Ierapetra is located 35km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and is the southernmost city of Greece. It is built in one of the warmest areas of Crete, which makes it very popular for holidays, even until the end of autumn. The wider area of Ierapetra is famous for its beaches, stretching along a vast beachfront. Almost all of them are covered by the characteristic fine black pebbles, which do not stick in the leg, and the sea is usually flat.
Lagoufa is located right after the east end of Makrigialos main beach, around 59km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 24km east of Ierapetra. It consists of two adjacent protected coves, which are formed near the big hotels of Makrigialos.
Koutsouras is located 55km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 20km east of Ierapetra, on the main road between Ierapetra and Makrigialos. It is a relatively new village, built in a valley with pine trees, greenhouses and olive groves on the southern foothills of Mount Thripti. The village is developed with a police station, pharmacy, clinic, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, etc., but it is still a very quiet place.
Istro(n) is located 12km east of Agios Nikolaos and 22km north of Ierapetra, very close to Kalo Chorio. It is a quiet village, situated in a lush valley full with olive groves and springs, which has been developed during the last decades. However, the development was fortunately mild, mainly due to the regional building restrictions because of the archaeological discoveries. The main growth driver of Istron is undoubtedly the emerald beaches which are scattered in three adjacent bays.
The east end of the long Ierapetra beach is called Livadia, and beyond this, is called Peristeras. This is a secluded area with high cliffs surrounding it. The beach is sandy and has several smooth rocks in places. You can reach the easternmost part of Saint Andrew by walking from the road. However, there is a second sandy beach in Peristeras, just behind the rocky end of the long beach, that can be accessed by the road. This is very well protected by prying eyes, but there are many rocks.
In front of the cove lies a beautiful beach with coarse sand and vivid blue water. The beach is slightly developed with some umbrellas, water sports and some rooms, mini markets and taverns closeby. There are many tamarisk trees around offering shade to the visitors and the sea is almost always flat. The area is ideal for peaceful holidays and for families.
Livari is located 90km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 7km east of Goudouras, in one of the most remote areas of Crete where you can be truly alone. 2km east is the large power plant of Atherinolakkos, which is the only drawback in the landscape.
Vlychadia is located 31km north of Agios Nikolaos, on the north shores of the area of Mirabello. It is a small seaside settlement, where you can get after driving from Neapolis, through the villages Skinias and Agios Georgios. Around the dorp there are several small bays with secluded beaches, which are mainly rocky and pebbly.
Also read:
- Home
Beaches
Nature
Past
Destinations
Highlights
West Crete- Central Crete
- East Crete
- Towns
- Chania Prefecture
- Chania
- Paleochora
- Kissamos
- Georgioupolis
- Chora Sfakion
- Loutro
- Rethymnon Prefecture
- Rethymnon
- Agia Galini
- Plakias
- Spili
- Anogia
- Heraklion Prefecture
- Heraklion
- Hersonissos
- Malia
- Matala
- Agia Pelagia`
- Archanes
- Kokkinos Pirgos
- Lassithi Prefecture
- Agios Nikolaos
- Elounda
- Sitia
- Ierapetra
- Makrigialos
- Palekastro
- Zakros
- Lassithi Plateau
- Get Prepared
