A house in the Old Town - Ierapetra, Lassithi Province, Crete

Ierapetra

Ierapetra is a laid-back seafront town and the commercial centre of southeastern Crete’s substantial greenhouse-based agribusiness. Hot and dusty in summer, it offers a low-key, authentic Cretan experience and is also the jumping-off point to the semitropical Chrissi Island (also called Gaïdouronisi or Hrysi).

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Exotic Chryssi island at the south of Crete, with the amazing Golden Beach, Greece; Shutterstock ID 2084304211; your: Barbara Di Castro; gl: 65050; netsuite: digital; full: poi 2084304211

    Chrissi Island

    Ierapetra

    Ierapetra is the launch pad for boat trips to uninhabited Chrissi Island (also known as Gaïdouronisi or Hrysi Island). It is famous for its golden beaches…

  • Makrygialos Beach

    Makrygialos Beach

    Ierapetra

    The fine yellow-sand beach in the Analipsi township at the eastern end of Makrygialos stretches for about 1km and is one of the best on the southeastern…

  • Agia Fotia Beach

    Agia Fotia Beach

    Ierapetra

    A popular place for locals to unwind at summer weekends, this coarse-grey-sand cove lapped by tranquil waters and backed by cliffs and tamarisk trees lies…

  • Koutsounari Beach

    Koutsounari Beach

    Ierapetra

    The village of Koutsounari, some 7km east of Ierapetra, boasts one of the longest beaches in Crete (4.5km). It's great for sunbathing in relative solitude…

  • Kales Fortress

    Kales Fortress

    Ierapetra

    Overlooking the fishing harbour, the crenellated Venetian fort dates from the 17th century but was built atop an older defensive structure reputedly built…

  • Old Quarter

    Old Quarter

    Ierapetra

    Inland from the fortress is the labyrinthine old quarter, where you'll see a Turkish fountain, the restored mosque with its minaret, Napoleon's house and…

  • Mosque & Turkish Fountain

    Mosque & Turkish Fountain

    Ierapetra

    Dominating a triangular plaza at the northern edge of the old quarter, this yellow-sandstone mosque was built by the Turks in the late 19th century and…

  • Napoleon’s House

    Napoleon’s House

    Ierapetra

    This is where Napoleon Bonaparte is said to have stayed incognito with a local family when his ship anchored in Crete for one night in 1798 en route to…

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