Lerapetra

Our most recommended things to do in Lerapetra

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  1. From Ierapetra: Boat Cruise to Chrissi Island

  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, ice creams, and more. Anchor at the south side of the island and stop for swimming and relaxation. If you prefer, take the path through the cedar forest to an exotic beach with thousands of shells, named Belegrina or Chrissi Ammos.  The Island of Chrissi has been included in the European initiative NATURA 2000, known for its exotic waters in all the shades of blue and green, the golden beaches, and the protected forest with the cedar trees, which are over 200 years old. The cedar forest extends to the center of Chrissi, covering an area of 350,000 square meters. The colors of the rocks are spectacul...

  Short and easy trip to a lovely island. The beach is amazing, the water is out of this world. You need to bring everything with you though - food, drinks, parasol (if you have it) and a lot of sunscreen. Great way to spend one of your days on Crete.

  Reviewed by Tonci, 8/1/2021
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  2. Spinalonga Boat Trip from Elounda Port

  Board one of the traditional wooden boats from Elounda port and let the experienced local crew take you to Spinalonga island. The boat trip begins at approximately 9:30 AM every day from the main port of Elounda village. Stay on the island for an hour and 10 to 20 minutes. In case you stay longer due to the covid situation you might not get on the next one because the capacity of the boats has been reduced and have to wait an extra hour. The last boat trip from Spinalonga usually departs at 6:30 PM. If you want to learn more about the island, you can find local licensed guides on the pier who will bring the island's history to life. Originally, Spinalonga was not an island – it was part of the island of Crete. During Venetian occupation, the island was carved out of the coast for defensive purposes and a fort was built there. During Venetian rule, salt was harvested from salt pans arou...

  The trip was short but perfect. We bought tickets in advance and showed them to the boat operator. That was it. Great trip over all.

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 8/9/2021
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  3. From Agios Nikolaos: Boat Cruise to Spinalonga

  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 exqui...

  Amazing boat tour… nice guided tour on the island of spinalonga. If you are a vegetarian or vegan prepare something for lunch on the boat as the option are limited to none existing!

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 9/26/2021
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  4. 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...

  Nice day out run by NOSTOS cruises. Perfect mix of sun, sea, history, beach and food.

  Reviewed by RuthFalmouth, United Kingdom, 6/11/2021
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  5. 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 2...

  Good trip. We drove in comfort into the hills in the south, visiting little villages, Zeus Cave and viewing spots. Lunch was copious, fresh and really pleasant. Amin who runs Crete Adventures who run the trip was extremely pleasant. A good day out and a great chance to see a bit more of this pretty Island.

  Reviewed by Hilary, 5/24/2021
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  6. From Agios Nikolaos Area: Day Trip to Chrissi Island

  Ierapetra is situated on the southern coast of Crete. As it is the only town in the south, it is referred to as the Bride of Libyan Sea. With the rising of the sun, head to the gorgeous port of Ierapetra and set sail toward Chrissi Island.   Chrissi Island, or Gaidouronisi, meaning Golden Beach or Donkey Island, is an uninhabited island around 15 kilometers south of Ierapetra. 7 kilometers in length and covering an area of 4,743 km, the island is covered in golden sand and a rare variety of Lebanon cedars.  Anchoring on the south side of the island, head to the nearby beach for swimming and sunbathing. Walk the path running through the island and the cedar forest to the otherworldly beach of Chrissi Ammos. Hunt for seashells, check out the rockier coast of the island, or make the trek to the island’s lighthouse.  Swim in turquoise crystal clear waters and soak up the sun in this magic...

  After some of the reviews I was a bit dubious but I really enjoyed the day. Boat was really busy but mask wearing was enforced. Definitely buy a beach umbrella as was baking hot. The place is beautiful, well worth a visit

  Reviewed by Audrey, 9/9/2021
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  7. From the Heraklion Area: Day Trip to Chrissi Island

  Enjoy a day tour to the uninhabited island of Chrissi. Admire this small island with its natural cedar forest and beautiful sandy beaches. Drive to the south of Crete and reach the picturesque old town of Lerapetra. Climb aboard the boat at the port of Lerapetra and travel through the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea. With luck you will see dolphins, and finally reach Chrissi – also called the Golden Island. Admire untouched nature – a paradise of unparalleled flora and fauna. Stroll through a natural cedar forest, enjoy the incredible tranquility and discover corals and shells, dunes and salt marshes.

  We came from Heraklion, and the way there and back was a bit long, but that was because of how far the island is from the capital. Chrissi is one of the most beautiful places we have seen on Crete, I'd recommend to go there, although i wish we could have stayed on the island a few hours more.

  Reviewed by Kristóf, 8/25/2021
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  8. Day Trip to Chrissi Island from Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos

  Venture out to sea to spend a day on the secluded island of Chrissi off the south coast of Crete. Following a pick-up from your hotel on Crete, transfer to Ierapetra for a relaxing 45-minute cruise to Chrissi. Sit back and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding you. Sunbathe on the deck of the boat as you cruise along the coast of Crete. As you approach Chrissi, take in the beauty of its shoreline and get a few photos of the island from the water. On landing, sunbathe on long stretches of sand, or go for a swim in the shimmering turquoise waters. Alternatively, take a walk through the cedar forest. Chrissi is a protected natural reserve and features spectacular pristine scenery. Follow a path through Europe's largest natural forest of Lebanon cedars. Arrive at a beach with white coral sand, purple shells, and fossils. Spend some time in the woods, swim in crystal-clear waters, or just en...

  love the whole day planned to the point. wish time on the beach was bit longer but still good enough go book it now

  Reviewed by Shafeeq, 6/5/2019
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  9. From Heraklion: Chrissi Island Day Trip

  Experience life as castaway on a desert island in the Libyan Sea. Depart Heraklion for the uninhabited island of Chrissi, setting sail from Ierapetra on the southern coast of Crete. Look for yellow-legged gulls and dolphins as you cross the water. Then, drop anchor upon arrival at Chrissi, and get back to nature in the wildlife refuge area. Discover the intense beauty of its pristine beaches, and see shell fossils in the volcanic rocks. Enjoy the shade of the ancient cedar forests, and encounter an old salt marsh and Roman tombs. Go to the small Church of St. Nicolas and soak up the peace of an island paradise far from the crowds.

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  10. Crete: Land Rover Safari Through Katharo Plateau

  Discover Crete and cross the Katharo Plateau. Follow the enchanted path through a huge woodland area and admire the wild nature. Begin with a fantastic view of Mirabello Bay. Then travel through the incredibly beautiful landscape alongside the largest forest on the island and up to a height of 1,500 meters. At the next stop, enjoy a unique view of the Lassithi Plateau and the northern coast of Crete. Discover the Lassithi Plateau, where time seems to stand still. The local society remains largely agrarian, using donkeys in their everyday lives and making regional products according to ancient traditions. Enjoy a delicious barbecue and local wine, then visit the birthplace of Zeus, the father of the gods. Head to the little town of Krasi, known for its 2,000-year-old sycamores and natural springs. Stop in Selinari on the way back and see the vultures increasingly threatened by extincti...