The Ierapetra area and its specifics

Ierapetra is the only town on the southern coast of Crete (the others are villages or hamlets) and the southernmost town in Europe. It is located at the narrowest point of the island, where the distance to the northern shore is only 14 km. The coast of the resort is bathed by the Libyan Sea and the proximity of the African continent (less than 300 km) is already quite well felt here.

Ierapetra and its surroundings are the warmest area of Crete and, thanks to the specific flow of warm African air, it hardly rains at all during the year. The mild climate, which is very favourable to agriculture, determines the nature of this town, which is a renowned agricultural area and produces enough crops to export to the main European markets. After this information, it is not so surprising to see the surroundings of the tourist resort, literally dotted with small fields and a huge number of folios and greenhouses that stretch all the way to the Myrtos area. The local bananas and tomatoes are said to be particularly tasty.

Ierapetra, also known as Gerapetro in the local dialect, is the most populous town of the Cretan regional unit of Lassithi and has a population (including associated villages) of around 11,500. The majority of the local population works, of course, in agriculture and, during the peak summer season, in tourism, which is another important source of income.

Town of Ierapetra - characteristics and facilities of the resort

The sleepy agricultural area of Ierapetra has only recently undergone a significant development of tourism, and so it has been a popular seaside resort for a relatively short time. Today, however, you can rely on the quality tourist facilities that the resort has to offer.

The south-western part of the resort consists of the old buildings of Ierapetra, characterised by small houses and narrow streets. The more modern part of Ierapetra is full of multi-storey hotels and wide streets with a variety of shops, taverns, cafes and restaurants. You will find large supermarkets and small shops, a pharmacy, an ATM, a car rental and a cinema, for example. While the centre of the resort can be busy at night, allowing younger people to enjoy the nightlife, the outskirts are quieter.

Ierapetra - coast and beaches

The coastline around Ierapetra is mostly a mixture of sand and small pebbles and stretches far east and west from the centre of the resort. However, the seabed sinks quite rapidly in this area. Thanks to the warm African currents, the water tends to be beautifully warm; on the other hand, big waves and rough seas are not uncommon, which attract windsurfing and paragliding enthusiasts. Occasionally, the wind blows in the Saharan sand.

The central part of the beach is located close to the town itself and is lined with a beautiful and long promenade made up of many tavernas, bars and shops. Ierapetra beach is sandy, equipped with beach service in the form of sunbeds and umbrellas.

The large, colourful Ierapetra harbour is also part of the resort. Here you can buy boat tickets to the nearby island of Chrisi, also called "Donkey Island". The island is about 15 km away and is especially popular for its beautiful beaches with white sand and azure waters. From the harbour there are also cruises to the small islands of Koufonisi and Gaiduronisi.

If you walk westwards along the coast, you will find several small and isolated beaches. On the other hand, to the east lies a very long beach with the catch-all name of Long Beach (sometimes also called Ierapetra Bay). It is covered with very dark to black sand.

Ierapetra - history of the town and preserved historical monuments

Its history dates back to the Minoan period, when the Greek and later Roman town of Hierapytna (Ierapytna) existed on the site of the present-day town of Ierapetra. It gradually became the most important city of eastern Crete. Later, however, in the 3rd century BC, the site was infamous as a pirate port. The remains of a Roman port can still be seen in the shallow bay. During the Venetian rule (13th to 17th centuries), the town began to rise again and experienced another period of prosperity and development under its current name, Ierapetra. In the second half of the 17th century, the town fell into the hands of the Turks and the signs of their rule are still visible today. In the late 18th century, Napoleon is also said to have spent the night here during his campaign to Egypt.

The old 13th-century Venetian harbour fortress of Kale, which has recently undergone partial reconstruction, stands on the coast. In the town's old buildings, you can walk past the Tzami Mosque and the Ottoman fountain and see the house where Napoleon himself was supposed to have stayed. You can also visit the small archaeological museum, housed in the former Turkish school building. The centrepiece of the exhibition is a well-preserved statue of Persephone.

For whom the centre is suitable

The resort of Ierapetra offers visitors quality tourist facilities and comfort. If you want to discover the southern coast of Crete and enjoy comfort, then Ierapetra is the ideal place. It can also be a good starting point if you want to explore the beauty of the eastern part of Crete this time.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Koutsounari

Most favourite resorts of Crete: Adelianos Kampos, Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion (Iraklion), Hersonissos, Chania, Ierapetra, Kalamaki (Matala), Malia, Platanias (Chania), Rethymno, Stalis

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.