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Ierapetra, the southernmost city of Greece, is nestled 35km southeast of Agios Nikolaos on Crete island. This city, located in one of the warmest regions of Crete, is a popular holiday destination, often frequented until late autumn. Ierapetra and its surrounding areas boast a vast beachfront, renowned for its stunning beaches adorned with unique fine black pebbles that do not stick to your feet, coupled with a typically calm sea.
In proximity to the town, there are three primary beaches for swimming. Starting from the west, the first is Limanakia, situated west of the city next to the old mosque. The beach features coarse sand, patches of a rocky seabed, and shallow waters, offering a peaceful atmosphere. Given its closeness to the city, all necessities are readily available. Limanakia also hosts a channel in the middle of the beach that leads to a small man-made salt lake.
A short stroll eastward will bring you to the Fort of Kales, which guards the harbour of Ierapetra. Adjacent to it is Apovathra Beach, a sandy beach with shallow waters. This beach is well-equipped with numerous facilities for water sports and scuba diving, making it the most organized beach in the town.
There are various activities you can do at Ierapetra beach such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and fishing.
Yes, Ierapetra beach is suitable for families with children as the water is shallow and calm.
Yes, there are several places where you can rent beach equipment such as umbrellas, sun loungers, and beach towels.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Ierapetra beach where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while enjoying the view.
Yes, there are several boat tours available from Ierapetra beach that will take you to nearby islands and beaches.
The best time to visit Ierapetra beach is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny.
The water colour of the Ierapetra beach is blue.
The Ierapetra beach has sand and fine pebbles.
The water depth of the Ierapetra beach is normal.
The sea surface at the Ierapetra beach is usually calm.
Yes, the Ierapetra beach is a crowded place.
The Ierapetra beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, lifeguard, showers, and a Blue Flag.
The Ierapetra beach can be accessed by bus services, paved road, and is handicap friendly.
No, there is no other information available about the Ierapetra beach.
Find below list of things to do near Ierapetra beach:
On our ATV-Quad tour from Ierapetra we go off-roading in the rugged landscapes of Crete’s southern coast. We start with a theoretical introduction and a small driving practise, before we start the adventure. Lonely tracks away from main traffic, in the midst of the most beautiful nature will take you to a beautiful landscape on the Cretan mountains. Splash through streams, wind along ancient gorges, and look for island wildlife from behind the wheel of a personal quad vehicle. Get a taste of Cretan history and culture during several stops along the way, including a traditional Greek brunch at Kalamafka Village. The off-road quad safari from Ierapetra explores hard-to-reach areas of Crete’s southern coast. A Great way to experience Cretan culture and nature off the beaten path.
This Land Rover excursion is the perfect way to explore the central part of Crete, visiting 2 different plateaus and learning about mythology as well as local life.
We head out in the Land Rover to the plateau of Katharo, passing through the largest forest on Crete. The roads here are basically non-existent and the mountains reach heights of 1,500 meters. You’ll have a refreshment stop at a kafenion (coffee shop) somewhere in the wilderness.
The tour continues on along dirt tracks, through valleys, and across rivers, and the journey starts to get exciting! At the next stop you’ll have the opportunity to take photos from a spectacular viewpoint above the Lassithi Plateau. You’ll then head to the plateau to enjoy your BBQ lunch, along with unlimited wine.
After lunch you’ll travel back in time as you visit the Eco Village, where you can see local crafts being made by traditional methods. The next stop will be Zeus’s cave where, according to mythology, the father of the gods was born. If you’d like to enter the cave there is a EUR 4 entrance fee that’s payable at the site.
Your driver/guide will take you on to Seli, where you can take photos of the unique scenery. You’ll continue on to the village of Krassi, noted for its 2,000-year-old plane tree and natural spring water source. As you make your way back you’ll pass through Selinari, an area where you’ll be on the lookout for vultures, now an endangered species.
Explore the “wild heart” of East Crete, undiscovered by tourism, where “time” seems to
stand still. A combination of tar and off roads, will guide you from Ierapetra to the mountains of Thripti . A highlight of the tour is the stop at the summit Afentis (850 m) with an unforgettable panoramic view on both seas (Libyan/Aegean). We continue to Kavousi, where you can admire the oldest olive tree in the world (3250 years). In Mochlos, you can enjoy the “greek cuisine” in a typical tavern. Our trip continues through the vine yards and olive fields, among small chapels, towards authentic villages with their simple lifestyle (Sfaka, Lastros-known as the “cat village”). To end this adventures day, refresh yourselves in the crystal clear water at the bay of Tholos.
An unforgettable day for nature lovers and adventurers
Find below the list of hotels near Ierapetra beach:
Offering sea views, SeaSideRooms is an accommodation set in Ierápetra, 800 metres from Agios Andreas Beach and 1.2 km from West Beach of Ierapetra. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony.
With free WiFi, this 1-bedroom apartment offers a flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a kitchenette with an oven and fridge. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
Livadi Beach is 2.2 km from the apartment, while Lake Voulismeni is 32 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 58 km from SeaSideRooms.
from
€67
/night
Situated in Ierápetra, 400 metres from West Beach of Ierapetra and less than 1 km from Agios Andreas Beach, Kyma Crete Beachfront offers air conditioning. This beachfront property offers access to a patio and free WiFi.
The apartment has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with sea views.
Livadi Beach is 2.3 km from the apartment, while Lake Voulismeni is 32 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 58 km from Kyma Crete Beachfront.
from
€144
/night
Armonía Small Luxury Apartments features air-conditioned guest accommodation in Ierápetra, less than 1 km from Agios Andreas Beach, a 12-minute walk from West Beach of Ierapetra and 2.3 km from Livadi Beach. Free WiFi is providedthroughout the property.
Each unit comes with a fully equipped kitchen with a dining table, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with shower, a hair dryer and free toiletries. A fridge and stovetop are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Lake Voulismeni is 32 km from the apartment, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 31 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 58 km from Armonía Small Luxury Apartments.
Ioannas Endless Blue Apartment is a beachfront property set in Ierápetra, 600 metres from Agios Andreas Beach and 1.3 km from West Beach of Ierapetra. It has mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment with a balcony and sea views features 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a fridge and a kitchenware, and 1 bathroom with an a bath or shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
A car rental service is available at the apartment.
Livadi Beach is 2 km from Ioannas Endless Blue Apartment, while Lake Voulismeni is 32 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 58 km from the accommodation.
from
€72
/night
Situated 70 km from Hersonissos and 36 km from Agios Nikolaos, Old town apartment offers accommodation in Ierápetra. Guests benefit from terrace. Free WiFi is offer throughout the property.
There is a dining area and a kitchen equipped with oven. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is available. There is a private bathroom with a bath or shower.
Malia is 60 km from Old town apartment, while Elounda is 45 km from the property. A number of activities are offered in the area, such as cycling and hiking. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 64 km from Old town apartment.
Situated in Ierápetra, less than 1 km from Agios Andreas Beach and a 11-minute walk from West Beach of Ierapetra, 4k GEM offers air conditioning. It has a terrace, quiet street views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with city views.
Livadi Beach is 2.4 km from the apartment, while Lake Voulismeni is 32 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 58 km from 4k GEM.
from
€88
/night
Find below list of beaches near Ierapetra beach:
The city of Ierapetra, in close proximity to the Agia Fotini church, boasts the longest beach which spans 4km eastwards and is known as the East Beach of Agios Andreas. The name is derived from the Saint Andrew church, constructed at the exit point of the Kotovianou river. Initially, you will encounter the municipal beach, well-structured and surrounded by numerous large hotels. However, as you venture further east, the beach becomes more private. Despite this, it’s not suitable for nudists due to the main road that connects the city with Makrigialos and Sitia along the coast. The beach near the city center is sandy, but as you advance east, the sand gives way to small, grey pebbles and rocks, particularly up to the Livadia area.
The easternmost point of the extensive Ierapetra beach is known as Livadia, and beyond that, is named Peristeras. This secluded region is enveloped by towering cliffs. The beach itself is sandy, interspersed with several smooth rocks. The farthest part of Agios Andreas can be accessed by walking down the road. In addition to this, there is another sandy beach hidden behind the rocky end of the expansive beach in Peristeras, which can be reached via the road. This area is significantly shielded from onlookers, however, it’s quite rocky.
Gra Ligia is a coastal village located a short 5km journey to the west of Ierapetra and a 39km trip south from Agios Nikolaos. Nestled at the mouth of a rich valley, the village is surrounded by greenhouses filled with early-ripening vegetables. The locals of Gra Ligia were pioneers in the use of greenhouse agriculture, a practice that has since spread throughout the Ierapetra region. The profusion of greenhouses has even earned the village the nickname of “Silicon Valley of Greece”. The Bramiana dam, situated 2km north of the village, plays a crucial role in the area’s agriculture, supplying water to all Ierapetra crops and forming one of Crete’s key wetlands.
Aside from farming, tourism also forms an essential part of the local economy. Gra Ligia, with its recent mild growth, is among the newest holiday destinations on Crete. This growth has been facilitated by the appealing long beach, fringed with coarse sand that extends from Ierapetra to the Stomio region. The beach is known for its tranquil waters and is well-equipped with amenities like umbrellas and showers, albeit not on a large scale. Tamarisk trees pepper the landscape, providing shade and greenery. The beach is a popular spot for locals who enjoy swimming and fishing from their boats docked in the local harbour.
The beach is also a venue for local events such as beach soccer tournaments. If you’re fortunate, you might even have a chance to partake in the unique “xentomatiasmata” or tomato war, a tradition revived and celebrated in early summer. Gra Ligia is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing holiday. In the evenings, visitors can unwind with a drink at local bars or take a short trip to Ierapetra. To reach Gra Ligia from Ierapetra, simply travel westward on the city road. Alternatively, there are bus services that pass through the village.
Just past the Peristeras suburb of Ierapetra begins the Katharades area, a chain of small beaches leading up to the popular coastline of the Koutsounari village. Known for its strong winds, it’s considered one of Crete’s windiest locations. The bays of this area are somewhat hidden, despite their proximity to the main road, leading to few visitors to the sequential bays. The area also goes by the name Paplinou, due to the nearby ancient Panagia Paplinou monastery.
The stunning landscape is shaped by numerous rock shelters and unique rock formations, a product of erosion on the conglomerate soil over time. There’s been a slight increase in development in recent years, mainly due to the construction of large hotels near the coast. Consequently, the main road between Ierapetra and Makrygialos boasts a few restaurants, mini markets, and accommodations.
The beach features coarse grey sand, and its seabed has large, smooth rocks interspersed with sandy areas. The surrounding area is dotted with tamarisk trees offering shade, and umbrellas are also available. The beach is well maintained by the nearby hotels and features a beach volleyball court, sunbeds, showers, and water sports facilities.
Koutsounari, a quaint seaside hamlet, lies 6km east of Ierapetra and 43km southeast of Agios Nikolaos. It nestles near the scenic village of Agios Ioannis, set against the backdrop of the Thripti Range. The village is perched on a verdant hill, surrounded by olive groves and pine trees, just a kilometer north of the South Cretan Sea coastline.
A kilometer to the south of Koutsounari is the expansive Long Beach of Agios Ioannis, stretching 5km, one of the longest in Crete. This broad, serene beach features the distinctive coarse grey sand typical of southern Crete. In many spots, tamarisk trees punctuate the landscape, and their length makes the beach appear deserted. The beach is somewhat organized in certain areas (near hotels) and is dotted with hotels, restaurants, mini markets, and a camping site.
If you venture eastward along the beach, you’ll encounter fewer swimmers. On the eastern end of Long Beach, a bay known as Psaropoula (named after an old local tavern) is shaped. Psaropoula features soft sand and tranquil waters, situated in front of a hotel, it is well-equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, and water sports. The sea here is typically calm, and the rocky seabed makes it a suitable spot for snorkelling.
Beyond Psaropoula lies another small cove boasting a well-appointed beach with umbrellas, showers, and water sports. This beach, located in front of the Kakkos Bay hotel, is called Villa Despot, translating to “Priest’s Villa” in Greek, named after a priest-owned building nestled between the two beaches. The beach is flanked by large rocks that provide a perfect spot for diving into the sea.
Visiting Long Beach in autumn offers a sight of the rare white sand lilies, signaling the summer’s end. These lilies are protected, so visitors are encouraged to appreciate their beauty from a distance without touching or picking them.
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