Kales Castle

The Venetians took Crete in 1212 and held it until the middle of the 17th century. The fortress of Ierapetra — known as the Kales, or Kule — was built to guard the town's harbour and the sea approaches to the south coast.

Standing at the edge of the old harbour, the low, square fort was rebuilt by the Venetians in the 16th century and later used by the Ottomans. Its walls and bastions are largely intact, and you can walk them for a view back over the fishing boats and the whitewashed lanes of the old town.

It's an easy stop on a visit to Ierapetra — pair it with a wander through the Kato Mera old quarter and a coffee on the waterfront.