One of the most popular destinations in Greece.
Crete is the largest island in Greece, and the fifth largest one in the Mediterranean Sea. Here, you can admire the remnants of brilliant civilizations, explore glorious beaches, impressive mountainscapes, fertile valleys and steep gorges, and become part of the island’s rich gastronomic culture. Crete is, after all, a small universe teeming with beauties and treasures that you will probably need a lifetime to uncover!
The atmosphere in Greece’s southernmost town is different from the feeling you get in the island’s other urban centers and the weather is too. Here the temperatures are higher so, when autumn swings around and you ‘ll still able to go for a dip in Ierapetra. The town is famous for its best-known attraction, the Kales fortress (open Tuesday-Sunday 08:00-15:00), situated in the old port. This 13th-century Venetian strong hold- subsequently leveled by an earthquake and damaged by raids-was restored by Ottomans in the 17th century. A stroll through the lanes of the town will reveal the old town’s mosque and, next to it, the Turkish fountain. Offering the most hours of sunshine and the lowest rainfall in all of Greece annually, Ierapetra truly is a year-round destination that must be explored by car, foot, or bike.
Megali Paralia – Long Beach (800m from the accommodation): a tranquil, seemingly endless sandy beach with tamarisk trees near the village of Koutsounari.
Agia Fotia beach (4,5km from the accommodation): is very famous and popular to the residents of Ierapetra town. The beach has coarse grayish sand and crystal-clear calm water. It is well organized, and you can find shade under the tamarisk trees of the beach.
Makrigialos beach (15km from the accommodation): is a well-organized narrow beach with fine golden sand, surrounded by numerous cafes and restaurants. Here you will find umbrellas, water sports, showers, and big tamarisk trees. The water is very shallow and calm,ideal for the children, while the temperature is high up even if in the winter.
For even more exotic swimming destinations, take the little boat or the powerboat that crosses over to Chrysi and Koufonisi, two enchanting islands in the Libyan Sea opposite Ierapetra and Makry Gialos, respectively. The more popular is Chrysi (or Gaidouronisi), with its sand dunes, cedars, and fantastic waters. The island’s best-known beach is Belegrina, to the north, there are however many other beaches to be explored, including Kataprosso and Vagges to the east.
Koufonisi (or Lefki) is a lower-key destination that does not attract large numbers of visitors. This island features sandy beaches, white rocks and low vegetation, an ancient theatre dating to the 2nd century AD and the remnants of a settlement have been discovered here. Both islands are included in the Natura 2000 network of protected areas.
The area of Koutsounari is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Also diving fans can do a little exciting exploration of the underwater magic of Crete. September is thought to be the best month for diving, as the water is warm, and visibility is good down at the seabed. On the area you can find well-organized diving centres (some of them also offer snorkelling lessons) and stores specializing in diving equipment. Explore the island on a cacique or a boat and discover secluded beaches, or take a boat tour around the nearby islets, which are also ideal fishing spots.
The Cretan winter is always mild and soft near its coastline with an average temperature of 12-15 degrees Celsius from mid-December to March while autumn months are usually hot. Therefore, there is a wide range of activities which can be done by all kinds of travelers from the adventurous ones to art lovers. Hiking in the wilderness of VOTANA’s surroundings mountain climbing, strolling up and down the picturesque trails of the marvelous forestry area all around, can be some of the invigorating but still relaxing activities every traveler can experience during autumn and winter months. For the art lovers, all the archeological sites and museums of the island remain open. Easter on Crete is something not to be missed since the Cretan Easter is full of spring aromas and taste coming from the long-lasting Easter tradition of the island.
Votana Apartments
Koutsounari, Ierapetra, 72200
info@votana-apts.gr