Visit the southernmost island of Crete and one of the most exotic ones in Greece. Take a 1-hour boat cruise from the port of Ierapetra and explore the golden beaches and the sand dunes on Chrissi Island.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Vouchers must be exchanged for tickets.
- Duration 6 hours
- Starting time 11:00 AM
- Instant confirmation
- Host or greeter
- English
Experience
Highlights
- Take a boat cruise from Ierapetra to the extraordinary island of Chrissi and spend a memorable day on its exotic beaches
- Explore the golden sand dunes and the beautiful beaches, swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters
- Learn about the flora and fauna of the southernmost natural park of Europe and walk in its cedar forest
Full description
Start your boat cruise from the port of Ierapetra and head to the exotic Chrissi. Sail in the emerald waters of the Libyan Sea, accompanied by seagulls and dolphins. The self-service bar of the ship remains open during the cruise, offering light meals, with salads, wine, soft drinks, coffee, ice creams, and more. Anchor at the south side of the island and stop for swimming and relaxation. If you prefer, take the path through the cedar forest to an exotic beach with thousands of shells, named Belegrina or Chrissi Ammos.
The Island of Chrissi has been included in the European initiative NATURA 2000, known for its exotic waters in all the shades of blue and green, the golden beaches, and the protected forest with the cedar trees, which are over 200 years old. The cedar forest extends to the center of Chrissi, covering an area of 350,000 square meters. The colors of the rocks are spectacular, while almost the entire island is covered by golden sand.
Walk west of Belegrina and the next beach you will see is Hatzivolakas. Head to a more quiet area, with a rocky landscape. West of Hatzivolakas, discover the traces of a Minoan settlement that prospered from the trade of porphyra, the popular red pigment used for dying royal clothes. The scenic chapel of Agios Nikolaos and the island’s lighthouse are located here. On the northeast of the church, find an old salt marsh and the island’s only house, built atop ancient remnants.
Includes
- Roundtrip boat cruise
- Hotel transfer
- Meals and beverages
- Personal expenses
- Municipality fee (1€ per person)
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers must fill out a travel information form
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Port of Lerapetra, at the local operator's's kiosk. Address: 25, Κυρβα, Ierapetra 722 80, Greece
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
Know before you go
- The port of Ierapetra is easily accessible by car or by public bus from Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, and there is free parking at the port
- Please be at the port before 10:00 AM to collect your ticket
- Every day there are 2 boat departures; due to port regulation, the first boat departs between 10:15 AM and 11:00 AM and the second between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM
- For the return trip, the first boat leaves Chrissi island at 4:30 PM and the second at 6:00 PM
- On Chrissi island, there are no shops so you must bring food and beverages or buy at the bar-restaurant on the boat
- The Municipality of Ierapetra collects 1€ from every ticket (paid in cash on site) for passengers over 4 years old
- Chrissi island is protected by NATURA 2000 so the following are prohibited: any kind of pollution, collection of rocks, fossils, shells, ancient ornaments and plants, as well as animal catching, making a fire and smoking around bushes and woodlands
