Villages & Towns

Ierapetra

Ierapetra, Lasithi · Free

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

About

Europe's southernmost town.

Ierapetra is the southernmost town in Europe and the largest town on the south coast of Crete. It's known for its greenhouses, which produce vegetables for all of Greece.

The town has a Venetian fortress, an old town and long beaches. Boats leave for Chrissi island.

Ierapetra is nicknamed "the bride of the Libyan Sea". With about 17,700 inhabitants, it's the largest town in Lasithi and the fourth largest in Crete. The area's greenhouses produce early vegetables for all of Greece. The old town, with its narrow streets, Ottoman mosque and Venetian buildings, is worth exploring, and the long beaches stretch on both sides of the town.

Around Ierapetra

Nearest town: Ierapetra, about 1 km by road
Nearest airport: Sitia airport (JSH), about 52 km by road

Lasithi, the eastern end of Crete, is quieter and greener than you might expect. Agios Nikolaos wraps around a small lake and a lively harbour, with cafés on the water and beaches within walking distance. Just north, Elounda and Plaka look across to the fortress island of Spinalonga, one of the most moving places on the island. More about Lasithi