a stunning forest of juniper trees.
The unique and fragile ecosystem on the island has granted it a place in the NATURA 2000 programme, a European initiative protecting places of natural beauty and ecological interest.
While tourists can only spend a few hours on the island, many of those who visit it highly recommend a trip to Chrysi.
Taking to travel advice board Tripadvisor, one wrote: “This is by far the best place to visit in Crete. It combines Elafonissi, Balos, Falassarna, all the beauty you can find together in this place. HIGHLY recommended.
“Some people will complain about this or that, but these people are the ones who easily complain about almost anything, I have been there 3 times and it was worth all the way.”
Another said: “Definitely worth the ferry to this island! The water was crystal clear and warm. The views all around were breathtaking! One of the most beautiful beaches I have been to!”