Lassithi Ierapetra

General information

Crete Ierapetra Lassithi: The town of Ierapetra (Holy Stone) is located 35 km south of Agios Nikolaos town and is the largest city of Lassithi. It is boarded by the Libyan Sea and stands on the narrowest crossing of the island. Daily buses link the town to the capital of Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion and Sitia. The town has been built on the site of ancient Ierapytna (from the Doric period), that flourished in the 2nd century BC and became the strongest city of the area during the Roman times.

Ierapetra counts on 11000 inhabitants who are mostly engaged in agriculture and tourism. It is surrounded by abundant cultivations of orange and lemon groves and groceries which are particularly productive because of the frequent days of sunshine and the warm provided by the ideal climate of the area.

Several remains of a fortress built by the Genovese during the 13th century AD can still be seen in the wider region, also known as the Castle Gerapetra, Katelli or Koule. In Ierapetra, visitors can visit the beautiful Turkish mosque in the old town, as well as the fine Church of the Metamorfossis (Transformation) of Christ. This church was built in the 14th century AD and hosts some imteresting frescoes.

Plenty of accommodations of all categories and kinds can be found in Ierapetra as well as various tourist facilities, bars, cafes and taverns, mostly boarding the harbour. Boat tours to the exotic island of Gaidouronissi (Donkey Island), or else Chrissi, are organised from Ierapetra.

Hotels in Ierapetra

We have made a selection of the best hotels in Ierapetra.

Dessole Blue Star

3 stars

Dessole Blue Star Resort is well located in the southern coast of Crete just opposite the small island Chrissi. The resort offers pleasant and friendly environment, with beautiful gardens and a long dark sandy beach with crystal clear water. Dessole Blue star Resort is located 5 km away from the ...

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Coriva Village

3 stars

Coriva Village situated in Ierapetra. Our hotel offers their visitors the possibility to choose the type of their accommodation among all kinds of rooms, such as twin-bedded, three-bedded, four-bedded, with garden balcony or seaview. There are also Junior and two-room Suites and Maisonettes with two ...

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El Greco

3 stars

The beautiful little town of Ierapetra is located south of the island of Crete and is known as one of the sunniest regions of Europe with more than three hundred days of sunshine a year. Endowed as the area is, in the center - just a breath away from its shores - El Greco Boutique Hotel is a 3* ...

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Things to See & Do in Ierapetra

Check out the things to see & do in Ierapetra during your stay and explore what the area has to offer.

Ierapetra Map

Explore our interactive map of Ierapetra.

Reviews

4/5.0
1 Review
  • kathy_greg 11 Jan 2011
    Hospitable place
    Ierapetra consists of two district parts, the Old Town and Kato Mera. Take a walk there and you will notice that the character and style of the neighborhood has been retained till today. Near the city of Iepapetra there are two beaches which I really loved. The first one is very close to the city centre, thus it provides certain benefits to visitors. The other is called Koutsounari, not so crowded. The taverns along the small port of Ierapetra have the most hospitable owners. Delicious food everywhere you sit. Do not worry about that, I haven't heard anyone complaining about the food in Greece. Complaints about the service and the prices, yes. But about the food, never! It is amazing how all Greeks are so good chefs!

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