Welcome to southern Crete: Lassithi: Irene Villa
The town of Ierapetra (in the local dialect: Γεράπετρο Gerapetro) is located on the southeast coast of Crete, along the beach of Ierapetra Bay. It lies south of Agios Nikolaos and southwest of Sitia and is an important regional centre. With its 16,139 inhabitants (2011) it is the most populous town in the regional unit of Lasithi, and the fourth town of Crete. Ierapetra is nicknamed "bride of the Libyan Sea" because of its position as the only town on the south coast of Crete.
Europe towards the sun...
Having the distinction of being the southernmost town facing the African coast, Ierapetra enjoys the smoothest, almost rainless weather in Europe, with a temperature that rarely drops below 12οC all year long!
Suprising Ierapetra...
Take a leisurely walk in the vivid center of the town along the coast, or into the quiet picturesque narrow streets of Kato Mera, the old town of Ierapetra. Pick a handmade gift from any colourfull market stall and enjoy the exciting sounds of the busy Cretan life.
No doubt, Ierapetra "the bridge of the Libyan sea" is the sunniest holiday resort in Europe...
The character and charm of the old warm neighbourhood has been retained, whilst it has been given new life as a shopping and eating experience for the visitor. A tempting variety of shops, open-air cafes, bars, restaurants and traditional taverns, makes Ierapetra the ideal place to relax, enjoying shopping, eating, drinking or simply wondering around!
The awarded beaches of Ierapetra...
Ierapetra is build on the longest beach in Crete, offering an endless choise of golden beaches with deep crystal blue waters, far away from industrial areas and ships passing by! All major beaches of Ierapetra from Myrtos to Makris Ghialos, are awarded with the European Committee's BLUE FLAGS each single year!
This area located in the south east part of Crete is known for its lovely climate all year round, a pleasant, warm sea and small quiet villages. Statistics indicate 300 days of sun per annum. Due to its location facing Africa (Egypt), a warm breeze usually blows on this coast of Crete.
If mass tourism is not for you, you will find this an ideal spot for a holiday. An oasis of sun, sea and tranquillity situated on one of the most beautiful bays on the south east coast of Crete and hidden between mountains, you will find “Filoxenia villa”. In this oasis of quiet, sun and sea, you will feel fully relaxed. You will be staying in one of the ten comfortable apartments. The sandbeach is at 400m distance.
The needs of our younger guests have been carefully considered. Nearby there are Markets, shops , Restaurants, Taverns and cafe - wine Bars. At the beach called '' THE LONG BEACH'' you will find water sport activities ready to serve your need of fun and amusement! There is also 'BUS Service route' which takes you to the most southern town of Europe : Ierapetra (7km) or other desirable destinations on the south coast and east coast of Crete.
Lassithi is the land lived by people who carry thousands of years of tradition and culture; here people knock off couplets, play the lyre, the violin and the lute, they produce wine and tsikoudia, they passionately dance pentozales. They offer their traditional cuisine, a superb specimen of a healthy Mediterranean diet using the "blessed" olive oil, accompanied by a selection of wines famed since classical times. In the coffee shops you will be treated with coffee made especially for you or with successive rounds of "raki". In the tavernas you will taste "dakos" (local bread), "myzethropita", "chochlious boubouristous" and sweet-smelling wines. In the confectioner's and in everyones hospitable home, taste the "xerotigana" and "kalitsounia".
Lassithi of today consists of villages of true-born Cretans who retain the tradition of hospitality. It also consists of small beautiful towns with cosmopolitan character, night-life at bars and clubs as well as open-air cinemas. It holds shops with jewellery and silverware, fabulous furs and works of popular art, along with local markets offering fruits and grapes from the earth, such as bananas, oranges, melons, figs, as well as thyme honey and famous cheeses.
Tastes and fragrances remaining unforgettable.
Lassithi, is the destination with unique beaches, some secluded, others organized and social (having been awarded with 32 Blue Flags) and ideal for water skiing, sailing, wind surfing, snorkelling or underwater fishing.
Lassithi of myth and contemporary life.
