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Ierapetra
lies in the Far East of
 Crete's
south coast.
Counting some 12,000 inhabitants, it is before
Aghios Nicolaos
and
Sitia
the biggest town in the governmental district of Lassithi, and after Iraklion,
Hania
and
Rethymnon
the fourth biggest town of the island.
However, Ierapetra is also the sourthernmost town in Europe, and to the individual tourists' pleasure it gives home to Europe's southernmost LIDL market as well.
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During the Minoan age and in ancient times the town was named Hierapytna.
Later it was also called Kamiros or Pitna, until in the Venetian era the name Ierapetra became official.
West of Ierapetra, an endless areal of greenhouses from plastic foil spreads until short before Myrtos, covering a total of 13 million square meters.
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Above the coast there is an artificial reservoir which guarantees irrigation for this huge acreage.
The region of Ierapetra indeed provides big parts of Greece with fresh vegetable.
Kato Mera, the Old Town of Ierapetra, is of typical Mediterranean flair and has many small shops and workshops where hand-made souvenirs of many kind are on offer.
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The church of St. George is worth a visit, and so is the very well preserved Venetian fortress which watches over the entrance of the small fishing port and marina.
It's architecture is remarkably similar to the one at Frangokastello, but that one is much more dilapidated.
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Since some years there is a beautifully designed promenade by the port and along the coastal road which runs between the Old Town and the small beach.
Some of the restaurants along that road have roofed pergolas on the promenade, and during the season one can watch the waiters carrying full trays from the restaurants across the road to the pergolas (and empty trays back to the restaurants as well).
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Both inhabitants as newcomers say that Taverna Levante at no. 38, Stratigou Samouil Street (Phone 0030 28420 80585) is the most popular one here.
The Franghiadaki Family runs it since 1936 and serves fresh seafood as well as traditional Cretan specialties.
The web designer tried it, and he agrees.
At Levante, all ingredients are from the immediate surroundings of Ierapetra and one can taste how fresh everything is.
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Behind the pier which forms the eastern border of the beach there is another shore promenade which is newer and much longer.
It also has restaurants with roofed pergolas but those attach directly to the row of houses along the promenade, and the waiters do not need to cross a road.
Taverna Zorbas (Phone 0030 28420 28542) offers fresh fish and Italian cusisine, and rewards particular recommendation.
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Right next door there is the Cafe-Bar On the Rocks (Phone 0030 28420 27174) where they not only serve drinks, but all day long English breakfast as well.
Besides the beauty of nature, the area also provides the highest temperatures and the highest number of sunny days in Europe.
In eastward direction from the city there are many beautiful sandy beaches.
They spread on via Ferma and Makrighialos until the 41 kms distant village of Goudouras.
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About a one hour boat trip South of Ierapetra there is Chrisi island which is Europe's southernmost nature preserve.
White sands, colorful volcanic rocks, and a cedar forest make the island's tropical character.
During the season there is a regular boat connection from the port of Ierapetra to Chrisi.
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Text and photos by
Ingo H. Dietrich
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