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Europe towards the sun...
Having 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 12oC all year long!
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Surprising Ierapetra...
Take a leisurely walk in the vivid center of the town along the
coast, or into the quiet picturesque narrow streets of Kato Mera, the old
town of Ierapetra.
Pick a handmade gift from any colorful market stall and enjoy the
exciting sounds of the busy Cretan life... |
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No doubt, Ierapetra ‘the bride of the
Libyan sea” is the sunniest holiday resort in Europe...
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The character and charm of the old warm neighborhood has been retained,
whilst it has been given new life as a shopping and eating experience for
the visitor.
A tempting variety of shops, open-air cafes, bars, restaurants and
traditional taverns, makes Ierapetra the ideal place to relax, enjoying
shopping, eating, drinking or simply wondering around! |
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The awarded beaches of Ierapetra...
Ierapetra is built on the longest beach in Crete, offering an
endless choice
of golden beaches with deep crystal blue waters,
far away from industrial areas and ships passing by !
All major beaches of Ierapetra from Myrtos to Makris Ghialos,
are awarded with the European Committee’s BLUE FLAGS each single
year!
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In Ierapetra everyone may discover and
enjoy his own ‘private’ beach...
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‘Chrissi’ island (or ‘Gaidouronissi’)
A small picturesque uninhabited island of cedar forest with an old
chapel of St. Nicholas, tempting golden beaches and the Municipal cantina
awaits your long lazy hours of swimming and sunbathing, just 8 miles off
the port of Ierapetra (with frequent everyday boat shedules). |
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Ieraperta is the ideal holiday resort
for those who love the sea, the sun,
the music and the traditional Cretan cuisine...
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Excursions...
Ierapetra is the ideal starting point for unlimited excursions
to the picturesque mountain and seaside Ierapetra provinces. From the Selakano
forest in Males to the sea shore, from the western villages of Myrtos and
Gra Lygia , to the eastern Koutsounari, Ferma and Makris Gialos, you may
enjoy discovering the villages of Anatoli, Kalamafka, Riza, Mournies, Gdochia,
Mythi, Messeleri, Makrylia, Ai-Ghianni, Orino, Schinokapsala (Vainia),
Kendri, Sravro, Ano Chorio and Kato Chorio, Episkopi, Pachia Ammos, Kavoussi,
all built within olive groves and almond trees plenty of water and lush
vegetation. There, you will experience a unique people’s expression
of the famous Cretan hospitality !
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Festivals and special events...
Every summer ‘Kyrvia’ a program of varied cultural activities, covers
singing and dancing nights by local folk and popular groups, special concerts
by famous artists, film projections, theatre performances and many exhibitions
of Cretan handicrafts. The ‘Kyvria’ festival always ends with an extraordinary
feast with everybody singing and dancing in the streets of the old town
! Traditional festivities also take place in various villages of the area,
all year round, with lots of ‘raki’ and local food specialties! |
...Enjoy the food !
Ierapetra is also famous for its local, delicious cuisine, which
is based on olive oil and the luscious variety of its agricultural goods.
Try some of the unique local specialities, like ‘vrasti gida’, ‘staka’,
‘mizithropites’, ‘dolmadakia’, ‘kolokithokorfades’ as well as some of the
very fresh fish of the Libyan sea, cooked in various ways, in almost every
traditional tavern of the area. |
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35 Centuries of History and Civilization.
Growing from the early years of the ancient Cretan civilization,
this gifted and strategic corner of Europe, right in the middle of the
Eastern Mediterranean Sea has been always a strong point of interest and
activity.
Flourishing under the influence of Ancient Minoan and Greek
civilizations and later under the occupation of the Romans, the Byzantines,
the Arabs, the Saracens, the Venetians and the Turks, who conquered each
other inhabiting Crete through the centuries, Ierapetra has always remained
one of the most powerful trading centers, as the ‘southernmost gate of
Europe’!
Today, the area of Ierapetra is one of the most productive provinces
of Greece and one of Europe’s main sources of early fresh fruits, vegetables
and olive oil!
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Ierapetra. ‘The crossroad of civilizations’...
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The Medieval ‘Tzami’...
A typical old mosque of the early Islamic years, together with
its muslim
fountain ‘Krini’, have been beautifully preserved up to now.
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Napoleon in Ierapetra...
In July 1798 when Napoleon’s fleet dropped anchor off Ierapetra
on its way to Egypt, he was offered hospitality by an Ierapetran family.
The remaining of the old Cretan house in Kato Mera, still holds the pride
of his historic visit ! |
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The ‘Kales’ Medieval Fortress.
The spirit of the Saracen Pirates leaves on...
Built at the edge of the mole of the ancient harbour, on the
side of ‘Serakina’ it is reputed to have been built by the Genoese pirate
Pescatore in 1212 and since then it has been strongly tied with Ierapetra’s
history. Now, it has been carefully restored and remains open to the public
all year long.
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