Ierapetra is a small town and municipality situated and the south coast of Crete. It is the most southerly point of Crete and thus also of Greece and Europe.

It lies in the most easterly district of Lashiti, 36 kilometres from Agios Nikolaos and has a population of around 15,400.

Ierapetra was already known as a harbour town ( Hierapytna) in Minoan times and was important for trade with Africa and Asia. Only a 13th century Viennese fort has survived. The fort was rebuilt in the 16th century after an earthquake totally destroyed the town. There is a small archeological museum. The story goes that in July 1798, Napoleon stayed overnight in Ierapetra on his way to Egypt. Ierapetra has the nickname of the “Bride of the Libyan Sea” and is the only place of importance on the south coast of the island.

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