Ierapetra

Being Greece's sunniest town, here you can experience history unfolding: sights from ancient Greece, the Byzantines, the Venetians, and the Ottomans.

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A dolphin statue and a part of the seaside promenade of Ierapetra.
photo: VillageHero / CC BY-SA 2.0

Ierapetra Attractions

An overview of the exterior of the Byzantine Church of Episkopi in Lasithi region.
photo: Kyrvas at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
#1

Episkopi Kato Chorio Byzantine Church

Built in the 11th century AD, it is dedicated to St. Georgios and St. Charalambos. It stands out for its distinctive architecture.

An picture of the island of Spinalonga where the Venetian fortifications stand.
photo: Marek Bakajsa / CC BY-SA 2.0
distant ≈ 44.9km
#2

Spinalonga Fortress (Island)

The Venetians fortified this small island and later became an isolation colony for lepers until 1957. An excellent day trip.

A photo showing the Windmills of Selí Ambélou with the surrounding mountains in the background.
photo: photosiotas / CC BY-SA 4.0
distant ≈ 47.4km
#3

Windmills of Selí Ambélou

With an amazing view and 24 windmills around, you can take lots of pictures here. There is also a restaurant and a gift shop.

The pedestrian seafront promenade of Ierapetra on Crete with a few tables from nearby bars.
photo: stephanemat / CC BY-SA 3.0
#4

Promenade of Ierapetra

The pedestrian coastal promenade of of the southmost Greek city passes above a beautiful beach and is crammed with tavernas and cafés.

An old stone-built windmill at the area Poros close to Elounta.
photo: James Preston / CC BY 2.0
distant ≈ 38.7km
#5

Poros Elounda Windmills

The three old but well-preserved windmills are distinctive trademarks of this windy area. The sea nearby has crystal clear waters.

A light-brown church with a sharp-cornered façade, a dome, and a small belfry - the Panagia Kera Church, Kritsa.
photo: C messier / CC BY-SA 4.0
distant ≈ 25.5km
#6

Panagia Kera Church

Kritsa

Panagia Kera's distinct exterior look will surprise you, and once inside, the ancient biblical hagiography will fascinate you.

Remains of the Archaeological Site Pyrgos Myrtos with the blue sea in the background.
photo: Olaf Tausch / CC BY 3.0
#7

Pyrgos (Myrtos) Archaeological Site

Minoan town founded approximately 5000 years ago on a high hill with amazing views. It takes about 15 minutes on foot from the intersection.

A photo of the interior of the Venetian Fortress «Kales» of Ierapetra.
photo: C messier / CC BY-SA 4.0
temp. closed
#8

Venetian Fort «Kales»

The 13th-century Venetian castle was damaged by strong earthquake in 1508 and later was taken over by the Ottomans in 1647.

+ 3 Ierapetra Attractions →

Ierapetra Things to Do

Picture taken at the area of Kapsa Monastery that depicts the Perivolakia gorge.
photo: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR) / CC BY 3.0
distant ≈ 39.6km
needs caution
#1

Perivolakia (Kapsa) Gorge

A demanding 1h30 hike on a well-marked path with vertiginous heights while vultures fly above your head. Extra care needed.

A pond created by the waters of Richtis in the homonymous gorge.
photo: KODR / CC BY 3.0
distant ≈ 41.8km
needs caution
#2

Richtis Gorge & Waterfall

Crossing it from the beach it takes an hour and a half but to add difficulty start from the other entrance. Cool off at the waterfall.

A part of the facilities of the Kapsa monastery with the great view of the Libyan Sea in the background.
photo: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR} / CC BY 3.0
distant ≈ 39.7km
#3

Kapsa Monastery

Dedicated to St John the Baptist, this otherworldly monastery was founded in the 15th century on a steep rocky slope overlooking the Lybian Sea.

A picture that shows the «Ha» Gorge and the Thrypti Mountain Range close to Ierapetra.
photo: Lemur12 / CC BY-SA 3.0
needs caution
#4

«Ha» Gorge

Thrypti Range

Ha's gorge is impressive however, you need to be an experienced climber to proceed after the first water basin. Worth the detour if you're passing by.

A human hand offers food to a monkey with Crete's mountains in the background.
photo: FB: Amazonas Park Crete
distant ≈ 42.9km
temp. closed
#5

Amazonas Park Crete

Neapoli

A menagerie with a few animals from the tropics. You can feed playful and friendly lemurs. Ideal for families. Note: animals in artificial habitat.

Droplets and mist created by the waterfall form a small rainbow.
photo: Manos Perakakis / CC BY 3.0
needs caution
#6

Hike «Mylonas Waterfall» Gorge

A moderate 15-minute hike across the densely vegetated gorge leads to a splendid 20-meters waterfall.

Ierapetra Why visit?

  • The economy is predominantly agricultural and touristic.
  • Its name means the Sacred Rock.
  • The rain is rare in the sunniest region of Europe.

Ierapetra Museums

An old house wall with selves full of utensils, bottles, an cups in the Rodanthi Museum, Kritsa.
photo: Municipality of Agios Nikolaos
distant ≈ 26.3km
#1

Rodanthi Museum

Kritsa

Crete's herbs are used for traditional medicines, infusions, and cuisine. Museum Rodanthi gives an engaging tour into the island's botanical wealth.

The exterior of the building of the Archaeological Museum of Ierapetra.
photo: C messier / CC BY-SA 4.0
temp. closed
#2

Archaeological Collection of Ierapetra

Housed since 1899 in an old Ottoman school the Archaeological Collection aims to preserve and present the area's antiquities.

Ierapetra Beaches

Achlia Beach without people. Steep cliffs ending to a wide beach and green-blue waters.
photo: C messier / CC BY-SA 4.0
#1

Achlia Beach

Good snorkeling spot with clear and steeply deep waters and a wide sandy beach. Don't skip the nearby fish taverns. Nice beach bar too.

A color pallet sea with all shades between turquoise and blue at Voulisma Beach, Istro Lasithi.
photo: ArtemiyPavlov / CC BY-SA 3.0
#2

Voulisma Beach

Istro Lasithi

A gorgeous beach with sand and rocks below short cliffs. Turquoise waters. Excellent vibes. You could also go up the hill, if you feel adventurous.

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