CHRISSI ISLAND (also known as Gaidouronissi)
The shallow blue-green sea, the sandy beaches, which in some spots are full of small seashells and the rare cedar forest on the sand-hills are the most impressive features of the island. The waters are crystal-clear and invite you to a relaxing swim. Although human presence on the island dates back to Minoan times, the natural environment of Chrissi has barely been disturbed during time. The island is almost flat with colourful volcanic rocks, covered in sand and aquatic fossils. It is 5km long and has an average height of 10m. The value of Chrissis’ natural environment is great and it has therefore been placed in the network of European Unions’ protected areas. East of Chrissi a smaller, rockier island called Mikronissi is located where sea turtles nestle in small caves. At the beginning of the 14th century Andreas Dandalos built a Venetian castle on Chrissi. The island had been granted to him in order to annihilate the feud between the Algerian pirates, who preyed upon the southern coastline of the island.
Copyright 2004 Greece Holidays, Crete
