Guidebook for Ierapetra
Arts & Culture
An Ottoman-era school building shelters three rooms of dug-up treasures from regional archaeological sites.
The collection includes pottery from the Prehistoric era to the Roman period, as well as numerous sculptures found in Ierapetra, dating mainly from the Roman years. Pottery of the Minoan, the Classical and the Roman civilization can also be seen.
A collection of larnakes (decorated clay coffins) of the Minoan years, the decoration on which depicts the care given to the burial of the dead is considered as unique. The sculpture collection of Ierapetra should not be missed. Roman copies of Classical works of art give us insight into the lost originals.
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Archaeological Collection
ke Dimokratias An Ottoman-era school building shelters three rooms of dug-up treasures from regional archaeological sites.
The collection includes pottery from the Prehistoric era to the Roman period, as well as numerous sculptures found in Ierapetra, dating mainly from the Roman years. Pottery of the Minoan, the Classical and the Roman civilization can also be seen.
A collection of larnakes (decorated clay coffins) of the Minoan years, the decoration on which depicts the care given to the burial of the dead is considered as unique. The sculpture collection of Ierapetra should not be missed. Roman copies of Classical works of art give us insight into the lost originals.
The village of Myrtos has a small museum in the centre of the village. The Archaeological and Folklore Collection has been open to the public since 2001.
There, one can see Early Minoan exhibits from the excavation at Fournou Koryfi, and the Minoan villa discovered at the hill of Pyrgos. Many items of the collection date from the Roman-period Myrtos.
The most remarkable group of artifacts is a collection of coins dating from the 3rd century until 1968. There is also a room dedicated to the history of the village, mainly of the World War II years, which includes weapons military equipment.
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Museum
The village of Myrtos has a small museum in the centre of the village. The Archaeological and Folklore Collection has been open to the public since 2001.
There, one can see Early Minoan exhibits from the excavation at Fournou Koryfi, and the Minoan villa discovered at the hill of Pyrgos. Many items of the collection date from the Roman-period Myrtos.
The most remarkable group of artifacts is a collection of coins dating from the 3rd century until 1968. There is also a room dedicated to the history of the village, mainly of the World War II years, which includes weapons military equipment.
Getting Around
bus Ierapetra
γωνία ΠαπαριγοπούλουDriveNow
Entertainment & Activities
Municipal tennis courts and small football stadium. Ask for hours open to the public, since they change seasonally.
Misedakeio Stadium
Municipal tennis courts and small football stadium. Ask for hours open to the public, since they change seasonally.
Parks & Nature
Chrissi island is 8 miles south of Ierapetra. It has amazing golden beaches with warm tropical waters and a unique cedar 200 year old forest. You can also look for the minoan ruins, the roman cemetery and the chapel of St.Nikolas which dates to the 13th century. Due to the shallow waters around Chrissi, snorkelling and diving are popular. Be sure to bring a hat, shoes for walking, sunscreen and plenty of water. Chrissi is a unique, sensitive ecosystem, protected as an "area of intense natural beauty", so camping, lighting fire and littering is strictly forbidden. Between middle of May and late October, excursion boats from Ierapetra leave the quay every morning and return in the afternoon
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Chrysi
Chrissi island is 8 miles south of Ierapetra. It has amazing golden beaches with warm tropical waters and a unique cedar 200 year old forest. You can also look for the minoan ruins, the roman cemetery and the chapel of St.Nikolas which dates to the 13th century. Due to the shallow waters around Chrissi, snorkelling and diving are popular. Be sure to bring a hat, shoes for walking, sunscreen and plenty of water. Chrissi is a unique, sensitive ecosystem, protected as an "area of intense natural beauty", so camping, lighting fire and littering is strictly forbidden. Between middle of May and late October, excursion boats from Ierapetra leave the quay every morning and return in the afternoon
A forested valley and a hamlet in the northwestern territories of Ierapetra. In the forest Pinus brutia is a prevalent drought-tolerant species that can withstand six-month droughts and grow in various rocks and soils. There are also kermes oaks , planes, Cretan maples, cypresses and several other plant species. In the basin, where the settlements of Selakano and Mathokastana are located, there are many walnut and pear trees, vineyards and, patches of fields where vegetables are cultivated. The forest is the nesting and hunting ground of many predatory birds. It is the most productive apiculture spot in Crete. You can eat great local dishes at the tavern of "Pezoulia".
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Selakano
A forested valley and a hamlet in the northwestern territories of Ierapetra. In the forest Pinus brutia is a prevalent drought-tolerant species that can withstand six-month droughts and grow in various rocks and soils. There are also kermes oaks , planes, Cretan maples, cypresses and several other plant species. In the basin, where the settlements of Selakano and Mathokastana are located, there are many walnut and pear trees, vineyards and, patches of fields where vegetables are cultivated. The forest is the nesting and hunting ground of many predatory birds. It is the most productive apiculture spot in Crete. You can eat great local dishes at the tavern of "Pezoulia".
One of the wildest and most impressive gorges in Greece, Ha is a rare morphological phenomenon of nature, probably caused by tectonic earthquake. Being practically inaccessible to people, the gorge maintains a rich and diverse flora and fauna. Its depth is about 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) and the fissure is said to be one of the largest in the world. Late Minoan sites are in the area. You should not skip a visit to the nearby villages of Thrypti and Monastiraki, for great traditional food and local raki.
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Ha Gorge
One of the wildest and most impressive gorges in Greece, Ha is a rare morphological phenomenon of nature, probably caused by tectonic earthquake. Being practically inaccessible to people, the gorge maintains a rich and diverse flora and fauna. Its depth is about 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) and the fissure is said to be one of the largest in the world. Late Minoan sites are in the area. You should not skip a visit to the nearby villages of Thrypti and Monastiraki, for great traditional food and local raki.
Sarakina is located a few meters outside and on the northern side from Mythoi village and in a small distance from the beach village Myrtos. Its name comes from Saracen conquerors. It is considered as one of the most beautiful walking gorges of Crete. Its length is only one kilometer long but in this small route each visitor can see a sculpture created by the water in millions of years that corrodes the rock in its path. According to Greek Mythology, giant Sarantapihos who was son of Zeus, was thirsty and crouched in order to drink water from river Krygios or Myrtos. His long beard ripped the mount rock in half and that’s how Saracen gorge was created
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Sarakinas Gorge
Sarakina is located a few meters outside and on the northern side from Mythoi village and in a small distance from the beach village Myrtos. Its name comes from Saracen conquerors. It is considered as one of the most beautiful walking gorges of Crete. Its length is only one kilometer long but in this small route each visitor can see a sculpture created by the water in millions of years that corrodes the rock in its path. According to Greek Mythology, giant Sarantapihos who was son of Zeus, was thirsty and crouched in order to drink water from river Krygios or Myrtos. His long beard ripped the mount rock in half and that’s how Saracen gorge was created
Richti Gorge
The artificial Lake Bramiana was created in 1986 to gather water from several springs and rivers around for the needs of extensive greenhouse farming in the area. It has become an important wetland and a stopping point for migratory birds.
Today, it attracts the largest populations of waterfowl in Crete. According to Natural History Museum of Crete, over 218 different bird species have been recorded in the region (2010), a very large number for such a young lake. All these reasons have contributed to the characterization of Bramiana as a national park. It is ideal for hiking, cycling and of course bird watching...
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Bramianos Reservoir
The artificial Lake Bramiana was created in 1986 to gather water from several springs and rivers around for the needs of extensive greenhouse farming in the area. It has become an important wetland and a stopping point for migratory birds.
Today, it attracts the largest populations of waterfowl in Crete. According to Natural History Museum of Crete, over 218 different bird species have been recorded in the region (2010), a very large number for such a young lake. All these reasons have contributed to the characterization of Bramiana as a national park. It is ideal for hiking, cycling and of course bird watching...
Koutsounari Long Beach
Sightseeing
The Fortress of Kales Ierapetra is located at the entrance of the city port and it is the only surviving fort in the south urban center in the south coast of Crete.
Dating back to the early Venetian 13th-15th century and belongs to the type of rectangular fortifications. During the Turkish occupation, the fortress held extensive repairs, that amended the outside and inside. Today is an archaeological site.
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Kalés Fort
10 Str. Samouil The Fortress of Kales Ierapetra is located at the entrance of the city port and it is the only surviving fort in the south urban center in the south coast of Crete.
Dating back to the early Venetian 13th-15th century and belongs to the type of rectangular fortifications. During the Turkish occupation, the fortress held extensive repairs, that amended the outside and inside. Today is an archaeological site.
The legendary olive tree in Azorias is located 1km south of the village Kavousi, close to the archaeological site of Azorias. This olive tree is a natural monument; it is the oldest olive tree in the world! Indeed, it is grafted on a rootstock of a wild olive tree, making it the oldest sample of grafting in the world. The olive tree has been declared a natural monument because of the large size of its trunk and because of its location near three ancient settlements. The maximum diameter of the trunk is 4,9 m and the circumference is 14,20 m. Based on the method of annual rings, it is estimated that the tree was planted in the period 1350-1100BC!
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Mnimiakí Eliá Azoriá
Αζοριᾶς The legendary olive tree in Azorias is located 1km south of the village Kavousi, close to the archaeological site of Azorias. This olive tree is a natural monument; it is the oldest olive tree in the world! Indeed, it is grafted on a rootstock of a wild olive tree, making it the oldest sample of grafting in the world. The olive tree has been declared a natural monument because of the large size of its trunk and because of its location near three ancient settlements. The maximum diameter of the trunk is 4,9 m and the circumference is 14,20 m. Based on the method of annual rings, it is estimated that the tree was planted in the period 1350-1100BC!
The square is named after the mosque (Tzami), which was built in the old city (Kato Mera) at the end of the 19th century, when the Turks conquered Ierapetra and modified the church of Agios Ioannis for their religious purposes. It is held to date in a pretty good condition. It is spacious and has a Muslim inscription from the Koran on the marble lintel of the entrance. Its minaret was repaired around 1953 and dominates the district. Opposite the mosque there is an Muslim fountain, which has also been restored. There is a nice pizza restaurant at the square and plenty of room for kids to play.
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Platia Tzami
The square is named after the mosque (Tzami), which was built in the old city (Kato Mera) at the end of the 19th century, when the Turks conquered Ierapetra and modified the church of Agios Ioannis for their religious purposes. It is held to date in a pretty good condition. It is spacious and has a Muslim inscription from the Koran on the marble lintel of the entrance. Its minaret was repaired around 1953 and dominates the district. Opposite the mosque there is an Muslim fountain, which has also been restored. There is a nice pizza restaurant at the square and plenty of room for kids to play.
Gournia is the site of a Minoan palace complex, probably the most typical excavated example of a medium settlement size of the Minoan edge region (1700-1540 BC). It is located on a hill west of Pachia Ammos, near the road connecting Agios Nikolaos to Ierapetra.
The palace – local lord’s home – is in the top of the hill. It was its center and most probably the settlement’s market. A series of steps in the southern side was its “theatre”, used for religious ceremonies.
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Gournia Minoan Town
Gournia is the site of a Minoan palace complex, probably the most typical excavated example of a medium settlement size of the Minoan edge region (1700-1540 BC). It is located on a hill west of Pachia Ammos, near the road connecting Agios Nikolaos to Ierapetra.
The palace – local lord’s home – is in the top of the hill. It was its center and most probably the settlement’s market. A series of steps in the southern side was its “theatre”, used for religious ceremonies.
Food Scene
Tartoúfo
46 Dimokratias1/3 Cafè coffee laboratory
31Α KiprouBeach bar and coffee house, ideal to enjoy breakfast, snack, meal or drinks by the sea. sunbathing or between swims.
There is an indoor playground with a small extra charge, for the kids to play under supervision while you relax...
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Waikiki Cafe-Beach Bar
2 Georgiou Tzardi Beach bar and coffee house, ideal to enjoy breakfast, snack, meal or drinks by the sea. sunbathing or between swims.
There is an indoor playground with a small extra charge, for the kids to play under supervision while you relax...
Ladokola
One of the best places for souvlaki in Ierapetra on the pedestrian seaside road.
Stunning view of Ierapetra's bay and of the Castle (Kales) right next to the restaurant. Ideal for fish and sea food, also vegan and vegetarian options! Try the amaranth greens, grilled oysters, mushrooms and balsamic vegetables. Often, especially on summer nights a pair of large sea turtles (caretta-caretta) visit the bay, looking for snacks...
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Βίρα Πότζι
82 Str. SamouilStunning view of Ierapetra's bay and of the Castle (Kales) right next to the restaurant. Ideal for fish and sea food, also vegan and vegetarian options! Try the amaranth greens, grilled oysters, mushrooms and balsamic vegetables. Often, especially on summer nights a pair of large sea turtles (caretta-caretta) visit the bay, looking for snacks...
Delicious and various appetizers, served with raki and ouzo right by the sea. Authentic, with excellent quality/price ratio, has mainly fishermen and local youth as regular customers.
FISEKAS OUZERI
44 stratuel SamuelDelicious and various appetizers, served with raki and ouzo right by the sea. Authentic, with excellent quality/price ratio, has mainly fishermen and local youth as regular customers.
Traditional tastes with a twist, generous portions and amazing view in the picturesque village of Monastiraki near the Ha gorge.
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Kapilión
Traditional tastes with a twist, generous portions and amazing view in the picturesque village of Monastiraki near the Ha gorge.
Rakadiko (raki coffee shop) 5 minutes from the apartment, on the peripheral road (Kyprou). Traditional flavors, grilled meats, quick & friendly staff.
Rakosyllektes
87 KiprouRakadiko (raki coffee shop) 5 minutes from the apartment, on the peripheral road (Kyprou). Traditional flavors, grilled meats, quick & friendly staff.
Essentials
Fresh vegetables and groceries and almost anything you might need while on holidays. You can order by phone- 2842304903- what you need - with no minimum delivery. Usually open on Sundays.
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Super Markets Chaniotaki
60 Kiprou Fresh vegetables and groceries and almost anything you might need while on holidays. You can order by phone- 2842304903- what you need - with no minimum delivery. Usually open on Sundays.
FARMAKEIO MARIA DERMITZAKI & CO O.E.
11 DimokratiasHospital Ierapetra
6 Kalimeraki