Golden Beach Belegrina at Chrissi Island

Crete is home to numerous stunning beaches, and the Golden Beach on Chrissi Island is considered one of the finest in all of Europe. However, a significant update has recently been implemented by the local government: they have suspended all boat access to the island.

Here’s what this implies:

• Disembarking from all types of vessels is now prohibited, meaning no boats are allowed to dock at Chrissi Island.
• While visitors are permitted to swim from their boat to the beach, they are prohibited from venturing into the island’s interior. This is an effort to protect the habitat of the island’s sea cedars.
• Essentially, boats will drop you off 10-20 metres from the shore, from where you’ll need to swim to reach this paradisiacal beach.
• The island no longer features sun umbrellas or other amenities.

These changes have been put into effect to preserve the land and marine environments of Chrissi Island.

Typically, throngs of visitors would arrive daily by boat from Ierapetra to enjoy the famous Belerinina or Golden Beach on Chrissi Island. The stunning tableau of vivid blue waters, white sands tinged pink from countless crushed shells, and junipers with expansive roots holding the sand in place is an irresistible allure for anyone.