Ierapetra

Ierapetra is a city in Crete.

Having the distinction of being the southernmost city facing the African coast, Ierapetra enjoys the smoothest, almost rainless weather in Europe, with a temperature that rarely drops below 12 °C all year. It has the largest population in the prefecture of Lassithi (East Crete) and the fourth largest in all Crete. In 2021 it had almost 27,000 inhabitants.

By bus
The KTEL intercity buses connect Ierapetra to Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, to Sitia and other towns.

By plane
The closest airport (58 km) with frequent domestic and charter flights is Sitia airport. There is also a ferry line from Athens (Piraeus) to Sitia.

Get around
There is basically no public transport. The city itself is walk-able, however getting into the surroundings by foot is lengthy. The area is quite flat, so a bike is a good option - otherwise there are numerous car rental services scattered around.

See
The visitor can take a leisurely walk in the vivid city centre, along the coast, in the small municipal park near the Town Hall, or in the quiet picturesque narrow streets of "Kato Mera", the old part of the town.

Gorges

 * and are generally only suitable for experienced climbers with at least basic equipment.
 * and are generally only suitable for experienced climbers with at least basic equipment.
 * and are generally only suitable for experienced climbers with at least basic equipment.
 * and are generally only suitable for experienced climbers with at least basic equipment.
 * and are generally only suitable for experienced climbers with at least basic equipment.

Buy
The character and charm of the old warm neighborhood 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, enjoying shopping, eating, drinking or simply wandering around.

Drink
The prefecture of Lassithi produces probably the best "raki" in Crete, a white spirit made from grapes. Try it at some local "taverna" or "kafenio", together with "meze".

Sleep
Huge, luxurious hotel complexes have been built in the last years inside and around Ierapetra. There are also lots of small guest houses and rent rooms.



Go next
The street near the Town Hall is where most bars and small night clubs are gathered. They are popular with locals, especially during the holidays (July–August, Christmas and Easter), and on Friday and Saturday nights.

Eating and drinking is a major part of the Cretan merry-making, and can make a great night out. You get find some excellent food in taverns in the villages around Ierapetra, either on the sea side, or further higher on the surrounding mountains.