Explore Ierapetra, the southernmost town in Europe
Hop on an authentic Crete Island Experience
Welcome to Ierapetra, a laid-back seafront town on the island of Crete and Europe's southernmost point. Warm and ethereal in summer, Ierapetra boasts high temperatures all year round and has developed into a major tourist destination, offering its visitors a combination of history and diverse natural beauty. Explore its bustling promenades and unwind into a long stretch of crystal-clear azure beaches. Surround yourself with greenery, visit picturesque villages, indulge in local delicacies, hike renowned gorges and make memories to cherish forever in Crete’s lively coastal town. Ierapetra awaits and caters to each and every need.
Travel through times in Ierapetra
Learn all about Crete’s fourth largest town and its historical strategic position over the times. Known as the “Bride of the Libyan Sea” and inhabited since the 8th century BC, Ierapetra was once the largest city-state on the island of Crete. The city has flourished during medieval times and remained a significant seaport and an object of various occupations over the centuries. It became prosperous during the Venetian Age when a fortress was built to defend the harbor. Nowadays, Ierapetra boasts monuments and sightseeing options of mixed heritage, and with modern infrastructures invites its visitors to a genuine Cretan experience.
How to get to Ierapetra
You can reach Ierapetra by plane with domestic or charter flights to the Airport of Sitia, which is only 59 kilometers away, or through the city of Heraklion, which is 94 kilometers away. Alternatively, you can also hop on one of the frequent ferries from Piraeus to Sitia and Heraklion. From Heraklion, daily buses are departing towards Ierapetra, and the trip takes around two hours. However, renting a car in Crete is highly recommended for getting around the southern coast and wishing to go farther afield at your own pace and ease.
What to do in Ierapetra
Unravel Ierapetra’s secrets and stroll around the waterfront’s narrow picturesque streets to feel Crete Island’s real essence. The city is the ideal tourist destination for families looking to unwind and couples seeking relaxation in a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Swim on marvelous beaches, enjoy a wide range of water sports, and shop locally to appreciate authentic produce and craftsmanship fully. Explore the town and visit its archaeological monuments. Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife and choose among a great variety of local bars, discos, and eateries. Travel around to discover magnificent villages and enjoy Cretan hospitality.
What to see in Ierapetra
Pay a visit to the Ottoman Mosque at Kato Mera and the Virgin of the fortress, the oldest church in town. Admire the harbor’s outstanding panoramic view, and don’t miss out on the Archaeological collection featuring the beautiful statue of Persephone in a veil. Marvel at Kales, the Venetian fortress, and discover Napoleon’s house, where the famous Frenchman spent a night before the Battle of the Pyramids in 1798. Walk past the port and swim in the beach town before exploring the rest of Crete island’s fantastic beaches. Continue your journey through Ierapetra to discover many more interesting landmarks.
