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Things to do in Lerapetra

Our most recommended things to do in Lerapetra

Agios Nikolaos: Boat Trip to Spinalonga with Swim Stop

1. Agios Nikolaos: Boat Trip to Spinalonga with Swim Stop

Spinalonga is a magnificent island with fortresses dating from the Venetian period. It is an island of legends, a triumph to survival in the early 20th century from the scourge of leprosy, now a place of great archaeological and historical significance. On Spinalonga island, enjoy the opportunity to visit the Interpretive Centre there and discover the settlements of the victims and survivors of this former illness. Explore the Venetian fortifications and learn all about the long and fascinating history of the island. Take time to walk around the island and see the views of the bay and the fortifications. Later the cruise continues, passing along other points of interest in the Bay of Mirabello such as the cave of the legendary Pirate Barbarosa, the sunken ancient city of Olous, and the island where the endemic and hardy Cretan Kri Kri goats live. Have time to relax and swim in the exquisite turquoise waters of Kolokitha Bay. The 40 m boat features two bars, a lounge, and a restaurant serving Greek and international cuisine at reasonable prices with high-quality service from the crew.

Cruise to Spinalonga & BBQ at Kolokytha From Agios Nikolaos

2. Cruise to Spinalonga & BBQ at Kolokytha From Agios Nikolaos

Enjoy a fun cruise in the Greek sun with a barbecue by the sea. Explore  Kolokytha Bay and the historical island of Spinalonga. Start your day boarding the boat at the pretty harbour of Agios Nikolaos. Cruise across the beautiful Bay of Mirabello before arriving at the legendary island of Spinalonga.  On Spinalonga island you will have an hour and a half to tour around and explore the Venetian fortifications and old homes of the victims of leprosy. Learn about the history and people who lived on the island during the first half of the 20th century from the printed guide that will be given to you free of charge. Later the boat takes you on the other side of the Kolokytha island and moors at the beach of the same name. Kolokytha is a beautiful bay with crystal-clear turquoise waters. Relax, swim and sunbathe while the boat crew prepares a hearty barbecue for you. Enjoy grilled pork chops, cabbage salad, bread, wine and seasonal fruits. 

From Ierapetra: Cruise Around Chrissi Island With Swimming

3. From Ierapetra: Cruise Around Chrissi Island With Swimming

Start your boat cruise from the port of Ierapetra and head to the exotic Chrissi. Sail in the emerald waters of the Libyan Sea, accompanied by seagulls and dolphins. The self-service bar of the ship remains open during the cruise, offering light meals, with salads, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and ice cream available to purchase. Jump off the boat and swim in the refreshing water off the coast of Chrissi Island. After a relaxing swim, dry off on board and enjoy views of the island's blue and green waters, golden beaches, and protected cedar forest. The cedar forest extends to the center of Chrissi, covering an area of 350,000 square meters. The colors of the rocks are spectacular, while almost the entire island is covered by golden sand. 

Self-Drive JeepTour to Thripti Mountains and small villages

4. Self-Drive JeepTour to Thripti Mountains and small villages

Explore the “wild heart” of East Crete, undiscovered by tourism, where “time” seems to stand still. A combination of tar and off roads, will guide you from Ierapetra to the mountains of Thripti . A highlight of the tour is the stop at the summit Afentis (850 m) with an unforgettable panoramic view on both seas (Libyan/Aegean). We continue to Kavousi, where you can admire the oldest olive tree in the world (3250 years). In Mochlos, you can enjoy the "greek cuisine" in a typical tavern. Our trip continues through the vine yards and olive fields, among small chapels, towards authentic villages with their simple lifestyle (Sfaka, Lastros-known as the “cat village”). To end this adventures day, refresh yourselves in the crystal clear water at the bay of Tholos. An unforgettable day for nature lovers and adventurers

Heraklion: Chrissi the Southernmost Natural Park in Europe

5. Heraklion: Chrissi the Southernmost Natural Park in Europe

Take some time and experience the magic of the uninhabited island of Chrissi on a sightseeing cruise. Sail the Lybian Sea, take in your surroundings, and take your time with a short walk on the white-sand beaches, speckled with shells. Enjoy pickup from one of the designated meeting points and embark on a scenic drive to Ιerapetra. Once you arrive, discover the southernmost and warmest town in Europe for 45 minutes, while enjoying your free time. Depart on a boat for Chrissi Island, and cross the Libyan Sea to this stunning and uninhabited and exotic island. Admire the colors of the water and relax on a boat cruise around its most beautiful bays. Take your time to discover the natural landscape and swim to the shore, dive from the boat, and enjoy the clear waters of the island. Look out at the white sand beaches and view the millions of small shells that litter the beaches. Take the option to purchase lunch onboard the boat, and ask your guide in advance to get a discounted price.

From Heraklion: Palm Forest Beach of Vai, Ierapetra & Sitia

6. From Heraklion: Palm Forest Beach of Vai, Ierapetra & Sitia

Start your day tour from the lovely town of Ierapetra, the sounthern most of Europe, known for its warm weather and local products. Continue the tour, to discover the beautiful east part of Crete. Visit the largest palm forest in Europe, Vai Palm Beach. The palm forest draws thousands of visitors each year. They come not only for its wonderful palm forest, but also for the large sandy beach spread out at its foot. The day tour includes a visit to Toplou, a 15th-century monastery located in a dry and barren area. Toplou monastery is one of the most significant monasteries in Crete, dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary) and St. John the Theologian. Last stop of the day the cozy town of Sitia, with a lovely beach road and Venetian castle. Detailed Time Schedule: Morning Pick Up We will start collecting participants from pick-up points in the morning. Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus drive will differ. Bus Drive to Ierapetra: almost 1.5 – 2 hours 1st stop: Ierapetra. 40 minutes Visit Tthe most southern and warm town of Europe, famous worldwide for its agricultural products distributedall year round. Enjoy some free time for a walk on the lovely beach road. Bus Drive: 1 hour 30 minutes 2nd stop: Toplou Monastery – 40 minutes Our participants willenjoy a visit to the historical and beautiful Monastery of Toplou.There they will spend about 40' of guided time and free time to take photos of the unique architecture and the Cretan Natural landscape outdoors. Bus Drive to Vai Beach: 20 minutes 3rd stop: Vai Beach – 2 hours Stop at Vai, the biggest natural palm forest in Europe. Enjoy 2 hours of free time to swim, sunbathe, have lunch and take photos of this exotic landscape of Crete. Bus Drive to Sitia: 30 minutes 4th stop: Sitia – 40 minutes Participants will enjoy some free time to explore the town on their own pace, walk by the cosmopolitan beach road, have a coffee at a traditional cafe or taste the delicious local homemade sweets. End of the tour – Arrival at resorts: Embarkation in the buses and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning. Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ. Return Bus Drive to Heraklion: Around 2 – 3 hours hours

Zeus Cave and Lassithi Plateau Day Tour

7. Zeus Cave and Lassithi Plateau Day Tour

Start your tour with pick up in an air-conditioned Land Rover from your accommodations at 10 AM and head into the Dikti Mountain Range. You'll pass through several traditional and very picturesque mountain villages. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or to have a coffee at a real taverna. At the Lassithi Plateau, you might see eagles and vultures, as both nest around this area. Next, you’ll reach the base of Mount Spathi. The Psychro Cave, the birth place of the Greek god Zeus, is located on the north face of Spathi. You’ll walk 15 minutes up the steep hill to the entrance of the cave and from there follow the path down into the spectacular cave.   Next, enjoy a traditional Cretan meze lunch with local wine. After lunch, you'll continue around the plateau and then descend taking in views of the north coast and the impressive Aposelemis Dam. You will then visit a 2400-year-old plane tree, the oldest on the island, as well as the Selinari Monastery.

Crete: Day Trip to Chrissi Island by Bus and Boat

8. Crete: Day Trip to Chrissi Island by Bus and Boat

Travel from select locations on Crete by bus to the the town of Ierapetra and board a comfortable boat. Set sail towards the island of Chrissie and stop to swim and sunbathe at pristine beaches or take a stroll through cedar forests.  Choose from tour options that offer hotel pickup from many of Crete's towns. Hop aboard a spacious bus and relax on the ride to Ierapetra. Take in the stunning port as you board the boat and embark on your adventure to Chrissi Island.   Cruise to this uninhabited island around that is around 15 kilometers south of Ierapetra. This small island is only 7 kilometers in length and covers an area of 4,743 kilometers. Admire its golden sands and its rare variety of Lebanon cedars.  Anchoring on the south side of the island, head to the nearby beach for swimming and sunbathing. Walk a path that runs through the island and the cedar forest to the otherworldly beach of Chrissi Ammos. Have the option to hunt for seashells, check out the rockier coast of the island, or make the trek to the island’s lighthouse. Swim in turquoise waters and soak up the sun in this magical and totally undisturbed place of natural beauty. Return to the port in Ierapetra by boat, taking in views of the fort as you land. Transfer by bus back to your accommodation. 

Crete: Sarakina Gorge, Forests, and South Coast Safari

9. Crete: Sarakina Gorge, Forests, and South Coast Safari

This tour will take you high into the mountains of the Lassithi Range (or Dikti Range), offering you an abundance of stunning panoramic views. Picking you up from your accommodation at 10:00AM, you will then start your climb up through several very picturesque traditional villages, one of which you shall stop at for a short break to shop or grab coffee. You will next go off road and move on up through the Kroustas Forest to a point approximately 1,000 meters above sea level. From way up there you will be able to see both the Lybian Sea (south coast) and the Aegean Sea (north coast). You will also be able to view the stunning peaks of the snow capped Mount Spathi (2,140 meters above sea level, second highest on the island), whose north face is home of the Psychro Cave, birth place of the Greek god Zeus. The views you will encounter throughout your tour can't be beaten, and there will be plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs. Whilst in the mountains you will be taken to a traditional Greek taverna for a meze lunch with local wine, and at the conclusion of your tour, you will be returned to your point of origin.

Richtis Waterfall and North Coast Tour

10. Richtis Waterfall and North Coast Tour

Take a tour to Richtis beach on the far side of Mirabello Bay and trek through the forest to the stunning Richtis waterfall. After pickup from your accommodation, enjoy the beautiful scenery on the 1-hour drive to the bay of Mirabello. Leave the asphalt and travel off road down to Richtis beach, hugging the mountainside.  Park at the bottom and enter Richtis gorge to start the 30-minute walk to reach the falls. Follow a trail through the forest, listening to the sounds of birds and running water. Stop to admire the incredible waterfalls, with time to climb up the stairs to the top of the falls, take photos, or swim in the cool waters.  When you are ready to leave, head back to the beach along the same trail. During the tour you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch at a local tavern, with wine and water included. At the end of your tour, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel in the Elounda area.

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What people are saying about Lerapetra

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 2,423 reviews

An amazing experience! The boat ride to Spinalonga took around 40 minutes in total, but there is some beautiful views on the way. The announcements that the guide gave were very quiet on the boat, so we were a little unsure as to how long we would have on the island…turns out it was roughly an hour and a half that we got! You can definitely view the island in this time but it is quite rushed to get around the whole thing, so just take that into consideration if you can’t walk very fast or like to take everything in. The BBQ on the beach was beautiful, clear waters in the bay and the food was so fresh and tasty! Thoroughly looked after and would definitely recommend to anyone who is going to the area!!

This excursion was awesome! It was a very pleasant trip to South and Eastern Crete. I got to see wonderful landscapes and islands on the road. The view at the top of palm beach of Vai was so beautiful. Don't miss out on the restaurant at the beach, the food there is delicious and authentic. Thank you to Maritza (our guide) and Antonis (our driver). Don't be surprised if you hear the guide give explanations in different languages as it depends on the languages chosen by travellers. If you want to see some parts of Crete, you can book this excursion. It was long but so worth it. The pick-up location was easy to find and the communication with the agency was good.

Wir hatten einen super lieben Fahrer, der alles toll erklärt hat (Natur, griechische Mythologie,…). Es war ein sehr schöner Ausflug, den wir unbedingt weiterempfehlen können! Vor allem, wenn man mal aus den eigentlichen Touri-Orten rauskommen möchte (Latishi-Hochebene). Der Weg zur Zeushöhle kann allerdings wieder etwas überfüllt sein und der Weg ist relativ steil. Für geheingeschränkte Personen leider nicht geeignet. Das Mittagessen war super lecker und klassisch griechisch. Hier wird vorher auch nach Essenswünschen (vegetarisch, kein Schwein,…) gefragt.

Highly recommend the trip to Zeus cave. Our tour guide- Petra, was amazing and answered any questions that we had. The views were out of this world and Petra kindly pulled over to allow our group to take some amazing photos. Thank you!

The water was absolutely unreal. A must-do while travelling through Crete.