Chrysi, Protected island in Ierapetra Municipality, Greece
Chrysi is a small protected island in Ierapetra Municipality with golden beaches, clear waters, and diverse natural features to explore. The island offers both coastal swimming areas and inland landscapes shaped by wind and time.
The island was inhabited during Minoan times, as excavations from 2018 to 2019 revealed dwellings and precious objects from the 2nd millennium BC. This early presence shows how people established communities here thousands of years ago.
The Church of Saint Nicholas on the northwestern coast has anchored spiritual life here for centuries, reflecting how communities maintained religious ties across generations. Visitors can see how this sacred space continues to shape the island's identity.
Boat services from Ierapetra run mainly from May through October when the weather is warmest. Visitors should plan trips during these months when boats are scheduled and conditions are best for swimming and exploring.
The island holds one of Europe's largest natural groves of Lebanon cedar trees, with some individuals reaching ages around 300 years. This rare forest type is an unexpected feature on this Mediterranean island.
Location: Ierapetra Municipality
Elevation above the sea: 31 m
GPS coordinates: 34.87221,25.70822
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03
Crete combines remnants of ancient civilizations with natural landscapes along its 1,050 km coastline. The island offers photographers a mix of archaeological sites like the Minoan palace at Knossos and historic settlements such as the Venetian harbor districts of Chania and Rethymno. Coastal...
This selection highlights Crete locations away from common routes. It includes historic sites such as the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga, occupied by a leper colony until 1957, and the ruins of the Minoan palace of Kato Zakros on the eastern coast. Notable geological formations include the...
Gournia
27.5 km
Ha Gorge
26.4 km
Sarakina Gorge
23.6 km
Myrtos Pyrgos
18.4 km
Milona Gorge
22.3 km
Kavousi Vronda
29.8 km
Ierapetra mosque
15.1 km
Fournou Korifi
17.5 km
Priniatikos Pyrgos
28.5 km
Katalymata
26.4 km
Orino Gorge
28.2 km
Vrokastro
27.8 km
Vasiliki Minoan site
25.2 km
Sanctuary of Kato Symi
27.9 km
Chalasmenos
26.1 km
Minoan villa of Makrygialos
30 km
Long Beach
18.1 km
Kastro Kales
14.9 km
Achlia Schinokapsalon
24 km
Archaeological museum of Ierapetra
15.4 km
Saint George church, Ierapetra
15.3 km
Bust of Nikos Stratakis, Ierapetra
15.4 km
Milona waterfall
22.1 km
Old Ottoman school of Ierapetra
15.4 km
Bridge of Kryopotamou, Myrto
20.6 km
Nisos Chrysi
109 m
Koules of Vasiliki
24.8 km
Kato Vrysi, Anatoli
20.1 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes