Ierapetra Crete

Ierapetra (Ιεράπετρα in Greek) is a beautiful coastal town in the prefecture of Lassithi in the extreme southeast of the Crete island. It directly overlooks the Libyan Sea and right in front of the beautiful Chrissi Island. At about one hundred kilometers the capital Heraklion and at forty the picturesque Agios Nikolaos.

Ierapetra is a destination that can be reached all year round as the temperature hardly drops below 12 degrees thanks to its privileged position just opposite the North African coast, with its promenade full of taverns that always serve fish dishes. very fresh, cafes, bars and places to end the day in joy.

A quiet location despite all the comforts where everything has a typically Greek slow pace and where you can spend your holidays in complete relaxation without giving up anything. It is also an excellent base for exploring the whole southern part of Crete which has nothing to envy to the more well-known areas indeed, it will be a real surprise with enchanting beaches and lots of history to breathe.

Ierapetra is divided into two parts Kato Mera and Pano Mera. Kato Mera is the old part and is located on a promontory in the southwest area. From the labyrinthine alleys and small houses adorned with colorful flowers, open-air workshops where you can find the perfect souvenir for mom and authentic perfumes, it looks like the classic Cretan village. Pano Mera, on the other hand, is the largest and most modern part of the city where there is the town hall, the cinema, the museum, and the six-kilometer promenade with its city beaches and the imposing fortress. Many good reasons that will make you want to come back once again to discover other hidden corners.

The current city stands on the ancient Hierapythna, known above all for being the largest pirate den during the Roman domination and its origins date back to the Minoan period. During its Doric period, it was considered the strongest in the east of Crete and in constant conflict with the city of Praisos. In 67 BC the Romans completely destroyed it and then rebuilt it, making the city of Gortyna become the most important center. In 824 BC the Arabs conquered it, making it a center for piracy. In the 13th century AD the Genoese arrive and begin to build the fortress called Kaoule from the locals who will further fortify the Venetians with Francesco Morosini in 1926 and which we can still admire today. Finally, the Ottoman period was the darkest one for the island of Crete and for all of Greece given the prolonged domination where a large mosque was erected.

The house where Napoleon is said to have stayed for one night. Located in the old town it is a two-story house that still retains the pride of having hosted a great of modern history. According to the testimonies, Napoleon stopped on June 26, 1798 before reaching Egypt to declare war on the Mammelucchi.

The Ottoman Mosque. Built at the end of the 19th century it was originally the church of Agios Ioannis, which the Turks transformed into a mosque for their religious purposes. A Muslim inscription from the Koran is found on the solid marble lintel. The minaret underwent restoration in 1953 and dominates the whole area. Just in front of the mosque is a beautiful fountain from the Ottoman period, also restored to its former glory after a refurbishment. The mosque has now been converted into a music school.

The fortress of Kales. A real architectural pride of Ierapetra, it was built in the 13th century AD. Begun by the Genoese and completed by the Venetians, it was intended to protect the city from invaders and is located at the entrance to the old port of Ierapetra. From the square plan it has mighty walls from which it is possible to have a beautiful overview of the whole city. Perfect at sunset to capture a memorable souvenir photo. In 1508 it was destroyed by an earthquake and the attacks by the Turks have certainly not helped its conservation. Its name derives from a Turkish word which means “tower”. Currently only the walls can be visited inside it remains little and nothing but it is used for cultural events given its fascinating and mysterious atmosphere.

The small Archaeological Museum. This is the old Ottoman school built in 1899 by the political movement of young Turks. Restored over time and strongly desired by the inhabitants of Ierapetra to preserve the antiquities of the region, it houses the Archaeological Museum where you can observe some finds from the area from different eras. Among the most important ritual artifacts and furnishings, a clay wheel, the Minoan larnax, a terracotta sarcophagus of Episkopi a village near Heraklion, an important center in the Minoan period, Greek-Roman statues and the beautiful statue of Persephone the bride of Hades the God of the Underworld. It is located near the port. Tel +30 28420 28721 ticket price € 2 per person reduced € 1.

St. George's Cathedral. Located in Kato Mera, it is considered one of the most beautiful and interesting churches in Crete. Built in 1856 as can be seen from the writing above the south door, it has three large naves and the ceiling with a central dome and other smaller blind ones in cedar wood. St. George is also the protector of Ierapetra and is celebrated on April 3rd.

Church of Christ Almighty. Built in the 14th century, it is the oldest in Ierapetra. It is located at the end of the avenue of the Venetian fortress in a square where there is the clock tower and the church of Afentis Christos (Christ the almighty). With two naves, inside you can admire old icons still well preserved and a wonderful iconostasis carved in wood. At Easter, according to a remote tradition, a heartfelt feast is celebrated that of the Resurrection where Judas the traitor is symbolically burned.

Gournia. About fifteen kilometers from Ierapetra on a small hill a few hundred meters from the sea you can visit one of the most popular archaeological sites in Greece and the best preserved is the site of Gournia whose dating dates back to 1600-1400 BC. A city with a small building from the Minoan period and a network-shaped structure where there are streets and stairs with two-meter-high walls alongside houses. Its name derives from the particular vases found on the site.

The Ha Gorge Eight kilometers north of the Ha Gorge. On the sloping side of Mount Thrypti is this beautiful gorge about one and a half kilometers long with walls reaching up to 300 meters. A scenic waterway with 27 waterfalls complete the idyllic landscape. Wild and difficult to cross (we suggest you take a guided tour), it hosts a rich variety of plant and animal species ranging from rare wild flowers to eagles and vultures.

The Milonas waterfalls. We find them close to the Agios Ioannis village seven kilometers from Ierapetra. A beautiful walk of about thirty minutes in the middle of a wild landscape rich in vegetation up to a large waterfall 40 meters high, a wonderful natural setting. The best time to see the waterfall in all its glory and power is spring.

Selakano Forest. 35 kilometers northwest of Ierapetra is the Selakano Forest which is part of the Natura 2000 project. An important ecosystem where the Pinus Brutia is found, a particular species of pine capable of resisting without water for a very long time, as well as cypresses, plane trees , Cretan maples, oaks, native aromatic herbs and birds that gracefully fly over the mountains of the Dikti massif which houses a part of the forest. In the forest, the most productive beekeeping point in Crete and the water sources that reach the basin of the villages of Selakano and Mathokotsana give life to cultivations of vines and fruit.

Chrissi Island. One of the most popular places for visitors to Crete. About an hour away by boat, we reach the Chrissi island, considered the southernmost of all the natural parks in Europe. A real tropical-looking island formed by volcanic rocks covered with soft white sand. The sea is breathtaking with colors that fade from green to blue, with shallow waters and crystal clear water. A rare and spectacular cedar forest completes the idyllic picture. Chrissi Island is also protected by the Natura 2000 project.

Being far from the passage of ships, Ierapetra preserves beautiful beaches, almost all of which have always been awarded the Blue Flag. Expanses of sand bathed by an extremely clean and crystalline sea. Let's start with the city beaches. The one in the west is a long stretch of fine sand, much loved by tourists and equipped. Restaurants, cafes and water sports points will accompany you during your holidays. The beach to the east, on the other hand, is a beautiful cliff with deep blue waters as they are very deep, a place especially loved by lovers of underwater excursions.

We arrive at Koutsounari beach (means long beach) about eight kilometers from Ierapetra with a coarse gray sand coastline five kilometers long with clean and blue sea. Some tamarisk trees provide natural shade during the hottest hours. It is partly equipped with sun beds, umbrellas and points for water sports. Many accommodation facilities in the surrounding area such as hotels, apartments and even restaurants, bars, taverns and for nature lovers even a camping. Towards the east is Psaropoula bay with soft sand and calm waters. Just after another small equipped cove called Villa Despoti from the name of an ancient building owned by a priest who lived right here. On the sides there are large rocks where you can have fun diving or for snorkelers, a pleasant swim in search of marine fauna. A peculiarity of the beach of Koutsounari are the sea lilies that bloom during the autumn period giving their delicate beauty.

Agia Fotia beach is located about ten kilometers east of Ierapetra. A bay formed by the mouth of a torrent of Mount Thrypti, with a sandy coast of gray sand with a brilliant turquoise sea with transparent and calm waters. It is embraced by high cliffs and some tamarisk trees which can be perfect for shelter from the sun. It is equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and a beach bar. In the village behind you will find delightful taverns where you can taste typical Cretan dishes.

The Kalamki beach, on the other hand, is certainly particularly popular for those who love pebble beaches mixed with sand. Solitary and perfect for a day of total relaxation, it is located six kilometers west of Ierapetra.

We end with Myrthos beach even if in reality there are many others but we do not want to take away the pleasure of exploring. Fifteen kilometers from Ierapetra, it has a fine gravel coast bathed by turquoise and very transparent waters. The bottom is also gravelly and descends gently therefore perfect for a swim and for the little ones. Nearby the Krios river full of banana and orange trees. Equipped with sun beds and umbrellas and in the village behind you can find taverns, bars and various accommodations ranging from hotels to apartments.

It's very simple. First of all let's say that if you want to stay in this part of Crete it would be better to arrive at Heraklion airport. If you are elsewhere, you always have to go south east to the very end of the island.

A pearl in the immense island to be put among the things to see in Crete, perhaps even spending a few days overnight so as to be able to explore the wonders that this area offers us.