Ierapetra has the distinction of being the southernmost town facing the African coast, Ierapetra enjoys the smoothest, almost rainless weather in Europe, with a temperature that rarely drops below 12o C all year long ! Ierapetra is built on the longest beach in Crete, offering an endless choice of golden beaches with deep crystal blue sea, far away from industrial areas and ships passing by. All major beaches of Ierapetra from Mirtos to Makrisgialos are awarded with the European Committee's BLUE FLAG every year.
Ierapetra has an important harbour whose history goes back 35 centuries, Ierapetra is a delightful combination of past and present. Modern shops, banks, a colourful covered market, a little town square with a statue (by Memos Makris) of a seated girl reading, music at midday in the seafront cafés, traffic-free quay sides and the clean and clear deep blue-green sea. Ierapetra is the 4th largest city in Crete, enjoying substantial income from its green houses and banana crop.
This area is suitable for holidays all year with its mild and dry climate. It is said that you can swim in the sea all year around and there are lots of possibilities for tours, mountain walks and high in the mountains you find Crete's largest forest.
During the summer the local festival "Kirvia", having a great variety of events, fills the nights with music and dance by folklore and pop artists, theater performances and art exhibitions.


Discovering the nature of Ierapetra you will have the chance to visit its marvellous mountains and arrange your own outing to conquer them.
During the summer, people who adore the sea can go for sailing, scuba-diving, sea-sports and fishing
Ierapetra is famous for its tasty cousine which is based on olive-oil and the opulence of its garden and cattle-farm produce.
The goat-stew, the cream cheese-pies with honey, the local stuffed vine leaves, the filled zucchini flowers and the fresh fish from the Libyan sea, cooked in various ways are some of the delicacies that you can taste in the city's restaurants, but also in traditional cafes in the villages of Ierapetra.
Ierapetra is a place of vivid and intense nightlife, especially during the spring and summer months.
Mostly gathered in the old city, but also scattered in the new and outside the city, there are various cafes, bars and clubs that you should look for and will keep you up till the dawn, without your noticing.
The people of Ierapetra have a permanent mood for party, are open and warm and quite eager to show you a good time. You will soon find out that the night hours will not be enough for you too.