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Ierapetra is the most southern town in Crete and one of the sunniest places in Europe. After Heraklion, Chania and Rethimnon it is the fourth largest town on Crete. Still this town is less touristy than the large towns that you find on the north part of the island of Crete. Even during the summer months you can still find a bit of Greek atmosphere and the local people aren't completely lost in between the crowds of tourists. Ierapetra is situated in a fertile area on the part where Crete is the most narrow. Here the national road goes north to Pachia Amos and then to Agios Nikolaos or Sitia, making a crossroad for the traffic. Closer to the center it gets more quiet with the traffic and on the boulevard that runs along the coast it is even prohibited to drive a car. Near Ierapetra is a water reservoir and that combined with the mild climate makes the surroundings of the town an important agricultural area.

Ierapetra is a modern city with mostly large concrete buildings. Only the center in the old city with its buildings from the Turkish time and the fishing port is still really authentic. Here are the narrow streets with nice small cosy traditional houses where you can walk around. At the harbour front there are many restaurants and kafenions where you can have a snack or a drink, look at the sea and the people that pass by, and enjoy the sunshine (or the shade!). Here the youth gathers in a couple of the trendy bars. In front of the town hall several artefacts from the antiquity have been put on display, including a sarcophagus and some antique columns. More objects can be seen at the Archaeological Museum of Ierapetra, which is opened every day except on Mondays.

At the end of the boulevard is the Venetian fortress of Kales and you come to a square with a clock tower and two churches on it. Amongst them is the pretty Afentis Christos church. It is the oldest church in the town and dates from the 14th century. Inside are well preserved old icons. In around 1970 the church was extended and its shape was altered. The Afentis Christos church has two aisles. There is a harbour with colourful fishing boats and you can book an excursion here to the island of Chrissie, which lies off the coast of Ierapetra. Here on this island you have a beautiful sandy beach.

On the east side of Ierapetra you find the long beach of the city which runs for kilometers. Here are the most hotels. In spite of the hotels the beach is not really busy and large parts of it are without sunbeds and umbrellas. On some places there are rocks in the sea.

Not too much is known about the history of Ierapetra, but it used to be a powerful town in the east of Crete during the Hellenistic period. It even made its own coins. After an earthquake in 1508 destroyed large parts of the town it was rebuilt by the Venetians. In 1647 Ierapetra was conquered by the Ottoman Turks. In June 1798 Napoleon stayed overnight in Ierapetra when he was on his way to Egypt and the house where he slept is proudly presented.

For hotels, apartments and studios in Ierapetra - click here.

Occupying a peaceful garden setting, the Irene Villas are located a short distance from the pretty town of Ierapetra, in south-eastern Crete. Irene Villas consists of 2 sets of luxury apartments, surrounded by acres of pretty gardens. The apartments are located just across the coast road from a beautiful 1.5km stretch of sandy beach. In total, there are 16 well-appointed and neatly decorated apartments on offer. Each of the units features a double or twin bedroom with bathroom, separate living and dining room and a kitchenette. A number of the apartments feature verandas with sea views. Located between the 2 villas and set amongst the gardens, guests will find a lovely outdoor swimming pool, a baby pool plus a separate spa pool. There is also a barbecue area with a traditional oven that can be used by guests. Irene Villas is located 1km away from Ierapetra Town, which offers a good selection of tavernas, restaurants, bars and shops.

Check availabilities and prices & book Irene Villa in Ierapetra - click here.