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Ierapetra
lies in the Far East of
 Crete's
south coast.
Counting some 12,000 inhabitants, it is before
Aghios Nicolaos
and
Sitia
the biggest town in the governmental district of Lassithi, and after Iraklion,
Hania
and
Rethymnon
the fourth biggest town of the island.
However, Ierapetra is also the sourthernmost town in Europe, and to the individual tourists' pleasure it gives home to Europe's southernmost LIDL market as well.
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During the Minoan age and in ancient times the town was named Hierapytna.
Later it was also called Kamiros or Pitna, until in the Venetian era the name Ierapetra became official.
West of Ierapetra, an endless areal of greenhouses from plastic foil spreads until short before Myrtos, covering a total of 13 million square meters.
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Above the coast there is an artificial reservoir which guarantees irrigation for this huge acreage.
The region of Ierapetra indeed provides big parts of Greece with fresh vegetable.
Kato Mera, the Old Town of Ierapetra, is of typical Mediterranean flair and has many small shops and workshops where hand-made souvenirs of many kind are on offer.
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The church of St. George is worth a visit, and so is the very well preserved Venetian fortress which watches over the entrance of the small fishing port and marina.
It's architecture is remarkably similar to the one at Frangokastello, but that one is much more dilapidated.
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Since some years there is a beautifully designed promenade by the port and along the coastal road which runs between the Old Town and the small beach.
Some of the restaurants along that road have roofed pergolas on the promenade, and during the season one can watch the waiters carrying full trays from the restaurants across the road to the pergolas (and empty trays back to the restaurants as well).
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Both inhabitants as newcomers say that Taverna Levante at no. 38, Stratigou Samouil Street (Phone 0030 28420 80585) is the most popular one here.
The Franghiadaki Family runs it since 1936 and serves fresh seafood as well as traditional Cretan specialties.
The web designer tried it, and he agrees.
At Levante, all ingredients are from the immediate surroundings of Ierapetra and one can taste how fresh everything is.
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Behind the pier which forms the eastern border of the beach there is another shore promenade which is newer and much longer.
It also has restaurants with roofed pergolas but those attach directly to the row of houses along the promenade, and the waiters do not need to cross a road.
Taverna Zorbas (Phone 0030 28420 28542) offers fresh fish and Italian cusisine, and rewards particular recommendation.
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Right next door there is the Cafe-Bar On the Rocks (Phone 0030 28420 27174) where they not only serve drinks, but all day long English breakfast as well.
Besides the beauty of nature, the area also provides the highest temperatures and the highest number of sunny days in Europe.
In eastward direction from the city there are many beautiful sandy beaches.
They spread on via Ferma and Makrighialos until the 41 kms distant village of Goudouras.
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About a one hour boat trip South of Ierapetra there is Chrisi island which is Europe's southernmost nature preserve.
White sands, colorful volcanic rocks, and a cedar forest make the island's tropical character.
During the season there is a regular boat connection from the port of Ierapetra to Chrisi.
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Text and photos by
Ingo H. Dietrich
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Recommend this site to a friend
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Recommendations:
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Filoxenia Villa: Holiday flats at Koutsounari near Ierapetra in Crete |
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| The apartment facility in the style of a Cretan manson lies in peaceful surroundings above the south coast of Crete. It includes 10 holiday flats with 1 or 2 separate bedrooms for up to 5 persons. Each apartment has a kitchenette with refrigerator, air conditioning, satellite TV set and balcony or terrace with views of the Thryptis Mountains and the Libyan Sea. |
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Villa Irene: Holiday flats at Livadia near Ierapetra in South Crete |
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| The comfortable apartment facility is east of the town center of Ierapetra on the south coast of Crete, in one of the hotel suburbs immediately on the beach road. The two buildings frame large gardens, a swimming pool and a pavillon with a barbecue facility and a traditional bake-oven. There is also a spa pool and a sauna. The studios, holiday flats, maisonnettes and suites have kitchenettes with refrigerators, air conditioning, satellite TV sets, balcony or terrace, mostly views of the Libyan Sea, and partly whirlpools, open fireplaces and central heating. |
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CretaNet: Collection of short portraits of Cretan cities and villages |
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| History, sights, useful links and many large scale landscape photos |
| Latest News |
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| Wed, 1st February, 2012: |
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CIC Lecture on Crete and Cyprus on February 22nd |
| Tue, 31st January, 2012: |
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Private apartment and studios above the south coast |
| Mon, 30th January, 2012: |
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FAR web site now with photo album |
| Sun, 29th January, 2012: |
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DEZ carnival party on February 19th |
| Thu, 19th January, 2012: |
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CIC Annual General Assembly on February 9th |
| Wed, 18th January, 2012: |
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Oriseum Café re-opens |
| Wed, 11th January, 2012: |
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Knossos Tutorial from February 1st to 4th |
| Wed, 4th January, 2012: |
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CIC Times January issue released |
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