The tropics with sandy beaches and blue-green crystal clear waters appear certainly to be the ideal location for many people when day dreaming and preparing their summer season vacations. The only quite severe disadvantage is that the tropics are too far, specifically for the Europeans, and definitely they are an extremely costly option to pick.

But, a well knowledgeable tourist understands that this kind of locations can be discovered in Europe, too. A lot closer than somebody could anticipate.

Agios Nikolaos, Crete is in a very strategic position when someone is checking out the island, particularly the wider area of the Lasithi Prefecture. Except from its geographical location, Agios Nikolaos hotels are an excellent plus, given that they use a wide range of quality services at really competitive costs. For that reason the city of Agios Nikolaos can be used as a base from which someone can explore all these intriguing locations just a number of hours away (either by cars and truck, by bus or by boat).

Chrissi Islet

Just 34km south of Agios Nikolaos (roughly 40 minutes by cars and truck) is the town of Ierapetra. Its port is extremely essential in our story, since from this port somebody can board on a boat and go to among the most stunning islets worldwide, Chrissi aka Gaidouronisi (Χρυσή/ ΓαÏŠδουρονήσι) which is about one hour south of the port of Ierapetra.

The island of Chrissi is considered to be a top destination when someone is visiting the Lasithi Prefecture. And to make this top priority more clear, imagine yourself diving in its crystal clear waters, sunbathing and laying on the golden sand beaches, walking through cedar trees and diving to find the under water magic during a fully warm summer day. What a terrific feeling would that be; absolutely free from stress and the negativeness of daily routine back in your home!

Things to DO!

The islet's North Coast beaches have plenty of sea shells of numerous sizes, and specifically in the East side of the North Coast the visitor will face an unprecedented view ... thousands of sea shells laying in the bottom of the sea ... almost as lots of as the sand grains. Perfect for gathering couple of in a plastic bottle and taking them back home.

Likewise, if fortunate, you may see from close the threatened sea turtle Caretta caretta. Normally speaking, the islet is being inhabited by a projected variety of 120 species of wild animals.

Despite the fact that nowadays the islet of Chrissi is uninhabited this wasn't the case in the past. This place was populated considering that the period of the Minoan Civilization, signs of which can be found in the West and East side of Chrissi. In the North East the visitor will discover the little church of St. Nicholas, most likely built throughout the 13th Century. South and South East of the church there are wells and ancient tombs, the biggest of which is from the Roman period.

On the other hand, if you are the sort of person who takes pleasure in walking, then it's great to know that this islet is perfect for walking. The overall length of the paths is estimated to be 10km (around 3 hours of strolling). You will only need the fundamentals such as, comfy walking shoes, hat, sun block with a high protection aspect and a huge bottle of water; important for the hot summertime days.

Definitely, if you are not the type of visitor who loves to walk then you can release all the variety of your lazy feelings and delight in the cool crystal clear waters close by the boarding location in the North coast of Chrissi.

How to check out Chrissi from Agios Nikolaos

Get up a lovely early morning, around 7, treat yourself with a king's breakfast, get in your car or bus and within 40 - 50 minutes you will get to the Port of Ierapetra.

During the summertime period (mid of May - end of September), there are many little boats departing from the port to Chrissi. Normally, the departing time is around 10 in the morning returning at around 6 in the evening.

The boat trip to the islet is an experience of a life time. You will absolutely enhance your memories with the magic offered so extensively by the Libyan Sea.

After roughly an hour in the sea, the boat anchors at Vougiou Mati beach (ΒουγιοÏ Μάτι).

You are strongly suggested to be geared up with great cameras and being able to shot loads of photographs because the wonders you will deal with are just too many entfernung kreta santorin to resolve them all; from the dolphins in the sea, to the gorgeous sand beaches, the wonderful landscape and the mouth watering conventional Cretan food served in the little pub with the menu consisting of fresh fish, seafood and yummy finger food all accompanied with ntakos and tsikoudia.

Visiting the islet of Chrissi you will recognize why visiting Crete is the very best choice for your summer vacations!