Ierapetra

About

Ierapetra, literally “The Sacred Stone”, has been the most important town in southern Crete since the days of the Minoans. Today, it’s a mecca for sun worshippers, who flock here to enjoy the sunniest and warmest weather in all of Crete. The QualityCoast Awards named Ierapetra one of the top destinations in all of Europe for its pristine beaches, beautiful blue waters, and rich cultural heritage. If you need a break from the beach, start at the 14th-century Fortress of Kales, and then stroll along the waterfront promenade, enjoying the view as you make your way to the small archaeological museum, which is housed in a school built for the town’s Turkish children after Crete was liberated from Ottoman rule in 1899. Or, step back from the waterfront and explore the old town, which is dotted with historic churches, an Ottoman mosque, and hidden in an alley, the humble home where Napoleon allegedly stayed on his way to Egypt. Many visitors linger even longer in Ierapetra to make day trips to the protected white sand beaches of Chrysi Island.