Chrissi Island is a stunning uninhabited island to the south of Crete, known for its idyllic beaches and electric blue water. The area is protected as a place of “intense natural beauty,” and boasts the biggest Juniperus macrocarpa forest in Europe.

The one-of-a-kind beaches are a must-see for anyone traveling to Crete. Take a day trip to Chrissi Island from Heraklion, Crete's capital, for a relaxing island visit.

Here's all you need to know about Chrissi Island, one of the most exciting day trips from Heraklion.

How to get to Chrissi Island from Heraklion?

To get to Chrissi Island from Heraklion, you must take a boat from Ierapetra. In recent years the protection of Chrissi Island has increased. As of 2023 boats cannot dock, and instead visitors must swim to shore.

From Heraklion to Chrissi Island by car and ferry

Leave the capital city on the Vorios Odikos Axonas Kritis/E75 and follow the highway along the northeastern coastline of Crete. The road will eventually merge and you’ll continue for a little over an hour until you reach Pachia Ammos.

Follow the Epar.Od. Ierapetras - Pachias Ammou for about another 15 minutes until you reach Ierapetra. After you arrive, take either the public ferry or a private boat to Chrissi Island.

From Heraklion to Chrissi Island by public transport

First, board a coach bus from the capital city and travel south to the city of Ierapetra. The journey is about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The ticket usually costs between €11 and €15 and the bus makes many stops along the way.

After you arrive in Ierapetra, you can purchase a ferry ticket to the island priced at approximately €25 per adult over the age of 13, €15 for children from the ages of 3 to 12, and free for all who are younger.

Guided tour to Chrissi Island from Heraklion

Leave the travel arrangements up to an expert guide on a guided day trip to Chrissi Island from Heraklion. Your tour operator will organize your transport and ensure a smoothly run day that hits some of the best beaches on Chrissi Island.

What is the typical itinerary?

A day trip to Chrissi Island from Heraklion typically begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle.

From there, you will begin the 1-hour and 15-minute drive south to Ierapetra. Once you arrive at the bustling port, you’ll board a comfortable boat for your 15-kilometer ride to the mystical Chrissi Island.

The tiny landmass is approximately only 7 kilometers long but is lined with golden beaches and abundant in flora and fauna.

Once your captain anchors, you can swim to a nearby beach for some sunbathing. You’ll enjoy free time to relax, though you won't be able to enter the interior of the island due to protection laws.

Chrissi contains a unique cedar forest that runs through the center of the island on the way to the ethereal beach of Chrissi Ammos. This pathway cannot be visited at this time in efforts to preserve the exotic area, but visitors may swim in the crystal-clear blue waters of Chrissi Ammos and embrace the peace and serenity of this Grecian gem.

After spending time in nature, you’ll head back to your boat, and once you arrive in Ierapetra, you’ll begin the drive back to Heraklion.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Chrissi Island?

Guided tour from Heraklion to Chrissi Island

This tour lasts between 9 and 10 hours and includes roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Chrissi Island. You’ll travel from the capital city to Ierapetra where you’ll board a boat for the ride to the island. Your captain will typically anchor the boat on the south side of the islet so you can swim to shore and visit the remote beaches.

Enjoy plenty of free time to swim in the ocean and sunbathe. Dive into the breathtaking water at Chrissi Ammos Beach or similar beaches that are open to the public. As you cruise back to Ierapetra, you’ll catch beautiful views of the city’s fort. Finally, your guide will drive you back to your hotel at the end of the day.

Private yacht tour from Heraklion to Chrissi Island

Enjoy the life of splendor on this private yacht cruise to Chrissi Island. This excursion begins with a private car pickup from your hotel in Heraklion. You’ll ride in a luxury vehicle to the port of Ierapetra, where you’ll board a private yacht for the 20-minute cruise to Chrissi Island.

Once your captain drops anchor, you’ll have plenty of free time to relax on the pre-approved beaches. Walk along the sand or go snorkeling to discover the marine life beneath the water's surface.

This tour offers fishing equipment upon request, and the captain can even show you to a quiet bay area for more private swimming.

Indulge in delicious cocktails while the crew prepares a fresh and traditional Cretan feast to be enjoyed while on the charter. You’ll finish with a ride back to Ierapetra and finally a drive back to your Heraklion hotel.

How much does a day trip to Chrissi Island from Heraklion cost?

Guided tours to Chrissi Island from Heraklion typically cost between €40 and €60 per person for small groups of about 15 people. These tours include roundtrip transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the roundtrip boat ticket between Ierapetra and Chrissi Island.

Private chartered tours can cost between €2,500 and €3,000 for a group of up to five people including all transportation, beverages and a freshly catered lunch.

What will you see and do?

Chrissi Ammos is a stunning stretch of sand along the north coast of the island. This is the most popular beach on the island due to the golden sand tinged pink from the assortment of shells. Check to make sure the beach is open to visitors before booking your tour.

You'll have to swim to the shore from where your boat docks as they are no longer allowed to anchor. This makes for one of the most unique and exciting day trips out, and is in the interest of conserving the unique ecosystem of the island.

While you'll be limited to enjoying the pre-approved beaches, you can admire the stunning fauna and flora from afar, and take your time to soak in the soothing waters.

When is the best time to visit Chrissi Island?

Visit Chrissi Island from mid-May to June or September to October for a warm climate but fewer crowds. The mid-summer months are considered high season in Greece at large. Plan your day trip from Heraklion toward the end of your visit for a fun beach getaway.

What other day trips can you do from Heraklion?

Travel tips

Water shoes are suggested due to the sharp and hot rocks that lie on the ocean floor.
The ferry to and from the island leaves for 3 to 5 hours before afternoon pickup, so bring a book or similar activities to entertain yourself while relaxing on the shore.
Most Chrissi Island tours aren't recommended for people with limited mobility due to the fact that you will have to swim to the shore.

Chrissi Island: Day Trips and Tours from Heraklion