Travel Eye on Ierapetra (Crete)

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Overview:

This is the fourth largest town in Crete, Ierapetra is also known as Europe's southernmost point, a strategic position that has made it the object of various occupations over the centuries, from the Romans to the Turks.

It was a flourishing port in medieval times and its 13th-century Venetian fort, Turkish mosque and ancient churches bear witness to its mixed heritage. Latterly a market garden town servicing a fertile agricultural area, it has developed in recent years into a major tourist resort, offering visitors a combination of the old and the new, from the intriguing, narrow streets of the old town to the bustling waterfront restaurants and bars around the harbour.

There is something here to suit most types. Having your own transport is a real advantage if wishing to go farther afield. The accommodation varies from assorted-category hotels and apartments to upmarket complexes.

Locality:

Ierapetra is towards the east end of the south coast (20 mls S of Aghios Nikolaos, 63 mls SE of Heraklion and its airport. It is on the coast, in a broad agricultural area, backed by mountains to the NW and SE.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

The beach here is long, narrow, dark sand and shingle strips plus small bays with rocky areas, mostly stretching E for around 6 mls. There is good bathing conditions, with a range of water sports on offer at one beach or another.

There are a reasonable choice of general shops and supermarkets along with outlets selling locally made jewellery and souvenirs. Most tourist shops are situated on Stratigou Samouil and Markopoulou streets. Street market offering fresh local produce every Sat.

During the daytime there are beach activities and water sports, including windsurfing, jet-skiing, pedalloes, canoeing, sailing and scuba diving, hiking, cycling and go-karting. For a more cultural day out spend it exploring the town, including its archaeological museum.
The nightlife offers a choice of local bars and tavernas, there ar discos in town and 1 or 2 in outlying villages, the more sophisticated entertainment is at the hotels.

Eateries here provide a mixture of modern and traditional Greek-style restaurants, many situated along the waterfront; older tavernas can be found in nearby villages.