Ierapetra, the Southernmost City in Europe - Crete
Europe towards the sun...
Having the distinction of being the southernmost town facing the African coast, Ierapetra enjoys the most consistently dry weather in Europe with little to no rain, with a temperature that rarely drops below 12C all year long!
Suprising Ierapetra...
Take a leisurely walk in the vivid centre of the town along the coast, or into the quiet picturesque narrow streets of Kato Mera, the old town of Ierapetra. Pick a handmade gift from any colourful market stall and enjoy the exciting sounds of busy Cretan life...
No doubt, Ierapetra "the bridge of the Libyan sea" is the sunniest holiday resort in Europe...
The character and charm of the old warm neighbourhood has been retained, whilst it has been given new life as a shopping and eating experience for the visitor. A tempting variety of shops, open-air cafes, bars, restaurants and traditional taverns, makes Ierapetra the ideal place to relax, enjoy shopping, eat, drink or simply wonder around!
The awarded beaches of Ierapetra...
Ierapetra is built on the longest beach in Crete, offering an endless choice of golden beaches with deep crystal blue waters, far away from industrial areas and passing ships!
All major beaches of Ierapetra from Myrtos to Makris Ghialos, are awarded with the European Committee's BLUE FLAGS every single year!
Lasithi Tourist Guide in Crete
Excursions
"Chrissi island (or Gaidouronissi)..."
A small picturesque uninhabited island of cedar forest with an old chapel of St. Nicholas, tempting golden beaches and the Municipal canteen awaits your long lazy hours of swimming and sunbathing, just 8 miles off the port of Ierapetra (with frequent everyday boat schedules).
Ierapetra is the ideal starting point for unlimited excursions to the picturesque mountain and seaside Ierapetra provinces. From the Selakano forest in Males to the sea shore, from the western villages of Myrtos and Gra Lygia, to eastern Koutsounari, Ferma and Makris Gialos, you may enjoy discovering the villages of Anatoli, Kalamafka, Riza, Mournies, Gdochia, Mythi, Messeleri, Makrylia, Ai-Gianni, Orino, Schinokapsala (Vainia), Kendri, Stavro, Ano Chorio and Kato Chorio, Episkopi, Pachia Ammos, Vassiliki, Kavousi, all built within olive groves and almond trees, with plenty of water and lush vegetation.
There, you will experience a unique people's expression of the famous Cretan hospitality!
Festivals and special events..
Every Summer, "Kyrvia", a programme of varied cultural activities, covers singing and dancing nights by local folk and popular groups, special concerts by famous artists, film projections, theatre performances and many people singing and dancing in the streets of the old town!
Traditional festivities also take place in various villages of the area, all year round, with lots of 'raki' and local dishes and specialities!
...Enjoy the food!
Ierapetra is also famous for its local, delicious cuisine, which is based on olive oil and the luscious variety of its agricultural goods. Try some of the unique local specialities, like "vrasti gida", "staka", "mizithropites", "dolmadakia", "kolokithocorfades" as well as some of the wonderfully fresh fish of the Libyan sea, cooked in various ways, in almost every traditional tavern of the area.
