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Guide to Crete|
Home > Guide To Crete > Ierapetra
Holidays To Ierapetra-
Location Of Ierapetra in Crete
Ierapetra is the most southern town located on the
island of Crete. This town has had the complete tourism overall as other towns may
have on the island of Crete. It has the fourth largest population on Crete and boats
the largest population in the prefecture of Lassithi. Due to its location in Crete
it stays warmer than the rest of the country and attracts a lot of winter tourism.
Temperatures rarely fall below 120 centigrade.
Ierapetra -
The port of Ierapetra is very important for the small town and is located just to the old town of Ierapetra, sheltering small boats and vessels and providing an excellent place for both locals and tourists to drop a fishing line and catch mainly mullet and black bream. An excellent fishing sight not to be missed.
There are currently plans under way to make the port larger so its becomes more economically viable, so larger ships can dock and make Ierapetra the only town on the south coast line of Crete in direct line with the African continent.
The fort, built by the Venetians and known by the locals as the "Kales", has been erected on the top of the southern most area of the ancient harbour. There is a local myth saying it was built by the Genoese pirate Pescatore in 1212. It is one of those monuments of the past which, because of its solid construction and the fact that it was still garrisoned until the final years of the last century, still exists today to serve as a reminder of some of the nation's most difficult times. In fact Ierapetra was one of the last towns to hold out against the Roman invaders in Crete.
The church of Afentis Christos, is near the fort, a little to the west in the "Sarakina" area. It has two aisle, the second being dedicated to St Charalambos. Like all Greek churches it is adorned with wonderful paintings and gold artwork, as per any Church in Crete you can enter pay your respects and light a candle.
The church of Afentis Christos is regarded as being the oldest church in the town, being built in the 14th century. Every Easter in Crete you will find the celebrations for the area of Lassithi to be held at this Church and you will see the “burning of Judas” and many other amazing spectacles.
Within the town of Ierapetra you will also find the Museum which holds many artefacts from Minoan times and the history of the town, this is well worth a visit and you will find art collections through the ages, currency and coins as well and pottery from the Minoan period and beyond. Entry is only a few euros and gives you an opportunity to take back some amazing photographs.
Harbour View of Ierapetra
The Beaches of Ierapetra
The most spectacular part of Ierapetra has to be its Blue
Star beaches, these stretch right around the town and offer excellent swimming and
bathing opportunities. These beaches win the Blue star beach award every year for
their cleanliness. The most popular beaches have to be Myrtos beach and Makris Ghialos.
Also try Ierapetra beach which is the long sandy shingle beach to the east of the
town, As the beach is found very close to Ierapetra, all facilities for accommodation,
food, drink and amusement are available. Eastern to Ierapetra, at about 6 km off
the road leading to Koutsounari, you will find a remote, almost forgotten, nice,
sandy beach. The beach doesn't have any sunbed's or cafes so remember to bring your
own.
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Chrissi Island
Chrissi (Golden) or (Donkey Island) is an uninhabited island about
12 km off the coast of the town of Ierapetra. It is five km long and on average one
km wide. The island is renowned for its white beaches, sand dunes and forest of
pines and junipers.
The western tip of the island has some remains of past settlement: a few Minoan ruins and a 13th century chapel dedicated to Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas). It was inhabited into Byzantine times. The main sources of wealth were fishing, salt export, and the export of porfira (Tyrian purple) After the Byzantine period the island was abandoned, although later it was used as a hideout.
Nowadays the island is protected as an "area of intense natural beauty". Especially in summer, the island attracts many tourists. As camping is forbidden on the island, only day trips are possible. Ferries leave the quay at Ierapetra daily at 10 A.M. and return at 5 P.M. Visitors are not allowed to roam freely over the island, but only on designated paths and some beaches close to the eastern tip of the island. There is a small tavern at the ferry landing.
Ierapetra is a destination for those who want a quieter holiday away from the bustling crowds, there a few hotels offered by major tour operators but we have sourced 3 of the best
Elyros Village Hotel -
Elyros Village is a village style hotel spread out in 50 sq .meters of land an extension of the Koutsounari village and it has a beach front location. It is only 7 km from the picturesque city of Ierapetra.
Click to book
Eden Rock Hotel -
Eden Rock hotel is located on the south east coast of Crete 12 km from Ierapetra in the green valley of Agia Fotia and 1.30 hours from Heraklion airport.
Click to book
Creta Suites Resort -
Creta Suites Resort is set. Set on a verdurous mountainside, the resort offers a panoramic view of the village and the sea.
Click to book
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