It’s the only important town on the southern coast of the island, and the fourth all over Crete in population. Despite all that, Ierapetra is a peaceful coastal village, where nothing much happens.

Above all, Ierapetra remains the place where to spend the night if you plan to visit Chrissi Island since most daily cruises leave from the city’s port.

However, Ierapetra had a huge importance in the past of the island thanks to a strategic position facing Africa.

It’s not surprising though, that there are a few buildings worth seeing in town, and the remains of several monasteries all over the region.

Kales, the Venetian Castle

Located at the edge of the ancient port of Ierapetra, this medieval fortress, known as the Fortress of Kales dates back to the early Venetian era. Locals claim it was built in 1212 by Pescatore, a Genoan pirate.

Not many know that the Republic of Genoa indeed ruled over Crete for a short time before passing to the hands of the Venetians.

Instead, we do know that in 1626, Francesco Morosini, the Captain-General of the Venetian forces in Crete, ordered special works to make it a safer and stronger castle, which had been damaged during an earthquake in 1508.

Ierapetra fell to the Turks in 1647, while the fortress was undergoing reconstruction. Its name derives from the Turkish word Koules, which means tower in Turkish.

The well-preserved facilities usually host cultural events, especially during the summer.

The Archaeological Collection of Ierapetra

If you walk towards the opposite end of the seaside promenade, you will find the Ottoman school or Mehtepi.

This beautiful building is part of the town’s history. It was built for the Turkish kids of Ierapetra in 1899 after Crete was liberated from Ottoman rule.

The Ottoman school houses a tiny but important archaeological collection including Minoan, Geometric, and Roman artifacts.

There is also a fascinating mold of a Minoan ax as well as a marble head of a man found near the ancient theatre of Viglia, dating from the Roman period.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8 am to 3 pm and it’s closed on Monday and holidays. The admission fee is €2.

Kato Mera, the Old Quarter

When visiting the old quarter of this small town, don’t forget to check…

The House of Napoleon

About a hundred meters from the Kales, in the area of Kato Mera, it’s possible to visit a small building known as to spiti tou Napoleonta, the house of Napoleon.

People from Ierapetra claim that the famous French statesman spent a night in town, in the house of a local family, on his way to Egypt, in June 1798, before the Battle of the Pyramids (July 1798). 

The legend tells that Napoleon was incognito, while he left a note to be found after his departure in which he revealed who he was.

The very small house has been under renovation for a long time, and it’s not possible to enter the building.

The Mosque of Ierapetra

The former church of Agios Ioannis in Tzami Square, in the old quarter of Kato Mera, is another place worth a stop.

While Crete was under Ottoman rule, the Turkish took the church and transformed it into a mosque that locals usually call Tzami.

The Turkish added a marble with a Muslim inscription on the entrance, as well as a minaret.

Opposite there’s a sebil fountain that the Turks used for ablutions. The careful restoration works highlight the beauty of the square building and its wooden roof covered with tiles. Agios Ioannis is now a music school.

The Church of the Virgin of the Kales

The Diocese of Ierapetra is one of the oldest dioceses of Crete, there is news of its bishop participating in the Synod of Sardica in AD 343.

It’s easy to understand why there are so many important churches and monasteries in the area.

The church of Afendi Christo, also known as the Virgin of the Fortress (Panagia tou Kale) is the oldest in town, built between the 12th and 14th centuries.

The church acquires special importance for the residents during Easter when families and children burn a Judas in a unique ritual.

Beaches in Ierapetra

The main seaside of Ierapetra is mainly a walking promenade full of bars, restaurants, and shops, and it extends both to the East and the West of the port.

To reach the beaches of the city, you will need to walk past the port of Ierapetra.

Paralia Ierapetras, the Beach in Town

Paralia Ierapetras is the main beach of the city, and it’s right next to the port. This black-pebbled beach is rather big but tends to get very crowded.

West of Ierapetra: Mirtos

Just 14 km west of Ierapetra, the small village of Mirtos (also Myrtos) is worth more than a trip to the beach to enjoy its traditional atmosphere.

There’s also a small archaeological and folk art museum with artifacts found in the nearby Minoan sites of Pyrgos.

The well-organized beach of Mirtos is rather long and one of the favorites in Crete for families with kids. Villagers claim that winds never touch Mirtos, and indeed, strong winds don’t seem to affect the beach. 

All the Beaches East of Ierapetra

Take the national road that connects Ierapetra and Sitia to the East. You will encounter the beaches of Koutsounari, Ferma, Agia Fotia, and Koutsouras.

Next up is the immense bay of Makrigialos, where you can choose different small beaches to spend your day. However, when you have passed the big bay of Makrigialos, it’s when things get more interesting. 

Along the shore, there are unique beaches that are worth a day trip. Many of them are practically unknown, so crowds won’t be a problem.

I strongly recommend you explore the coastal road, always taking the necessary precautions. Many beaches are completely deserted, so there’s usually no organization, let alone a lifeguard.

The terrain tends to be rocky and harsh, and hiking or climbing is not uncommon if you want to reach the coves.

So pack some food, watch your step… and enjoy the stunning southeast coast of Crete.  These are some of the best beaches east of Ierapetra.

From the port of Makrigialos, you can sail to the small, uninhabited Koufonisi Island. This affordable tour guarantees an unforgettable visit.

Koutsounari Long Beach

If you are interested in water sports, you can find a good beach for that purpose 5 km east of Ierapetra. Koutsounari is also known as Long Beach since it’s almost 2,5 km. long.

The beach is organized, and there are also several beach bars and restaurants and a nice camping site nearby too. 

Ferma Beach

Ferma is a little seaside village, no more than 10 km from Ierapetra. Many tiny bays populate the coastline of Ferma, with two important beaches, Livadi and Ferma or Xerokamara.

The beach is stunning not only because of the blue deep waters but also of the rock formations that surround it. The curious landscape includes a small number of date palm trees.

Agia Fotia

If you drive for another 2 km towards the east, you will find one of the most beautiful beaches in the area.

Agia Fotia is a small bay surrounded by the lush vegetation of tamarisks and cliffs.

This gorgeous beach is located at the mouth of a narrow river that comes from the mountains. In the area, there are restaurants and beach bars, as well as some rooms to rent and hotels. 

Koutsouras Beach

20 km from Ierapetra, Koutsouras village offers a series of pretty blue flag beaches to spend your day.

Most of them are small and have very dark pebbles, but they are still good for kids because they are not hit by the wind. The water is of beautiful turquoise color and some trees offer shade.

Makrigialos

Makrigialos is probably one of my favorite beaches in the area of Ierapetra. It’s only 20 km away, and it’s a rather small town with different beaches one next to the other.

The sea is shallow and calm and it has always been one of my kid’s favorites since it’s sandy.

Dragon’s Cave

Driving towards the east of Makrigialos, for about 20 minutes, there’s a point rather lonely, with difficult access, but extremely beautiful.

The locals know it as the Dragon’s Cave, but the official name is Ammoudi.

This tiny beach is not very easy to spot from the paved road, and you will find it only thanks to the restaurant opposite, The Cave of the Dragon.

If you bring hiking shoes or trainers, you can go down a fairly steep hill to find this beautiful cove. Protected from the strong winds, this beach with crystal clear waters is surrounded by a rocky formation in the shape of a sleeping dragon.

The area is completely secluded, so it’s a good idea to pack your lunch if you intend to spend the day. Locals also claim that the calcareous limestone and mud in the area have excellent properties for your skin.

Beaches Further East

After the Dragon’s Cave, the road extends to the east. Beaches such as Kalo Nero, Asprolithos, or Goudouras are incredibly beautiful.

This is the road that will take you to the easternmost part of Crete, where you can also visit Xerocampos and, after a while, the well-known Kato Zakros with its impressive Minoan Palace. 

You can read more about these beaches in this guide about Lasithi beaches, as well as in this guide to the naturist beaches of Crete.

Day Trips from Ierapetra

When spending a few days in this area of Crete, check out these great day trips from Ierapetra to spend a great time!

Selekano Forest

About 35 km north of Ierapetra, it’s possible to drive to the unique forest of Selekano (also known as Selakano), the plateau, and the picturesque village.

Considered the most remarkable pine tree forest in the Mediterranean, the protected area is part of the Natura 2000.

Among other species, there are maple trees, platans, and cypresses. Natural mountain springs are also easy to find in the area.

The forest, locally known as Selakanou, ends at the peak of Mount Dikti (2148 m). This is one of the largest areas on the island dedicated to apiculture, therefore you will find bees along the way. Around Selekano, it’s also possible to discover vines and walnut trees. 

Orino Gorge

Usually known as Butterfly Gorge, this canyon is located in the area of Makrigialos.

The best way to access and walk the gorge is to depart from the village of Orino in the north, drive up from Kolimbos, and from there start your way towards the sea (South).

REMEMBER: The gorge is fairly easy to walk, but some portions of the way require some attention since you need to change the path because there is a torrent that would be otherwise impossible to cross.

Achlia Gorge

This small and rather wide gorge is fairly easy to walk in about an hour, even with children, as there’s no need for any special equipment.

Along the walk, you will find several waterfalls and unique views. The best way to access the gorge is from the beach of Achlia, 7 km from Agia Fotia beach, a small and usually uncrowded seaside village.

Sarakinas Gorge

Not to be confused with the homonymous gorge located in Meskla (the White Mountains, Chania prefecture), the gorge starts 6 km north of Mirtos and is also known as Mirtos Gorge.

The gorge’s width ranges between 3 to 10 m, reaching up to 150 m in height. There’s a river flowing all year long, which forms small pools along the canyon.

Sarakina Gorge can be partially visited if you have no experience in canyoning, but still, want to have a feel of what the landscape looks like.

If you walk for about 20 minutes, you will see a tiny waterfall and a pool too. The legend goes that one of Zeus’ sons stopped at the river to drink and he cut the mountain in half with his long beard. 

Ha Gorge

Ierapetra is home to one of the most impenetrable gorges in Crete. Only those with extreme experience and the right equipment could try crossing the canyon.

About 1.5 km long, and just under a meter wide at its narrowest point, the gorge is up to 1000 m deep. It is also known as Thripiti Gorge because it stands on the west slopes of the Thripti mountain range (also written Thrypiti).

It is considered the most beautiful technical gorge on the island as well as one of the most difficult ones to cross even for experienced climbers.

Ha (also written Xa) is one of the largest fissures in the world and locals strongly discourage venturing into the canyon. The crossing requires over 25 technical descents and only experienced climbers might manage.

Fatal attempts to cross the gorge are not rare.

Despite these facts, the narrow entrance of the gorge is stunning, there’s a pond fed by a little waterfall coming from an overlying lake rarely visible.

From Ierapetra to Chrissi Island

Chrissi Island (Gaidouronisi)

Chrissi (Χρυσή “golden”) Island or also Gaidouronisi (Γαϊδουρονήσι “donkey island”) is a very small, uninhabited Greek island off the southern coast of Crete, about 14 kilometers south of Ierapetra, on the Libyan sea.

The island, about 2 km wide and 7 km long, is a protected reserve belonging to the Natura 2000 program.

Most of the surface of the island is covered by a rare cedar (junipers) forest, the largest in Europe.

Chrissi Island Tour

The highest point on the island is Kefala (head), over 30 m above sea level.

Explore the Beaches on Chrissi Island

There are a few different bays you can choose from on the island. Chrissi Ammos (Golden Sand, or also Belegrina) is the one closest to the pier, which means you’re likely to find it crowded.

Everyone following the path heads there and stays there until the time of departure.

It’s a beautiful white and pink sand beach, a mixed composition of tiny shells and pebbles, which kids will certainly do with a pair of swimming shoes.

There is a (rather expensive) bar where you can buy drinks and sandwiches. It’s always a good idea to pack your lunch.

Chatzivolakas is a nearby rocky coast, ideal for snorkeling since it’s usually calm and protected from the wind. In the area, you can visit the remains of an old salt lake

Towards the east of Chrissi Ammos Beach, the beach of Kataprosopo is right across another uninhabited island, Mikronisi.

There’s just one beach on the southern part of the island, usually solitary, it’s Vages, ideal for naturism and diving.

Chrissi Island Boat Trip

You can reach Chrissi by sea from the port of Ierapetra as well as from the smaller port of the nearby beaches of Mirtos and Makrigialos (with higher fees).

Different ferryboats and private ships reach the coast between May and October.

The most affordable day cruise trip departing from Ierapetra takes about 50 minutes to reach the island and the tickets can be purchased in advance at one of the many offices in the seafront area, near the port of Ierapetra or (even better in the high season), online (Ticket: about €29).

Daily boats depart every morning from 10.00 until midday, while the trip back is usually fixed at 16.00. 

It’s also possible to reach Chrissi Island with a private tour which can even include a Cretan lunch, but prices will be higher.

Remember that there’s a visitor tax to the protected island equivalent to €1, payable on the boat. I always suggest booking the trip in advance, especially if you’re traveling in the high season. 

Upon arrival, your boat will be docking on the southern coast, and it will be necessary for you to reach the northern coast on foot.

What and Where to Eat in Ierapetra

It’s fairly common for people to believe that, since Crete is an island, our diet includes lots of fish. This is not particularly true on the northern coast, where locals tend to prefer lamb and sheep.

However, if there’s a place to splurge on delicious dishes of fresh fish and seafood, that has to be Ierapetra.

Any of the restaurants on the seaside promenade serve inviting fish platers at very convenient prices. Mezes, raki, and salads are also common proposals by the sea.

For a great dinner, prefer the restaurants located after the port (to the West, right before the Kales), while the ones on the eastern side are better for coffee or afternoon drinks.

Nightlife in Ierapetra

You might not find the kind of nightlife that you could enjoy in bigger cities, however, there are a few places worth checking out at night in Ierapetra.

The most popular music bars and pubs are on the seaside, mostly towards the east. You can relax, and enjoy music and a few drinks in The Saxo Coffee Bar.

Right by the sea, Island Cafe Bar is great both for a night cocktail but also for a quick brunch.

If you enjoy jazz music and a cozy atmosphere, Parodos is a favorite in tow, but it’s not located on the seaside (Emmanouil Ploumidi Street), you can find out more about it here.

Read more about Crete

Don’t Leave Before You Pin! Pin This Helpful Guide to Plan a Trip to Ierapetra For Your Next Crete Travels!

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