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town in the southeast of Crete
Europe > Greece > Crete > Lasithi > Ierapetra

Ierapetra is a city in Crete.

Ierapetra, on Crete's southern coast

Having the distinction of being the southernmost city facing the African coast, Ierapetra enjoys the smoothest, almost rainless weather in Europe, with a temperature that rarely drops below 12oC all year. It has the largest population in the prefecture of Lassithi (East Crete) and the fourth largest in all Crete. In 2011 it had almost 28,000 inhabitants.

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Ierapera 1956-2010
Climate chart (explanation)
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Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
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Imperial conversion
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Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

By bus edit

The KTEL intercity buses connect Ierapetra to Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, to Sitia and other towns.

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The closest airport (58 km) with frequent domestic and charter flights is Sitia airport (JSH IATA). There is also a ferry line from Athens (Piraeus) to Sitia.

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35°0′43″N 25°44′31″E
Map of Ierapetra

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The visitor can take a leisurely walk in the vivid city centre, along the coast, in the small municipal park near the Town Hall, or in the quiet picturesque narrow streets of "Kato Mera" - the old part of the town.

  • 1 Bramiana Reservoir. A dam and the artificial lake since 1986. An important wetland and a station for migratory birds, in fact, it attracts the largest populations of waterfowl in Crete. Over 218 different species of birds have been recorded in the area...   (updated Mar 2024)
  • 2 Faneromeni monastery (Μονή Φανερωμένης Κρήτης). Has a church built inside a cave..   (updated Mar 2024)
  • 3 Gournia excavation site. An ancient palace complex, excavated on 20th century, with unknown original name.     
  • 4 Dikteon Andron cave.     
  • 5 Tower of Vaïniá. A tower overlooking the village, in a very ruined state.. (updated Mar 2024)
  • 6 Mastoras waterfall. 210 m high, loses most of its water to vapor. 

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  • 1 Walk with Donkeys Sanctuary, Anatoli (15 minutes drive from Ierapetra. Phone for directions and time), ☏ +30 697 6088547. appointment. A sanctuary for unwanted, injured and abused donkeys. Situated in a beautiful area just below the village of Anatoli there is a sanctuary for donkeys. Offering guided walks with the donkeys to carry the delicious picnic that is provided. Donkey rides for children. Farm visits to see donkeys and other animals. Get away from the tourists and enjoy the mountain air and peaceful nature and beauty. Phone for an appointment.. tba. 
  • 2 Thrypti mountain range. An around 20x9km mountain range with top peak Afentis (1476m), covered with gorges.     

Gorges edit

  • 3 Orino Gorge (Canyon Red Butterfly). One-directional hike goes from Oreino towards Koutsouras, it's about 5km, going down from lush vegetation towards mountain views, with streams and small waterfalls along the way.     
  • 4 Milona Gorge. 20min walk with a 40m high waterfall (much drier in the summer) at the end.     
  • 5 Ha Gorge. A narrow gorge, around 1km deep, 3m wide and 1.5km long. Practically inaccessible, but can be viewed from the outside.     
  • 6 Sarakina Gorge. Around 1.5 km long (takes around 1.5h), with walls at most 150 m. A river flows through it, so expect getting wet - but no climbing should be needed. Accessible (but not particularly prepared for tourists) from both ends, start from upper part is easier to pull off.     
  • 7 Mesona Gorge      and Havga Gorge      are generally only suitable for experienced climbers with at least basic equipment.

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The character and charm of the old warm neighborhood has been retained, whilst it has been given new life as a shopping and eating experience for the visitor. A tempting variety of shops, open-air cafes, bars, restaurants and traditional taverns, makes Ierapetra the ideal place to relax, enjoying shopping, eating, drinking or simply wandering around.

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The prefecture of Lassithi produces probably the best "raki" in Crete, a white spirit made from grapes. Try it at some local "taverna" or "kafenio", together with "meze".

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Huge, luxurious hotel complexes have been built in the last years inside and around Ierapetra. There are also lots of small guest houses and rent rooms.

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The street near the Town Hall is where most bars and small night clubs are gathered. They are popular with locals, especially during the holidays (July–August, Christmas and Easter), and on Friday and Saturday nights.

Eating and drinking is a major part of the Cretan merry-making, and can make a great night out. You get find some excellent food in taverns in the villages around Ierapetra, either on the sea side, or further higher on the surrounding mountains.



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