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Ierapetra - South Crete

  • Crete South Crete
  • Crete South Crete
  • Crete South Crete
Ierapetra is the most southerly town in Europe and surrounded by countless vegetable plantations. Many of our fruits are cultivated here. The temperatures are extremely hot in the summer and wonderfully mild in the winter. The town´s pride and joy is the waterfront promenade. A fort remains from Venetian times and a mosque in the old town (the original Turkish area) from the Turks. The distance from Ierapetra to the north coast is only about 18 km. Heraklion on the north coast 96 km. This coastal region is very dry and bare, but only a few kilometers inland you will be more surprised when the lush vegetation of "Males" dominates the landscape. Males is a wooded area. 15 km from Ierapetra in the inland. The city of Ierapetra with its surrounding area has a total of approximately 27,000 inhabitants who mainlywork in agriculture. Ierapetra belongs to the Lassithi Prefecture.


The greenhouses, which are directly near the coast, do not make a beautiful landscape for the tourist. But they are very important for the people living there. The fruits and vegetables grown here in Ierapetra are not only for domestic market, but for many parts of europe. The main crops are cucumbers and tomatoes, which we also find on our supermarket in winter.

There is a long beach in the middle of the town made up of grey sand and small pebbles. The town develops its own charme in the evening and the promenade and tavernas of all types invite one to tarry a while.
In ancient times Ierapetra was already a trading city. Ierapetra was a market place for exchanging between Africa and Europe. The Venetianian castle of Ierapetra is from the 17th century. Ierapetra has a long promenade that is unusual for Crete (approx. 800 meters long) with many taverns and cafes.
From here boats go to the offshore island "Chrissi Island". The highest point in the hinterland of Ierapetra is the mountain "Spathi" with 2148 meters. The region around Ierapetra is the warmest region in Europe. It is not uncommon for summer temperatures to climb above 40 degrees. The proximity to the African continent is not far. The oriental influences are visible through the remains of the Ottoman Empire, such as the mosque, the minaret and the fountain house in the city center.
Napoleon started his journey to Egypt. All rulers of Crete recognized the strategic importance of Ierapetra. The ancient Greeks called Ierapetra, "Hierapytna" in ancient Greek, was the gateway to Africa. For Romans, Arabs and Venetians, Ierapetra remained the hub between the continents

It's going to be a once in a lifetime experience when you drive the South coast from end to end. From the wind-whipped mountain regions to the safe small secluded beaches. The wild South coast route of Crete is a sensational journey of soaring cliffs, picturesque coastal villages and hidden beaches.
Recommendation: this optimal self drive tour "Southern Crete"consists of 3 Hotel-Locations within two weeks, it's excellent value for money, price per person(occupancy 2 guests) from 736 €, daily arrival possible. Our Self-Drive holidays include hotel accommodation and car hire (including taxes and car insurance) for the full duration. With your travel documents (Vouchers) you will also receive a comprehensive map and day-to-day itinerary.
We have carefully selected unique family run hotels/accommodation, that have an extra touch of ambience and character. Click here: The South coast has been waiting for you.

Information for packages including accommodation, excursions, daily cruises on Crete, private transfer or hire car with excellent value for money for the South of Crete: info@kreta.com the travel experts for Crete / Greece.

Ierapetra: Expert-Advice & Booking by kreta.com the travel experts for Greece

Ierapetra is the most southerly town in Europe and surrounded by countless vegetable plantations. Many of our fruits are cultivated here. The temperatures are extremely hot in the summer and wonderfully mild in the winter. The town´s pride and joy is the waterfront promenade. A fort remains from Venetian times and a mosque in the old town (the original Turkish area) from the Turks. The distance from Ierapetra to the north coast is only about 18 km. Heraklion on the north coast 96 km. This coastal region is very dry and bare, but only a few kilometers inland you will be more surprised when the lush vegetation of "Males" dominates the landscape. Males is a wooded area. 15 km from Ierapetra in the inland. The city of Ierapetra with its surrounding area has a total of approximately 27,000 inhabitants who mainlywork in agriculture. Ierapetra belongs to the Lassithi Prefecture.


The greenhouses, which are directly near the coast, do not make a beautiful landscape for the tourist. But they are very important for the people living there. The fruits and vegetables grown here in Ierapetra are not only for domestic market, but for many parts of europe. The main crops are cucumbers and tomatoes, which we also find on our supermarket in winter.

There is a long beach in the middle of the town made up of grey sand and small pebbles. The town develops its own charme in the evening and the promenade and tavernas of all types invite one to tarry a while.
In ancient times Ierapetra was already a trading city. Ierapetra was a market place for exchanging between Africa and Europe. The Venetianian castle of Ierapetra is from the 17th century. Ierapetra has a long promenade that is unusual for Crete (approx. 800 meters long) with many taverns and cafes.
From here boats go to the offshore island "Chrissi Island". The highest point in the hinterland of Ierapetra is the mountain "Spathi" with 2148 meters. The region around Ierapetra is the warmest region in Europe. It is not uncommon for summer temperatures to climb above 40 degrees. The proximity to the African continent is not far. The oriental influences are visible through the remains of the Ottoman Empire, such as the mosque, the minaret and the fountain house in the city center.
Napoleon started his journey to Egypt. All rulers of Crete recognized the strategic importance of Ierapetra. The ancient Greeks called Ierapetra, "Hierapytna" in ancient Greek, was the gateway to Africa. For Romans, Arabs and Venetians, Ierapetra remained the hub between the continents

It's going to be a once in a lifetime experience when you drive the South coast from end to end. From the wind-whipped mountain regions to the safe small secluded beaches. The wild South coast route of Crete is a sensational journey of soaring cliffs, picturesque coastal villages and hidden beaches.
Recommendation: this optimal self drive tour "Southern Crete"consists of 3 Hotel-Locations within two weeks, it's excellent value for money, price per person(occupancy 2 guests) from 736 €, daily arrival possible. Our Self-Drive holidays include hotel accommodation and car hire (including taxes and car insurance) for the full duration. With your travel documents (Vouchers) you will also receive a comprehensive map and day-to-day itinerary.
We have carefully selected unique family run hotels/accommodation, that have an extra touch of ambience and character. Click here: The South coast has been waiting for you.

Information for packages including accommodation, excursions, daily cruises on Crete, private transfer or hire car with excellent value for money for the South of Crete: info@kreta.com the travel experts for Crete / Greece.
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With more than 30 years of travel experience between our team it's no surprise that since we began, our selection of excursions has grown. We - Kreta.com offer an exceptional range of great value excursions to suit all ages, interests and abilities. All packages are carefully designed, and we always guarantee reliability and quality.
Our dedicated and passionate team are here to assist your booking every step of the way.
This Day Cruise Adventure goes to the Nature Reserve "Balos Lagoon". You can easily purchase here your boat-ticket to the Lagoon Balos. The place of embarkation is the Port of Kissamos. There is a huge parking space for your hire car at the port without charge.

On the day of your trip you may give to the cruise - office the reservation documents provided by us kreta.com and the office shall give you your boat-tickets.
Departure from the port of Kissamos at 10.20 am – return to the port at 17.45 pm .The timetable changes according the season. More information you´ll get with the email - voucher after booking.
With soft music playing in the background, and sail for about an hour in the homonymous bay, against a stunning backdrop of steep cliffs and rocks, incredible secluded beaches, and the infinite blue.
At the end of the bay, the boat will sail between the islet of Agria Gramvousa and Cape Vouxa (Trypiti). The landscape is breathtaking, against the backdrop of Valenti, Pontikonisi, Balos lagoon, and Imeri Gramvousa. The boat will approach afterwards Gramvousa island or Balos lagoon (depending on the itinerary) in about 20 minutes.
Visit Gramvousa-the island of pirates
The boat shall arrive at the small port of Gramvousa, where you shall stay for about 2 hours. The location of Gramvousa, the Cretan nature, the legends and the turbulent history of the area exude a magical aura.
The highest point of the island, atop a steep rock, at an altitude of 137 meters, is dominated by the famous castle of Gramvousa, which was built by the Venetians in 1579. The castle played a significant role in the history of the wider area. The panoramic view, the magnificent nature, and the legend of the pirates’ hidden treasure, allure you to visit it, after a 20 minute hike (it’s essential to wear comfortable shoes).
The ship sails on to visit the lagoon of Balos

Balos is listed as one of the best beaches in the world. This exotic beach-lagoon and rare natural monument is situated between the Gramvousa peninsula and Cape Tigani. Nothing can describe what you are about to feel when you see this. When you get to swim in the lukewarm, shallow, turquoise blue waters, relax in the pink sandy beach, which is filled with shells, and admire the natural beauty, the rocks and the cliffs rising above you!

The sandy beach of Balos is adorned by a special kind of vegetation. Shrubby varieties, such as heather, Yenisey, thyme, and lentisc, have impressive shapes and patterns, proving their effort to survive in the adverse environmental conditions of the area, such as the strong northerly winds and the natural instability of the dunes. During the migration periods, there are many bird species here, while the lagoon’s mollusks are not to be found anywhere else in Crete in this composition and quantity. You will have the chance to stay in this paradise for about 3 hours.

Due to the incredible natural beauty and preserved ecosystem, both Gramvousa and Balos are included in the European initiative NATURA 2000. The preservation of the island’s natural environment, beyond the moral dimensions, is imposed through a strict national and European institutional protection system.

Kreta.com - We work with professional managers, to ensure higher quality and reliability".
Kreta.com- We are the stuff of special memories and authentic emotions contact us: info@kreta.com Please bear in mind that this excursion is non-refundable. If you must cancel this tour you won´t get money back. You can book this tour till 48 hours before arrival ( subject to availability), payment with credit-card. After booking you´ll get an email-voucher from us with all information needed.
Pre-book your boat excursion to the offshore Island Chrissy. This boat-excursion is a perfekt bathing and snorkeling-event for families and nature lovers. The place of embarkation is Ierapetra at the south coast of Crete. How to get there: we offer a private-transfer from your hotel to the place of embarkation or hire car. It is worth booking a private transfer when you are with 4 pers. Please send us an email request for sending an offer including private transfer. For booking only the tour please use our booking form.
The offshore Island Chrissy is Wildlife Refuge. Due to its stunning natural beauty and important ecosystem, it has been included in the European initiative NATURA 2000.
The offshore island is situated approximately 9 nautical miles south of the city Ierapetra considered the golden paradise. The trip from the port of Ierapetra to the exotic Chrissi lasts about an hour.
The cruises depart daily from May to Octobe. Departures from 11.00 am, from the port of Ierapetra. The timetable may change according the season. This boat tour is without meals.
Island-Information:
It has an area of 4,743 square kilometers, and a maximum altitude of 27 meters. It’s an islet known for its exotic waters in all the shades of blue and green, the golden beaches -where it got its name from-, and the protected forest with the cedar trees, which are over 200 years old. Chrissi is a piece of paradise on earth, the southernmost natural park of Europe, and a gem in the Mediterranean.
With soft music playing in the background, sailing in the emerald waters of the Libyan Sea, accompanied by seagulls and dolphins.
The self-service bar of the ship shall remain open throughout the cruise, offering light meals, with salads, wine, soft drinks, coffee, ice creams, etc.
The cedar forest extends to the center of Chrissi, covering an area of 350,000 square meters, which is about 1/4th of the island, with an average of 14 trees per 1,000 square meters, and average age of trees 200-300 years. Those trees is a rare variety of Lebanon cedars, 1 meter tall, and with a diameter of up to 1 meter. The cedars have a root system that develops at a radius of at least double their height. Except from their large roots, they also develop a network of thinner ones that form a thick mesh that withholds the sand. The path through the forest and the dunes is simply magical.

Please bear in mind that this excursion is non-refundable. If you must cancel this tour you won´t get money back. You can book this tour till 48 hours before arrival ( subject to availability), payment with credit-card. After booking you´ll get an email-voucher from us with all information needed.

Important information! From May 17th, 2021, the excursion boats are not allowed to dock until further notice. The ships drive up to the beach and you have the opportunity to swim from the boat to the beach. The flora and fauna should recover when tourism development is slowed down.
If you're planning on travelling in Crete: Kreta.com the travel experts for Crete, we show you the Island on its best:
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Crete, South Crete: Ierapetra
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