Ierapetra has the distinction of being the southernmost town 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 has an important harbour whose history goes back 35 centuries, Ierapetra is a delightful combination of past and present. Modern shops, banks, a colourful covered market, a little town square with a statue (by Memos Makris) of a seated girl reading, music at midday in the seafront cafιs, traffic-free quay sides and the clean and clear deep blue-green sea. Ierapetra is the 4th largest city in Crete, enjoying substantial income from its green houses and banana crop. This area is suitable for holidays all year with its mild and dry climate. It is said that you can swim in the sea all year around and there are lots of possibilities for tours, mountain walks and high in the mountains you find Crete's largest forest.