The town of Ierapetra is located on the south 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 15,400 inhabitants (2001) it is the most populous town in the prefecture of Lasithi, and the fourth town of Crete island.
Ierapetra is popularly known as the southernmost town of Europe, nicknamed "bride of the Libyan Sea" because of its position as the only town on the south coast of Crete. Having the great fortune to be the southernmost town of Europe, Ierapetra enjoys the mildest weather, with the least annual rainfall and a temperature that rarely drops below 12 C all year long. Ierapetra has had a place in the history of Crete since the Minoan period.

The modern town of Ierapetra is built on the exact same site as the ancient Dorian town of Ierapitna, which grew big, powerful and rich thanks primarily to the trade with the most significant harbour towns of the eastern Mediterranean, and especially those on the African, Greek and Sicilian coast. 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 Gialos, are awarded with the European Committee's "BLUE FLAGS" each single year!. Near the harbour you can see a part of the old town which has survived, but as the fronts of the houses have not yet been restored and there are no pedestrian zones.
Ierapetra gives the impression of a rather shabby old neighbourhood. At the west part of the old town you can see a Turkish mosque and fountain, the most obvious reminders of the Turkish presence in the area. As for the time of the Venetian rule, it has left behind several landmarks, especially small churches. Among them, the church of Afendis Christos (Christ, Our Lord), which dates from the 14th century and is situated just west of the fortress, the Panagia tou Kale just opposite of the fortress gate, and the church of Aghios Nikolaos. Though thechurches are usually locked, there is always somebody around who knows where to find the keys.

Ierapetra is the ideal place for those who seek an intense night life. Tourist facilities improve all time, both in terms of services and the number of beds available. The character and the charm of the cosy old neighborhood has been retained, while it has been given new life as a shopping and eating experience for the visitor. Local handicrafts and souvenirs, valuable gold or silver items, fashion wear, leather goods or the latest sports goods can be found at surprising prices all over Ierapetra town. There are some small hotels, cafes, taverns and shops in the old town, and many sights to visit, such as the mosque and the Ottoman fountain and Napoleon's house.
Another thing worth seeing in Ierapetra is the archaeological collection, housed in an old building opposite the town hall at the main square. (Incidentally, the building once served as a Turkish school). The place is open Tuesday through Sunday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Among other exhibits, one can distinguish the marble statue of the goddess Demeter, dating from the 2nd century BC, and a clay Minoan sarcophagus of the 14th century BC, which was found in Episkopi and bears some wonderful representations of chariot processions, hunting scenes etc.