Ierapetra

Ierapetra is the 4th largest city in Crete and the southern town in Europe, facing the African coast and enjoys the smoothest, almost rainless weather. Located just 36 klm south of Aghios Nikolaos and is a very active tourism spot. It is built on the longest stretch of beach in Crete, offering an endless choice of golden beaches with deep crystal blue waters which are repeatedly awarded with the European Committees BLUE FLAG award. A tempting variety of shops, open-air cafes, bars, restaurants and traditional taverns, makes Ierapetra the ideal place to relax, enjoy shopping, eating, drinking or simply wondering around! It is also famous for its delicious local cuisine, which is based on olive oil and on the luscious variety of its agricultural products. Ierapetra consists of two distinct parts, Kato Mera and Pano Mera. Kato Mera is the old town on the southwestern headland. It is characterized by a medieval street layout with narrow alleyways, cul-de-sacs and small houses, creating a village-like atmosphere. The former mosque and the house of Napoleon can be found in this neighbourhood. Also Aghios Georgios the metropolitan church (built in 1856) in the town’s center is considered to be one of the most interesting churches of Crete. Pano Mera is new town, bigger in size than the other, with wider streets and three or four storey houses. In the centre is the town hall, the museum and two cinemas. To the west is the southern headland with the fortress and a port for fishing boats. Further east is a short beach with bars and restaurants, followed by the quay for ferries to Chrissi. Further on lies the main boulevard with hotels, bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. At its end, a new promenade leads alongside Ierapetra Bays long beach.