Travel Guide Ierapetra

14 km from the north coast and about 30 km from Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra has long been considered the garden of Crete. A multitude of plastic-coated greenhouses(thermokipos, literally "hot garden") has been intruding into the landscape since the 1960s. The Cretans owe this bright idea of producing vegetables and fruits (tomatoes, cucumbers, bananas, melons, courgettes...) in winter to supply the western markets to a Dutchman who chose Ierapetra because of the mild winter climate (20°C average annual temperature) to carry out his experiments. From the success of this attempt was born a powerful agricultural lobby which for a long time blocked any tourist development, even closing the tourist office at the end of the 1980s and never reopening it. Today, things are a little different. At the moment, the city is not very attractive: it still seems a bit deserted and lacks charm. However, the promenade along the seafront with its shops and restaurants, which is a popular summer destination for Greek holidaymakers, gives the city a certain summer buzz. Near the old Venetian fort, however, the old town with its narrow, stone-paved streets is of particular interest. One can also enjoy its two blue flag beaches, or take the ferry to the island of Chrissi, known for its white sandy beaches. During the summer, Ierapetra le Kyrvia holds a festival with various cultural and musical events, film screenings, theatre plays and sales and demonstrations of handicrafts. All of this ends at nightfall in the narrow streets of the old town with many raki. Traditional festivals are also held in the surrounding villages at this time.