In the southeast of Crete lies Ierapetra, with around 12,000 inhabitants, it is the southernmost city in Europe and only about 400 kilometres from the Libyan coast. Due to its proximity to Libya and Egypt, the weather is characterized by a warm, African climate, which makes Ierapetra an ideal year-round destination.
“The modern cityscape with few architectural highlights is overshadowed by other Cretan cities, but that is precisely what makes it so appealing.”
Ierapetra has an eventful history and has been repeatedly hit by earthquakes and sieges. If you expect a pretty old town like in Chania or Rethymno, you will be disappointed. On the other hand, Ierapetra is never overcrowded, and that makes the cretan city on the Libyan Sea, in whose hinterland the mighty mountain Spathi (2,148 m) is enthroned, a worthwhile destination.
In this article, we will give you the most important tips for a city tour to Ierapetra and the surrounding area. For a relaxing day by the sea, we have also put together the three most beautiful beaches around Ierapetra.
#1 Getting to Ierapetra
Ierapetra is located in the south of Crete, far from the tourist centers of the north. Here is the narrowest point of Crete, the distance from the north to the south coast is only about 12 km. The best way to reach the city is by rental car. You can find cheap offers from Heraklion or Chania with our partner Discover Cars*:
➲ To rental offers on Discover Cars*
Arrival from Heraklion
The distance from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Ierapetra is about 95 km. The route leads over well-developed roads and is sufficiently signposted. The route from Heraklion First runs on the national road E75 in the direction of Agios Nikolaos before turning onto the road to Ierapetra. The drive along the coast and through the mountains is very scenic. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Arrival by bus
As an alternative, you can take a bus from Heraklion to Ierapetra with the company KTEL Heraklion-Lasithi (HERLAS). These depart regularly from the bus station in Heraklion. First, you will travel by bus from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos. There you change to the bus to Ierapetra.
The bus ride takes about 2.5 to 3 hours in total. Due to the length, it is recommended to set off very early. The bus station of Ierapetra is located about one kilometer north of the old town.
→ Bus routes to Ierapetra and ticket prices can be found on the KTEL website: KTEL HERLAS
Arrival from Chania
The distance from Chania Airport (CHQ) to Ierapetra is about 240 km. Arrival from Chania is also via the E75 national road, which runs across the island. Head towards Heraklion, then continue towards Agios Nikolaos and finally south towards Ierapetra. The journey time is about 3.5 hours and is only worth it if you plan to spend the night in the city.
Distances to Ierapetra
› Chania – Ierapetra: 235 km (3.5 hrs)
› Rethymno – Ierapetra: 175 km (2.5 hrs)
› Heraklion – Ierapetra: 100 km (1.5 hrs)
› Ag. Nikolaos – Ierapetra: 30 km (40 mins)
› Sitia – Ierapetra: 60 km (1 hour)
On-site parking
There are several parking options in Ierapetra, which are free or paid depending on the location. There are some paid parking spaces near the harbour northeast of the old town and in the new city centre.
Outside the city center there are some free parking lots. Due to the numerous narrow one-way streets, it is best to drive directly to the new port of Ierapetra, where the Chrissi Island tour pier is located. There are plenty of parking spaces, public toilets and you are very close to the beach and the waterfront with shops and restaurants.
#2 Walking tour of Ierapetra
The strategically favourable location on the Libyan Sea and the fertile soils of the surrounding area made Ierapetra an important traffic junction between North Africa, the Orient and the Greek mainland even in ancient times.
Various occupiers have left their mark in the form of numerous buildings from different eras. Years of sieges and severe earthquakes (see article: Greece Earthquake) have gnawed at the cityscape, so that modern architecture dominates and only a few historic buildings have been preserved.
Ierapetra is divided into two different districts, Kato Mera and Pano Mera. The historic district in the south around the old port is called Kato Mera and has a medieval streetscape with traditional houses and narrow streets. The much larger new town of Pano Mera lies north of it and has wider streets and three- to four-storey concrete houses.
Venetian Fortress Kales
The Fortress of Ierapetra is located at the entrance to the old port. The city’s landmark is built by the Venetians in the 13th century to protect the city from pirate attacks. With its four corner bastions, it resembles the fortress of Frangokastello in southwestern Crete.
After a severe earthquake around 1508, the Kales Kastro was fully rebuilt. The medieval fortress, which is located close to the large Afentis Christos church, offers magnificent views of the Libyan Sea. Various cultural events take place within the well-preserved walls.
It is best to visit the fortress in the early morning hours or late afternoon, as there are few shady spots on the grounds. As of October 2024, the Kastro was unfortunately closed for renovation work. A walk along the fishing harbour is always worthwhile, especially since the bell tower not far from the Kastro offers a nice photo opportunity.
Ierapetra Mosque and Purification Fountain
An important architectural monument of Ierapetra is the Ottoman mosque and the restored purification fountain on the forecourt, which is well worth seeing. On the Plateia under the palm trees, you can take a coffee break. When the Turks occupied the city at the end of the 19th century, the Church of St. John (Agios Ioannis) was rebuilt for their religious purposes.
House of Napoleon
Opposite the fishing port and the Kales fortress, hidden in the narrow streets, lies the House of Napoleon, where Bonaparte is said to have stayed on a trip to Egypt in 1798.
It is an inconspicuous two-storey building in a narrow alley, whose entrance door is only 1.75 m high – a height that must have been sufficient for the small Napoleon to be able to enter upright. Although the building is almost always closed, there are some nice photo opportunities in the area.
Church of Agios Georgios
The big church of Agios Georgios is dedicated to the patron saint of Ierapetra and was built around 1860. During renovation work in 2000, remains of older predecessor buildings from the 12th century were discovered, making it one of the most important religious buildings. Agios Georgios is located just a few streets west of the new port and is now the seat of the Metropolitan, the supreme bishop of the region.
💡 Crete Travel Guide: In the travel guide of the Michael Müller Verlag you will find an informative chapter about Ierapetra and the surrounding area: View on Amazon*
Archaeological Museum Ierapetra
For history buffs, a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Ierapetra is recommended. The small museum is now housed in a former 19th-century Ottoman school just north of the new port. In three large rooms, it shows sarcophagi, ceramics, inscriptions and sculptures from the region from the Minoan to the Roman period.
- Opening hours Archaeological Museum Ierapetra: Wednesday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., admission: 3 euros
#3 Beaches near Ierapetra
Around Ierapetra there are miles of beautiful beaches. Bathing shoes belong in your luggage, as the beaches are mostly made of gravel and there are rock slabs near the shore. In the following, we present our TOP 3 beaches around Ierapetra.
→ Other attractive beaches in the south of Crete can be found in our article: Crete Beaches
Ierapetra Beach
To cool down, take a dip in the cool water at the town beach of Ierapetra, also called Paralia Apovathra. It starts at the Kales Fortress and stretches to the new harbour and is often visited by locals on weekends.
The beach consists mainly of pebbles, but there are also sandy sections. At the eastern end there is a sun lounger and umbrella rental in the high season. The city beach is located along the waterfront of Ierapetra, which is lined with cosy cafés, inviting restaurants, and traditional tavernas.
The waterfront is an ideal place to get away from the sightseeing in Ierapetra and take a rest and enjoy the view of the Libyan Sea. A number of shops have also settled along the promenade, including Lemonaki, an original shop where you can buy souvenirs of all kinds.
Koutsounari Beach
The five-kilometre-long Koutsounari Beach, near the village of the same name, is one of the longest beaches in Crete. Because of its impressive beach landscape, it is also called Long Beach. The beach is located six kilometers east of Ierapetra and with the Camping Koutsounari one of the most popular campsites in Greece is located here.
→ More information about the Camping on Crete can be found in this article: Camping Greece
This beach has the coarse, grey sand and pebble beach typical of southern Crete. On hot summer days, tamarisk trees provide shade. Due to its length, the beach is never crowded, even in high season.
Agia Fotia Beach near Ferma
The beach of Agia Fotia is located 12 km east of Ierapetra. The name comes from the local church of Agia Fotini, which is located near a stream that flows down from Mount Thripti.
The picturesque bay is surrounded by dark rocky cliffs and is shaded by tamarisk trees. To reach the bay, you have to take a small, inconspicuous and steep turnoff from the main road. This is followed by a short drive over a narrow road, which is sometimes hardly wider than a large car.
The bay offers coarse-grained, gray sand, crystal clear waters, and the offshore rocks are good for snorkeling. On the beach of Agia Fotia there is a restaurant that rents sun loungers. If there is too much hustle and bustle here, you can switch to one of the many lonely neighboring bays.
Myrtos Beach
About 15 kilometers west of Ierapetra is the village of Myrtos with its sandy and pebble beach. Myrtos Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region and attracts an international audience. In recent years, Myrtos has become a popular holiday destination for individualists.
Directly on the beach you will find many amenities such as umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, cafes (tip: Petrino Cafe), restaurants, as well as opportunities for water sports and beach volleyball. In high season, it is a bit quieter at the western end of the beach.
#4 Places of interest in the area
There is a lot to discover in the surroundings of Ierapetra, both on foot in the mountainous hinterland and on the water with excursion boats to the nearby islets. A day trip to Chrissi Island is particularly recommended. An insight into the original Crete is offered by the mountain villages in the western and eastern mountain ranges of Dikti and Thripti.
Crete Island Map: This card includes all Crete Highlights, 298 Places to Visit & Insider Tips, 94 beaches & bays, as well as personal recommendations for 117 restaurants & cafes. Ideal for holiday planning and local navigation. Can be used for smartphone, tablet and PC/Mac. Click here and start using it right away: To the Crete Map
A white sea of greenhouses characterises the picture around Ierapetra. Many inhabitants live from agriculture. Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and aubergines are grown here. Due to the warmer climate compared to other areas of Europe, the vegetables ripen earlier here and even bananas thrive.
The vegetable farmers around Ierapetra can even harvest three times a year and supply their products not only to Crete and large parts of Greece, but also to northern Europe in some places. The panoramic road from Kalamafka to Anatoli offers the best view of Ierapetra’s greenhouses.
Mountain village of Kalamafka
Kalamafka is a typical, picturesque village in the eastern interior of the island. On the way to the mountain village, you can already enjoy a breathtaking view of the Libyan Sea. Above the village is the chapel of Timios Stavros, which can be reached via 224 steps. From the striking rock, you will have a magnificent view of Kalamafka embedded in the mountains.
Kalamafka and the Rock Church are part of a 7.4 km long circular hiking trail through the picturesque limestone landscape of the region. The hiking route, which also runs through the Havgas Gorge, is classified as moderately difficult and can be mastered in two to three hours. Due to the lush nature, the trail is well frequented.
Tower of Vainia
Another mountain village near Ierapetra is Vainia. Even from afar you can see the oversized church of Agios Minas of the tranquil village. Most visitors come here to see the well-preserved Venetian tower that sits above the village. From here you have a wonderful view over the region.
Close to the Tower of Vainia there are also the ruins of a basilica dedicated to Saint Sophia. You should definitely stop at the Mezedeopeleio Koutouki’s Coffee Shop in the centre of Vainia, which doesn’t open until 7 p.m., but offers typical Greek cuisine in an extremely idyllic atmosphere.
Mylonas Waterfall
About 18 km east of Ierapetra, above the settlement of Ferma, lies the Mylonas Gorge. Here you can take a hike of about 5 km (there and back) to a waterfall worth seeing. The cataract is 40 meters high and a small lake forms at its base.
In midsummer and autumn, the Mylonas Waterfall does not carry water, but the hike is still worth it as it is easy and accessible all year round. The gorge is worth a visit at any time of the year. However, in high season, you have to expect to share the trail with other visitors.
Day trip to Chrissi Island
A special highlight in the region around Ierapetra is a day trip to the Chrissi Island, which is only an hour’s boat ride from Ierapetra. The uninhabited Greek island offers beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, as well as a church and an archaeological site. During the summer months, thousands of visitors flock to the island.
In May 2022, the scandal broke out when the Greek government briefly closed off the small island paradise of Chrissi (also known as Chrysi), which attracts 200,000 visitors a year. The ecological importance of the island and the need to protect its biodiversity have led the authorities to restrict the landing of excursion boats.
In addition, protected areas that are not accessible to visitors have been established in order to preserve the natural beauty of the island. Since the crossing to Chrissi Island is now limited, it is recommended to book tickets online in advance. A tour to Chrissi is possible between May and October and can be booked via GetYourGuide*:
➲ To the Chrissi Island tours*
→ More excursions in the south of Crete we presented in our separate article: Crete Excursions
#5 Hotel tips for Ierapetra
Ierapetra stands in the shadow of the major tourist centers of the north such as Chania and Rethymno. That’s precisely why you can find some good hotel deals for Ierapetra. On Airbnb you can find a few nice accommodations that are worth it for two nights on a Crete road trip.
✓ Full coverage & unlimited mileage included
✓ Free cancellation until 24h before pickup
✓ Best price guarantee via Discover Cars
On the other hand, a real holiday mood comes up on the coast east of Ierapetra. In recent years, a number of facilities have been built here that allow a relaxing stay away from the hustle and bustle. Click on the links from Booking.com* to see prices and availability:
Petra Mare
Popular all-inclusive 4-star hotel on the eastern outskirts of Ierapetra, right on the beach. Ideal for families with children, as there is a large slide landscape, children’s entertainment and a wide range of food for young and old.
Historical Old Town Luxury Apartment
Private accommodation in the heart of the old town of Ierapetra. Within walking distance of the old port and many restaurants. Modern and tastefully decorated with large kitchen and outdoor terrace.
➲ To book the Historical Old Town Apartment*
Enormous Santanna Beach Hotel
Modern complex about 1.5 km outside of Ierapetra. Stylishly furnished rooms with a panoramic view of the Libyan Sea. Friendly staff, half board with good cuisine and attractive offers in the low season.
➲ To book the Enorm Santanna Hotel*
Libyan Sea Suites
Cozy city apartment with very good facilities (including washing machine) and balcony with a wonderful view of the waterfront. On request, the friendly landlord also serves breakfast.
#6 Restaurant recommendations for Ierapetra
Numerous taverns and cafés have settled along the long waterfront. Here you can sit relaxed by the sea and unwind. There are also some trendy bars and modern restaurants in the Neustadt.
In general, the culinary offer in Ierapetra is quite varied and the price-performance ratio is excellent compared to other regions. If you like it more rustic, drive to the mountain villages and immerse yourself in the culinary soul of Crete. Recommendations for delicious coffee and good food in Ierapetra are here:
Vira Potzi – Probably the best restaurant in Ierapetra, in a prime location just opposite Kales Fortress. Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with a twist at reasonable prices. Open only in the season from May to the beginning of October.
Casablanca – Trendy café in the new town of Ierapetra. The interior is atmospheric, the inner courtyard looks like an oasis. Excellent drinks and varied menu from pancakes to falafel and salads.
Caravan Cocktail Open Bar – Trendy bar in a prime location right next to the new harbour. The trademark is the VW Bulli, from which the cool drinks are served. In summer, the place to be in Ierapetra.
Bakalogatos – Modern mezedopoleion (Greek tapas bar) between the new town and the old town. Always well frequented by locals, small courtyard, cheap and homemade food. Only open from 7 p.m.
Searocco – Restaurant on the waterfront with a focus on fish and seafood. Tasty food at slightly higher prices due to the direct proximity to the sea. Friendly service and dessert on the house.
→ More articles and numerous Crete travel tips can be found at:
- Island of Crete – The island at a glance
- Crete Resorts
- Crete Highlights
- Best Crete Hotels
- Crete Holidays – 11 Important information
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About the author:
My name is Rebecca and I am an absolute Greece lover. In the past few years, I have visited many places around the world, but Greece is my absolute heart place. Since my first island-hopping holiday on the Dodecanese Islands six years ago, Greece has captivated me. I work as a yoga teacher in both Germany and Greece, which allows me to spend several months a year in my favorite country. That’s why I’m happy that I can now share my experiences and my love for this beautiful country, which now feels like my home, with Ella and Tom on their blog.
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