Chrissi Island

Also known as Gaidouronisi (Donkey Island), this uninhabited wildlife sanctuary is like a tropical illusion adrift in the Libyan Sea. Shaped from the lava of an underwater volcano, the island’s white sand beaches are fringed by fragrant cedar trees. Rolling dunes spill into shallow, translucent water that’s perfect for snorkeling. Bellegrina beach, covered in shells in every shade of pink, is especially beautiful. Day trips from Ierapetra run between May and October.