IERAPETRA
Area: Crete
Country: Greece


Location:
Towards the E end of the S coast, 20 miles S of Aghios Nikolaos. 63 miles SE of Heraklion airport.

Telephone code from UK:
30 28420

Position:
Broad coastal agricultural area backed by mountains.

Description:
Market garden town developing into major tourist area. A contrast of the old and new together.

Suitability:
Something to suit most types, poorly situated for general touring of the island. Transport required.

Accommodation:
Assorted hotels/apartments to upmarket complexes.

Shopping:
City shops for local and tourist paraphernalia, jewellery/gold (local workmanship); souvenirs.

Beach:
Long beach mostly stretching E; long narrow dark sand/shingle strips, small bays with rocky areas. Most water sports to be found.

Entertainments:
Daytime: some local historic/archaeological sites of minor status, sporting facilities at beach, good bathing. Nightlife: modern discos in town and one or two villages, but more sophisticated evening life at hotel accommodation. Local bars and tavernas.

Eating:
Mixture of modern and traditional Greek-style restaurants. Older tavernas can be found in villages.

Public-transport:
Taxis from town and hotels - limited bus service for out of town area.

Local-excursions:
Organised and offered through most hotels and local travel operators _ to archaeological and historic sites; Greek nights (food & dancing local style); visits to Aghios Nikolaos and old leper colony; also days out beach/barbecue etc.