Europeā€™s southernmost city

Situated 35km away NE fromĀ Agios Nikolaos, the largest city ofĀ LassithiĀ lies next to a fertile valley, where the conspicuousĀ ancient city of IerapytnaĀ used to stand.

With the glory of the southernmost city of Europe that faces the African coast in a mild climate, hardly ever will Ierapetra see temperature go below 12Ā°C. It is well justified to claim to be the most sun-kissed holiday spot in the Old Continent. Enchanting for its history, gorgeous for its natural beauty, ideal for day trips to mountainous and seaside villages alike, Ierapetra is well developed to meet the needs and preference of all.

Strolling around

Whether you pick the peaceful cobbled streets of the old city in Kato Mera or the busier seafront, you are no doubt going to relish a walk in the charm of genuine Cretan sounds, smells, tastes, coulours; handmade artifacts from outdoors workshops make marvellous souvenirs.

Sightseeing wonā€™t be complete until you have called at:

  • ā€œNapoleonā€™s Houseā€, where the great man is said to have stayed overnight in 1789
  • TheĀ mosqueĀ opposite the Ottoman fountain
  • TheĀ old Ottoman School, at the City Hall square, where archaeological finds (from the Minoan to the Roman eras) are exhibited
  • TheĀ Venetian castle KalesĀ (13th century) which is the most well-known site of the city as well as a fave for romantic strolls at the sunset.

Beaches for an Oscar

Apart from theĀ Blue FlagsĀ the cityā€™s beaches are presented with every year, Ierapetra has been awarded again in 2012 with aĀ Gold MedalĀ from the Quality Coast Association.

If you leave the city heading East or West, youā€™ll cross a huge coastline forming an endless chain of sea arms with crystal clear waters.

  • Pebbly and with shallow waters, there is the best organised beach ofĀ Livadakia.
  • If you cannot enjoy the sea without doingĀ sports, thenĀ ApovathraĀ is the absolute choice for you.
  • The longest beach (4 km) around isĀ Agios Andreas
  • For some quietness try the secluded beaches ofĀ LivadiĀ andĀ Peristera
  • Agia FotiaĀ andĀ MyrtosĀ are famous too. Donā€™t skip a swim at them

Beyond doubt, the winning card of Ierapetra for a beach experience is the volcanic little island ofĀ Chryssi, which will take your breath away with its stunning natural beauty. Get to it by boat on a day trip and feel the sensation. A short one-hour sail to the area ofĀ Vougiou MatiĀ will take you to a string of more or less secluded coves, pristine beaches and sand dunes with gold and white sand, turquoise crystal clear waters, but also acres and acres of forests of rare cedar trees.

 

Source: visitgreece.gr