Ierapetra Harbor
Ierapetra Harbor is the port of Ierapetra, the southernmost town in Europe, on the Libyan Sea coast of eastern Crete. Guarded by the Venetian Kales fortress, it is a working fishing harbour and the main departure point for boat trips to the uninhabited island of Chrissi, one of eastern Crete's most celebrated day-trip destinations.
The Southernmost Port in Europe
Ierapetra stands on the south coast of the Lasithi region, facing the Libyan Sea, which gives the town a warm climate and a long swimming season. The harbour lies at the edge of the old town, sheltered by a breakwater and overlooked by the Kales fortress. It remains a genuine fishing port, with caiques unloading their catch beside the excursion boats that carry visitors to Chrissi Island.
What You'll Find
Boat Trips to Chrissi Island
The harbour is the departure point for daily boat trips to Chrissi (also called Gaidouronisi), a protected uninhabited island about 8 nautical miles offshore. The crossing takes around 40 to 60 minutes and leads to shallow turquoise water, white-sand beaches, and a rare natural forest of Lebanon cedars.
The Kales Fortress
The Venetian Kales fortress guards the entrance to the harbour. Built to protect the port and later used by the Ottomans, it is open to visitors and marks the historic heart of Ierapetra's seafront.
A Working Fishing Harbour
Away from the excursion boats, Ierapetra keeps the feel of a Cretan fishing town, with fishing boats along the quay and waterfront tavernas serving the day's catch. The old town's narrow lanes run back from the harbour toward the beach.
Nearby Destinations
Chrissi Island
Chrissi is the region's headline excursion — a flat, sandy island protected for its cedar forest and clear shallows, reached only by boat from Ierapetra. Visitors come to swim, walk the marked paths, and see one of the cleanest seas in Crete.
Myrtos
The peaceful seaside village of Myrtos lies about 15 kilometres west of Ierapetra, known for its relaxed atmosphere, pebble beach, and nearby Minoan sites.
Makrygialos
East along the coast, the resort of Makrygialos, around 24 kilometres away, offers sandy beaches and its own small harbour with boat rentals.
Ierapetra Harbor combines the character of Europe's southernmost fishing port with easy access to Chrissi Island, making it the natural base for exploring the Libyan Sea coast of eastern Crete.
