Ierapetra has the distinction of being the southernmost town in Crete, located just 36 km south of Agios Nikolaos facing the African coast, Ierapetra enjoys the smoothest, almost rainless weather in Europe, with a temperature that rarely drops below 12o C all year long ! Ierapetra is built on the longest beach in Crete, offering an endless choice
of golden beaches with deep crystal blue sea, far away from industrial areas and ships passing by. All major beaches of Ierapetra from Mirtos to Makrisgialos are awarded with the European Committee's BLUE FLAG every year. Ierapetra is the ideal starting point for unlimited excursions to the picturesque mountain and seaside Ierapetra provinces. 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, 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. Ierapetra combines a brilliant past with a present of economic growth and extension. Ierapetra has the largest population in the prefecture of Lassithi.