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32 EXPLORE / CRETE BEACHES BEACHES EXPLORE / CRETE 33

Top left: The a trendy beach bar that has ken shells. Chrissi has been de-
wild charm of
Chrissi island become a hot spot with young clared an area of outstanding
at sunset. Hop people – locals and visitors natural beauty, so spending the
on a boat at
Ierapetra to alike. night is strictly prohibited – as is
reach it.
collecting shells, sand or any-
Bottom left: 8. VAI thing else, while visitors are also
The protected
area of Vai On the northeastern side urged to take great care not to
Beach does not of Crete, exotic Vai Beach is break the branches of the pro-
just offer palm
trees but also surrounded by approximately tected junipers when walking.
fantastic teal
waters and soft 5,000 palm trees – the largest Its most famous beach is initial-
sand. such forest in Europe. Follow- ly rocky and then turns sandy
ing its hippy backpacker des- – the setting of pure relaxation.
tination status in the 1980s,
Vai has been declared a pro- 10. ΜAKRIGIALOS
tected area by the state. Its ut- A full kilometer long, Makri-
terly soft sand, crystal clear wa- gialos is known for its fine gold-
ters and overwhelming natural en sand and often referred to
beauty have made it very po- by the locals as Hani or simply
pular with families. “Long Beach.” A great choice
for children and families due to
9. CHRISSI ISLAND its warm, shallow waters which
OR GAIDOURONISI maintain their high temperature

Located 8 nautical miles (ap- even during the colder winter
prox. 50 minutes by boat) south months, this is a great seaside
of Ierapetra in the open Libyan spot to while away the hours as
Sea, Chrissi is a flat islet thou- it is surrounded by cafes and
sands of visitors visit every year, eateries for refreshments and
to swim in phenomenal bright meals by the sea. Addition-
blue waters and to marvel at al facilities and amenities in-
the pink-hued sands, which clude umbrellas, water sports
are made up of millions of bro- and showers.

There's a beach to suit every mood, preference and need on Crete; so much
so that it's difficult to cross every one off your list.

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