Ierapetra Resort

Ierapetra is the largest resort and the only town on the south coast of Crete, and at the same time the southernmost European town. It has a long coast promenade lined by plenty of tavernas, bars and little shops.

Ierapetra historical sites

There are not many historical monuments that have been preserved, yet you will find there a recently restored Venetian port fortress from the 13th century, and, in the same part of the town, there is also the Tzami mosque and an Ottoman fountain. Ierapetra also has a small archaeological museum located in the edifice of a former Turkish shcool. In the surroundings, you can observe hundreds of polytunnels and greehouses to grow vegetables, especially tomatoes.

History of Ierapetra

The town of Ierapetra emerged as early as 3 500 years ago. The town was created in the place of an ancient port of Hierapedra that reached its heyday under the rule of the Dorians. In 1798, it was Napoleon who allegedly stayed there overnight on his expedition to Egypt.

East of Ierapetra, there is a several kilometres long beach where you can refresh yourself in the Libyan Sea. The African coast is located a bit less than 300 km from Ierapetra and the town is a perfect point of departure to explore east Crete.

Ierapetra location

Ierapetra is located in the south of Crete in the narrowest point of the island - it is only 14 km far from the north coast. The atmosphere of the town is already north African, the town doesn´t have the characteristic mountainous scenery, yet it is the warmest place on Crete; although given the plastic greenhouses, the landscape is not that interesting. In Ierapetra port, you can buy boat tickets for the Chrisi island located about 15 far, also called the Donkey Island, with a unique cedar grove and beaches with white sand and crystal clear water. About 18 km from the east coast of Ierapetra, the small islands of Gaiduronísi a Kufonísi are protruding from the sea.

How to get to Ierapetra?

Ierapetra is located about 35 km south of Agios Nikolaos and approximately 110 km from the capital of Heraklion.

Where else to go on Crete?

Some of the most visited resorts on Crete are: Adelianos Kampos, Agia Fotia, Agia Galini, Agia Marina, Agia Pelagia, Agios Nikolaos, Achlia, Amoudara (West of Heraklion), Analipsi, Anissaras, Bali, Damnoni, Erimoupoli, Ferma, Fodele, Galini, Georgioupolis, Gouves (Kato Gouves), Heraklion, Hersonissos, Chania, Ierapetra, Kavros, Elounda, Kalamaki, Kissamos, Kokkini Hani, Kolymbari, Lygaria, Makrigialos, Maleme, Malia, Matala, Mirtos, Missiria, Paleochora, Panormos, Perivolia, Pigianos Kambos, Plakias, Platanias (Chania), Rapaniana, Rethymno, Sissi, Skaleta, Stalida - Stalis, Stalos, Stavromenos and Stavros,