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The best Polish website dedicated to the Greek island Crete and to a small extent of continental Greece. You will find useful information related to visiting Crete that goes beyond the offer of optional tours. On the website you will also find descriptions of the most interesting places that we visited by visiting this largest Greek island. The content complements the current news, photographs and recipes of Greek cuisine.
Ierapetra (Ιεράπετρα) is the fourth largest city of Crete and also the largest town located in the Lassithi prefecture. It is located on the south-eastern coast of the island, in the place of its characteristic narrowing. The name of the largest city in this part of Crete is by no means synonymous with some astronomical number of people living permanently in Ierapetra. In 2011, it was only about 16 thousand inhabitants. Low buildings, however, cause that the city is quite extensive and occupies a relatively large coastal area. In the very center, the dense buildings are separated by small narrow streets typical of other cities of Crete.
city history
The city, like many others in Crete, can boast of a very long history dating back to antiquity. The first people inhabiting this area were probably Minoans.
Later, the town was originally called Kryba. It comes from a mythical founder who according to legends came to Crete from Rhodes. Later, the name was changed to Kamiros, Pytyna and ultimately to Hierapytyna, which can be translated as the Holy Hill. During this period it was the strongest urban center in the east of Crete. The dominant position in the region made Hierapetrine many times have to resist other neighboring independent cities like Malia, Viannos or Praisos.
Strategic location on the southern coast of Crete meant that the city did not escape the attention of the Romans. Despite the resistance of Hierapetrine residents, she could not resist such a powerful opponent, and from 66 BC on the fate of the city began to decide the new rulers of Crete. During this period Hierapetrina, after rebuilding the war damage, is experiencing its next flourishing. In the city there are many impressive buildings such as baths, theaters and aqueducts.
With the strengthening of Christianity, the importance of the city is not diminishing. To a large extent, this was due to the strategic location and the fact that Ierapetra is on the line of routes leading to the east. Unfortunately, in this period the city is often visited not only by merchants. Equally high interest arises among Arab pirates, who often plunder them.
Since the thirteenth century, when Venetians gain control of Crete, the city is known for its current name Ierapetra, which literally means Holy Stone. Already in the initial period new rulers decide that in order to protect the port, a fortress called later Kales will be built. Although the local myth reports that its current shape corresponds to the Pescatore genoa pirate, in reality these fortifications are the work of Francesco Morosini. In 1626 he directed works aimed at strengthening this building.
During the Ottoman rule, the importance of Ierapera decreases. A mosque is built in the city, which, together with the minaret, has survived to this day. At the end of Turkish rule in 1899, the Ottoman school called Mehtopi was built on the town hall square.
Inhabitants of Ierapetra also participate in all the liberation breaks, including those that took place at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and led to the liberation of the island from the Ottoman yoke. In 1905, the Kales fortress waved the Greek flag, which is proof of the unity of Crete and continental Greece.
In our opinion
Ierapetra is one of the least spectacular larger cities of Crete. Despite its long history, it can not boast of too many monuments or attractions. The strict city center has a very modern character devoid of tourist coloring. While strolling through the narrow streets of this city, you will most likely become part of the everyday hustle and bustle. The tourist climate typical of other cities of Crete can be felt only here on the coast and in the area of the city beach.
If you do not care about the attractions directed directly to tourists, it is the nature of Ierapetra that can bring a lot of advantages. Even on the main streets of the city, you will find stores without any problem, whose offer is addressed mainly to local residents. Buying a rich selection of excellent Cretan cheeses or fresh vegetables is not a problem.
Ierapetra is also a place that is quitewell communicated. Buses leave from the main KTEL station, allowing free communication in the eastern part of Crete. Good connections both to Agios Nikolaos, Sitia or Makrygialos give the opportunity for unrestricted and relatively cheap tour of these areas. Being here, it is also worth taking an interest in the possibility of a day-long trip to the Chrissi island, which is carried out directly from the port of Ierapetra.
When strolling around the city during the holidays, it is worth remembering that Ierapetra is extremely "hot" in the literal sense of the word. According to various statistics, the number of sunny days is one of the highest in Europe. Similarly, as well as the average annual temperature, which is around 20'C. Next to the island of Karpathos, it places Ierapetra at the top of the warmest cities in Greece and at the same time Europe.
In July and August there are long periods during which temperatures in Ierapetra can exceed 30'C. If you plan to visit this city, it is worth remembering the head covering, the appropriate cream with the filter, and also systematically irrigate the body.
Attractions in Ierapetra
Below you will find a list of some of the best known places to see in Ierapetra.
Archeological museum
The Archaeological Museum located in this town is a small institution, which in comparison to other places of this type in Crete is difficult to consider attractive. Watching a relatively small number of exhibits, which are presented in an unattractive way, happily does not require exposing a large amount of money. The cost of a ticket for an adult is only 2 euros. It is also worth noting that the museum prohibits photography and video recording. If you are not an archeology freak you can definitely let go of this place. We strongly recommend you visit the Archaeological Museum in nearby Sitia.
At the moment, the museum is located in the building of the former Ottoman school - Mehtepi. This building was completed in 1899, ie during the dusk of Turkish rule in Crete. It is located in the center of Ierapetra at Kanoupaki square, which is the junction of the main streets such as Dimokratis, Antistaseos and Kothri.
Napoleon Bonaparte's house
One of the attractions described by all the guides is the house where Napoleon Bonaparte stayed for a very short time, and precisely for just one night. According to not fully confirmed and unreliable stories, it was to take place in the summer of 1798 on the way to Egypt. According to legend, Napoleon Bonaparte stayed in a house belonging to the Perouliou family, as an anonymous guest who had not been recognized by anyone. After his departure, the owners of the house found a card on which there was a handwritten inscription: " If you want to know who your visitor was, then know that I am Napoleon Bonaparte ."
Despite the fact that many historians question this event, it is worth appreciating that the legend built around this building allowed to save its original appearance. Thanks to this, today you can see how in the old days there was a typical urban building in Ierapetra.
Napoleon's house is a single small building with the number 9, which is located in the Kato Mera neighborhood near the port. It consists of only two low storeys. A simple facade, modest stone ornaments around the shutters and doors create a very harsh climate. Unfortunately, at the moment there is no possibility of visiting the interior of this house.
Mosque
The mosque built during the Ottoman rule is one of the most significant monuments in this city. Unfortunately, this is another building whose interior is not shared with visitors. Next to a modest building in good condition, there is a minaret and a fountain. It is also one of the most beautiful fragments of Ierapetra.
Fortress Kales
Next to the mosque is one of the most characteristic buildings in this city. Unfortunately, looking through the prism of other such built fortificationsin Crete, Kales does not make such a big impression because of its small size. Visiting this place is limited only to bypassing the remains of military buildings. It is worth entering the top of the walls, from which there is a nice panorama on the port below. Although admission is completely free, it is worth bearing in mind that Kales is open to visitors only at scheduled times.
How to get
Getting to Ierapetra is quite easy. There is a convenient road leading here, which just after the town of Pachia Amos departs from the New National Road. Traveling a dozen or so kilometers of the narrowest part of Crete, this road goes to the edges of the Ierapetra. If you would like to take a KTEL bus here, this is not the slightest problem. Direct connections are available from both Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion and Sitia, located at the eastern end of the northern coast.
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Interesting places on Crete
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W 2002 roku Falasarna zdobyła tytuł najlepszej plaży w Grecji. Wyróżnienie to nie jest bynajmniej przypadkowe, gdyż miejsce to jak na standardy Krety jest naprawdę unikalne.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Aptera is a city whose history dates back to at least a thousand years before our era. In the peak period, about 20,000 lived in it. people, of which only 1/5 were free people.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
Located 47 km from the city of Chania, it is the only freshwater lake in Crete. Its area is about 580 thousand. sqm. and the maximum depth is about 45 meters
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
The steel crossing, which in the central part is separated from the ground by nearly 150 m, is at the leading position of the places where the longest bungee jumps are made.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
The cave is less than 1 km from Moni Gouvernetou Monastery. You will reach it using the pedestrian trail that has been marked out along the slope of the Avlaki Gorge.
Balos is one of Crete's flagship beaches if not all of Greece. We can assure you that the landscapes you see during your trip to Balos will remain with you for a very long time.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
On the north-western coast of Crete, at the foot of the Gramovous peninsula, there are ruins of the ancient port of Korikos, later known as Falassarna.
Polyrinia was one of the most important city-states of western Crete during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It was built amphitheater on a steep hill, rising to a height of 481 meters above sea level
The island of Gramvousa, or in fact Imeri Gramvousa (Ήμερη Γραμβούσα), is an inseparable point of a trip that combines a stay in the Balos Lagoon with visiting the remains of a fortress located on the top of the island of Imeri Gramovousa.
There is a beach in Crete that literally makes some people shiver. This place is Seitan Limania which can be translated as Satan's Ports or Cursed Ports.
Dozens of craft workshops located in this small mountain village make Margarites one of the four main centers where traditional Cretan ceramics are made.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
Rethymnon with around 40,000 inhabitants are the third largest city of Crete. This place was populated already in the Minoan period. Historically, the city was an important commercial center.
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
According to Greek mythology, Zeus hid (and perhaps even gave birth) in the Ida cave. This myth is the greatest asset of this cave, which is not as interesting and beautiful as the Dikte cave.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Plakias is a perfect place for people who like to spend time hiking. In the area of the town and the surrounding area, there are several hiking trails that lead to interesting beaches.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
The Kourtaliotiko Gorge, also known as the Asomatos Gorge, is perhaps one of the most spectacular natural attractions available in the central part of Crete.
Agia Triada is a small Minoan archaeological site in the south of Crete, located near Timpaki, located on the western slope of the hill about 40 meters above sea level.
This fortress is a perfect example of Crete's multiculturalism. Located today in Greek hands, it was built by the Venetians, but is called a name taken from the Turkish language.
Rouvas Gorge is one of the most interesting places in this part of Crete. The interesting trail leads in a perfect way to the changing appearance of this gorge.
Matala is one of the most popular towns not only of the southern coast but also of the whole of Crete. In the 1960s and 1970s, this small fishing village was a mecca for hippies.
The Odigitrias Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of southern Crete. Unfortunately, in terms of popularity, he is far from other Cretan monasteries.
In addition to the famous grand palaces on the island in the Minoan period, a number of smaller residences were created. One of the most important examples is the Vathipetro discovered about 5 km north of Archanes, on the southeastern slope of Mount Juchtas in the central part of Crete.
When traveling around Crete, it is not difficult to pay attention to the fact that most of the beaches there are relatively small and short. For this reason, people who are used to our national Baltic standards, where the sandy coast stretches for kilometers, may experience a special disappointment. However, fortunately, nothing is lost, because Crete in its rich arsenal of various beaches can boast of those that allow for long walks along the coast. One of them, our favorite is the Kommos beach located in the south of the central part of the island.
Although there are countless caves in Crete, only a few can be visited. Sfendoni is the largest cave open to the public. content comes from: http://www.crete.pl www.CRETE.pl
Information about one of the more known tourist cities of Crete, or about Malia. Description of attractions located in the city of Malia and a description of the specificity of this town.
The Lasithi Plateau is located about 70 kilometers from the capital of Crete - Heraklion. The average height at which the terrain of this plateau is located is 840 m above sea level.
One of the tourist attractions eagerly visited by people spending their holidays in Crete is the Dikte (Psychro) cave. The main factors that attract people to this cave are a rich and varied dripstone robe and a close connection with mythology.
Among the olive groves in the place called Logari, which is less than a kilometer from the village of Kritsa, there is a small Byzantine church of Panagia Kera from the 13th-14th centuries.
Stalida is located directly along the coast and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
Most people crossing the route between Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra will definitely notice the large crack which is marked by the mountain located east of this road. This majestic geological creation called Ha was probably created as a result of an earthquake.
Xerokambos is a small settlement in which you will find literally several taverns, and most of the buildings are single-storey and one-story houses. The big advantage of this beach is a gentle sandy descent to the sea.
Agios Nikolaos (Άγιος Νικόλαος) is a small town with less than 20,000 inhabitants. permanent residents (according to statistical data from 2001). This city is the capital of the Lasithi nomos.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Stalida is located directly along the coast and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
The first palace was built around 1900 BC. in the place where there was a quite impressive settlement whose remains were later transformed into the central part of the city.
The ruins of the ancient city of Itanos are located at the eastern tip of Crete, less than 3 kilometers north of the famous palm beach of Vai. Although there are also nice beaches at Itanos, unlike its well-known neighbor, this place does not attract crowds. There are either accidental stray tourists or excavation enthusiasts here.
Less than 10,000 population of Sitia makes the city the smallest in Crete. Some even go a step further and say perversely that it is rather the largest village of Crete.
Napoleon's house is one of the few typically tourist attractions in Ierapetra. About what could have happened here in the summer of 1798 and possibly how much in this legend is the truth we write in the article on the page below.
Moni Kapsa Monastery is one of the most interesting monasteries in Crete. Its massive buildings were erected on rocky, gray slopes surrounding the nearby Pervolakia Gorge.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of hotels with the highest standards of service. Beautiful landscape and an amazing view of the Mirambello bay is the reason why Elounda was so quickly and greedily absorbed by modern mass tourism. In luxurious SPA resorts, the most famous guests from Greece and around the world spend their holidays. It was in this place that Lady Gaga rested,
Heraklion (Iraklion) is the largest city of Crete. With almost 140,000 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest city in Greece. Together with the adjacent towns, it forms an agglomeration of about 200,000 people. The important role that Heraklion plays in Crete is emphasized by the fact that the city is also the administrative capital of the island.
Information about one of the more known tourist cities of Crete, or about Malia. Description of attractions located in the city of Malia and a description of the specificity of this town.
: Patrząc okiem turysty nie podoba mi się ten plan.To miejsce historyczne i w takim klimacie powinno zostać. Napewno są powody dla których prąd jest tam potrzebny .Nie wyobrażam sobie jednak ,,podświetlonej,,Spinalongi tak jak Akropol w Atenach.
: Opiszę Wam jak to wygląda w mojej wiosce(zachodnia część Krety).
Groby rodzinne są wykupione na własność(nie płacimy rocznego,,czynszu").
Kości w skrzyneczkach pozostają w grobie. Na Krecie pochówek jest inny niż w pozostałej części Grecji, groby są obudowane, mają cementowe ściany, na dnie jest ziemia. Trumna w grobie nie jest przykrywana wiekiem, bo nie jest zasypywana ziemią, tylko zakryta betonowymi płytami.
: Czyli zmiany klimatu to nie jakaś fikcja, tylko smutna rzeczywistość
: Fajnie jest korzystać tak długo z pogody. Sezon się wydłuża. No ale podstawą do życia czyli woda znika w coraz szybszym tempie. Co nas czeka za 10-20 lat?
: Z moich rozmów z producentami wynika (a współpracuje z ponad 30 z Grecji) najbardziej podrożeje ( i podrożała ) oliwa kulinarna od dużych masowych producentów. Mniejsi , mający swoje własne plantacje i produkujący wyłącznie oliwę "single estate" klasy premium pod swoją marką nie zwiększają drastycznie cen. (...)
: Tak, ceny poszybowały w górę. To są ceny, które obecnie dostaje rolnik za oliwę z zeszłorocznych zbiorów, bo na nowe zbiory jeszcze trochę poczekamy. Pamiętajcie, że rolnik jest najniższym szczeblem w tej drabinie zanim oliwa trafia w wasze ręce.
gość maniek: Właśnie dziś rano wróciłem... Pierwszy raz w życiu zdarzyło mi się że 2 godziny na odprawę w normalnym trybie może nie wystarczyć. Totalny chaos i jeden wielki tłum zamiast jakiś uporządkowanych kolejek. Dziunie siedzące za szybami niezainteresowane niczym poza sobą i plotkowaniem między saobą. 4 bramki na 2 wyloty do Poznania ok. (...)
Komentarze
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Byłem polecam
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Piękne miejsce
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Moja ulubiona. restauracja u Natalii.... Pysznie.
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Was here...
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Mariage Christina et Jeremy a Ierapetra
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Leider kann ich den Bericht nicht lesen... aber die Bilder sind toll
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A ja dodaję pomidorki z tamtąd właśnie . Pychaaaa
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Byłam polecam
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Piękne polecam
Cudowne miejsce na ziemi
Byłam dwa razy. Za kazdym razem bylo swietnie. Irapetra i jej okolice sa cudowne. Mam nadzieje ze i w tym roku uda mi sie tam wrocic.
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