The tropics with sandy beaches and blue-green crystal clear waters appear definitely to be the ideal location for lots of people when day dreaming and preparing their summer holidays. The only quite major downside is that the tropics are too far, especially for the Europeans, and certainly they are an extremely expensive option to select.

But, a well experienced tourist knows that this sort of places can be discovered in Europe, too. A lot closer than someone might anticipate.

Agios Nikolaos, Crete is in a very tactical position when someone is visiting the island, particularly the larger area of the Lasithi Prefecture. Except from its geographical place, Agios Nikolaos hotels are a great plus, because they use a vast array of quality services at very competitive rates. Therefore the city of Agios Nikolaos can be utilized as a base from which somebody can explore all these intriguing places only a number of hours away (either by automobile, by bus or by boat).

Chrissi Islet

Simply 34km south of Agios Nikolaos (roughly 40 minutes by automobile) is the town of Ierapetra. Its port is very important in our story, given that from this port someone can board on a boat and visit among the most beautiful islets in the world, Chrissi aka Gaidouronisi (Χρυσή/ Γαϊδουρονήσι) which has to do with one hour south of the port of Ierapetra.

The island of Chrissi is considered to be a top location when someone is visiting the Lasithi Prefecture. And to make this concern more clear, picture yourself diving in its crystal clear waters, sunbathing and laying on the golden sand beaches, strolling through cedar trees and diving to discover the under water magic throughout a totally bright summer karte griechische inseln season day. What an excellent feeling would that be; completely devoid of tension and the negativity of daily regular back at home!

Things to DO!

The islet's North Coast beaches are full of sea shells of numerous sizes, and specifically in the East side of the North Coast the visitor will deal with an unmatched view ... thousands of sea shells laying in the bottom of the sea ... almost as lots of as the sand grains. Ideal for collecting couple of in a plastic bottle and taking them back home.

Also, if lucky, you might see from close the endangered sea turtle Caretta caretta. Typically speaking, the islet is being occupied by an approximated variety of 120 species of wild animals.

Although nowadays the islet of Chrissi is unoccupied this wasn't the case in the past. This location was inhabited considering that the era of the Minoan Civilization, signs of which can be discovered in the West and East side of Chrissi. In the North East the visitor will discover the little church of St. Nicholas, probably constructed throughout the 13th Century. South and South East of the church there are wells and ancient graves, the biggest of which is from the Roman era.

On the other hand, if you are the sort of individual who enjoys walking, then it's excellent to understand that this islet is perfect for strolling. The total length of the courses is estimated to be 10km (around 3 hours of strolling). You will just require the fundamentals such as, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sun block with a high protection element and a huge bottle of water; essential for the hot summertime days.

Certainly, if you are not the type of visitor who loves to stroll then you can deploy all the series of your lazy feelings and enjoy the cool crystal clear waters nearby the boarding location in the North coast of Chrissi.

How to visit Chrissi from Agios Nikolaos

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

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

The boat journey to the islet is an experience of a life time. You will certainly boost 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 (Βουγιού Μάτι).

You are strongly suggested to be equipped with excellent cameras and having the ability to shot loads of pictures given that the wonders you will face are just a lot of to resolve them all; from the dolphins in the sea, to the gorgeous sand beaches, the magical landscape and the mouth watering traditional Cretan food served in the small pub with the menu including fresh fish, seafood and yummy finger food all accompanied with ntakos and tsikoudia.

Going to the islet of Chrissi you will understand why checking out Crete is the best option for your summer holidays!