Villages & Towns

Kalamafka

Ierapetra, Lasithi · Free

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Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

About

Rocks, pines and streams.

Kalamafka is a mountain village in Lasithi, with rocks, pines and streams.

Kalamafka lies at about 500 m in the mountains between Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra, near the narrowest point of Crete. On a clear day you can see both the north and south coasts from the rock above the village. The landscape is full of hanging rocks, pine trees, streams and gorges, and the village has springs and a small waterfall.

Ierapetra is the southernmost town in Europe, and the area around it is known for its greenhouses, which produce vegetables for all of Greece. The coast stretches east to Makrigialos and west to Myrtos, with long beaches, small coves and a warm climate that allows swimming from April to November. Boats leave Ierapetra for Chrissi island, with its cedar forest and white sand. Inland, the Sarakina and Ha gorges and the Selakano forest offer cool escapes.

Around Ierapetra

Nearest town: Ierapetra, about 14 km by road
Nearest airport: Sitia airport (JSH), about 56 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