Ierápetra Beaches

Overview

As Europe's southernmost town, Ierápetra is a premier destination for a relaxed beach holiday on Crete's Libyan coast. Its uniquely warm climate allows for a long swimming season, often lasting from May through October. The area offers a fantastic variety of beaches to suit every taste, from long, organized shores with every convenience to quiet, secluded coves perfect for unwinding. Many beaches here are consistently awarded the Blue Flag for their excellent water quality and safety, ensuring a superb seaside experience.

Our editor's picks showcase the region's diverse appeal, highlighting the dramatic, scenic cove of Agia Fotia Beach and the famously photogenic turquoise waters of Voulisma Beach. For those seeking a local atmosphere, Paralia Mirtos offers a charming and relaxed setting, while Makry Gialos Beach is an ideal choice for families with its long, sandy stretch and shallow waters. Right in town, Ierapetra Town Beach provides ultimate convenience. A highlight for many visitors is the popular boat trip to Chrissi Island, a protected nature reserve where boats anchor for swimming in stunning, tropical-like waters.

The overall vibe of the beaches around Ierápetra is laid-back and peaceful rather than party-focused, making it ideal for couples and families. You will find a delightful mix of coastlines, from fine, dark pebbles to stretches of soft golden sand. Whether you're looking for a fully-equipped beach or a hidden gem, our complete guide features a longer list of options to help you discover the perfect spot for your sun-soaked getaway.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Ierápetra a good destination for a beach holiday?

Yes, Ierápetra is an excellent choice for a beach holiday, especially for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere. It is the southernmost town in Europe, boasting warm weather perfect for swimming from May through October. The area offers a variety of beaches, from long, organized sandy stretches with amenities to quiet, secluded coves. Many beaches in and around Ierápetra are awarded the Blue Flag for their high water quality and safety standards.

What are the beaches in Ierápetra town like?

The main beaches within Ierápetra itself are a mix of sand and fine pebbles. The long beach promenade is lined with cafés and tavernas. The West Beach (Apovathra) is well-organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports facilities. To the east of the Venetian fort, you'll find Agios Andreas beach, which starts as an organized sandy beach and becomes more pebbly and secluded as you head further east.

Paralia Agios Andreas

Is it safe to swim in the sea in Ierápetra?

Generally, yes. The sea in Ierápetra is known for being calm, especially during the summer months, and the water quality is excellent, with many beaches receiving the Blue Flag award. The water is warm enough for comfortable swimming from mid-May to October. As with any sea, it's always wise to be aware of the conditions, especially on windy days.

What is the best time of year to visit Ierápetra for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Ierápetra is from late May to early October. During these months, the weather is consistently sunny and warm, and the sea temperature is pleasant for swimming. July and August are the hottest and busiest months. For fewer crowds and still excellent beach weather, consider visiting in June or September.

Are there hotels with private beaches in the Ierápetra area?

While completely private beaches are rare in Greece as the coastline is public, several hotels east of Ierápetra, particularly in the areas of Koutsounari and Ferma, are situated directly on the beach and provide sunbeds and umbrellas exclusively for their guests. This gives a sense of having a private, organized beach area. For example, hotels like Kakkos Bay are located on coves that feel very exclusive.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are the beaches near Ierápetra sandy or pebbly?

You'll find a mix of both. While many beaches in the Ierápetra area feature the region's characteristic fine, dark pebbles that don't stick to your feet, there are also several sandy options. For example, the famous Chrissi Island boasts white sandy beaches, and Makrigialos to the east has a long stretch of golden sand. Beaches like Agia Fotia and Myrtos offer a combination of sand and small pebbles.

Agia Fotia Beach

Paralia Mirtos

How do I get to the beaches outside of Ierápetra town?

The best way to explore the beaches outside of Ierápetra is by renting a car, which gives you the freedom to discover secluded coves at your own pace. There are also local KTEL buses that connect Ierápetra with nearby coastal villages like Myrtos, Koutsounari, and Makrigialos. For Chrissi Island, you'll need to take one of the daily boat trips from the port of Ierápetra.

Is the day trip to Chrissi Island worth it?

Yes, the day trip to Chrissi Island is highly recommended and a very popular excursion from Ierápetra. The island is a protected nature reserve famous for its stunning, Caribbean-like white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Please note that due to conservation measures, visitors are no longer allowed to land on the island itself, but the boats anchor close to the shore for swimming and snorkeling in the beautiful waters.

People Also Ask

Are there family-friendly beaches near Ierápetra?

Yes, there are several excellent beaches for families. Makrigialos, about 25 km east of Ierápetra, is particularly popular with families due to its long, sandy beach and shallow, calm waters. Myrtos beach, to the west, is also a good option, located in a sheltered bay. Koutsounari's 'Long Beach' has organized sections with amenities that are convenient for families.

Paralia Mirtos

Koutsounari Long Beach

Which is better for beaches, Ierápetra or Makrigialos?

It depends on your preference. Ierápetra is a larger town with its own city beaches and serves as a central hub for exploring the entire south-east coast. Makrigialos, a smaller resort village, is known for its particularly long, sandy, and shallow beach, which is often considered more ideal for families with young children. Ierápetra offers more variety in terms of nearby coves and pebbly beaches, while Makrigialos is focused on its main sandy bay.

Are there quiet, less crowded beaches near Ierápetra?

Yes, if you're willing to explore a little, you can find many quiet spots. Heading east from Ierápetra, you can find more secluded sections along the coast towards Ferma and Agia Fotia, especially outside of peak season. The further east you go along the long beach of Koutsounari, the quieter it becomes. Peristeras beach, just east of the main town beach, is also a more secluded option, sheltered by cliffs.

Koutsounari Long Beach

Agia Fotia Beach

Are there any nudist-friendly beaches in the Ierápetra area?

While nudism is not officially permitted on main tourist beaches in Greece, it is tolerated in more secluded areas. Near Ierápetra, some of the more remote coves and the far ends of longer beaches are sometimes used by naturists. For instance, parts of Diaskari Beach near Makrigialos and some secluded spots on Chrissi Island have been popular with naturists in the past. It is always recommended to be discreet and respectful of others.

Dianiskari Beach

What is the vibe of the beaches in Ierápetra? Are they party beaches?

The general vibe of the beaches in and around Ierápetra is relaxed and laid-back rather than party-oriented. While the main town beach has a lively promenade with many cafes and bars, the atmosphere is more geared towards relaxing, dining, and gentle socializing. You won't find large, noisy beach clubs like in other parts of Crete. The area is better suited for couples, families, and travelers looking for a peaceful beach escape.

Can you swim in Ierápetra during the winter?

While the weather in Ierápetra is mild year-round, the sea temperature drops significantly in winter, averaging around 15-17°C (59-63°F) from December to March. Some dedicated local winter swimmers do take dips on sunny days, but for the average tourist, the water would be considered too cold for comfortable swimming. The main swimming season is from May to October.

What's a good, quiet beach alternative to the main Ierápetra beach?

A great local alternative is Agia Fotia beach, located in a picturesque bay about 12 km east of Ierápetra. It's a beautiful, sheltered cove with a mix of sand and pebbles, clear water, and a couple of tavernas. It's very popular with locals and has a more intimate feel than the long city beaches. Another option is Myrtos, a charming village to the west with a lovely, relaxed beach.

Agia Fotia Beach