Aerial view of the north end of Black Rive Landing.
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Ierapetra Port and Lighthouse

4.8
·8 reviews·Ierapetra, Greece

Gateway to the stunning Chrissi Island, this small, picturesque port offers charming harbor views, a lighthouse, and a lively atmosphere with shops an...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning departures

Catch the best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Aerial view of the north end of Black Rive Landing.

Ierapetra Port and Lighthouse

Best Time

Morning departures

Catch the best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Gateway to the stunning Chrissi Island, this small, picturesque port offers charming harbor views, a lighthouse, and a lively atmosphere with shops and restaurants.

4.8
(8 reviews)

"An absolutely beautiful place to relax and take walks, with a ferry bringing you daily to Chrissi Island."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 Book Ferry in Advance

Secure your Chrissi Island ferry tickets early, especially in summer, to guarantee a spot.

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Harbor

Enjoy a walk around the small, picturesque port and admire the lighthouse.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chrissi Island Ferry

Chrissi Island Ferry

Ierapetra Port

Daily ferries depart for the stunning Chrissi Island, offering a beautiful escape with indoor and outdoor seating.

Lighthouse View

Lighthouse View

Ierapetra Port

Enjoy picturesque views of the small harbor and the iconic lighthouse, a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

Harborfront Promenade

Harborfront Promenade

Ierapetra Port

Wander along the waterfront, soaking in the atmosphere of this charming, albeit touristy, harbor.

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Planning Your Visit

Ferry to Chrissi Island

The port is the main departure point for ferries to Chrissi Island. Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Consider the ferry's amenities and potential for diesel fumes during the ride.

Exploring Ierapetra Town

While the port itself is small, the surrounding streets are charming and tourist-oriented, filled with shops and restaurants. Be prepared for a lively atmosphere, especially during warmer months.

Best Times

When
Morning departures
Why
Catch the best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Enjoy sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Port authority cop
@forcedtoaudit
422.6K likes • 3.8M views

🚢 Book Ferry in Advance

Secure your Chrissi Island ferry tickets early, especially in summer, to guarantee a spot. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Harbor

Enjoy a walk around the small, picturesque port and admire the lighthouse. Reddit

I been at this port for almost 3 years and never seen it empty. It's been 3 days. It's sad that they president doesnt see what he's doing to the American people. If things continue to stay this way it's only gonna get worse for the people. #port #tarrif
@mr.yeah80
37.9K likes • 731.9K views
😨 Are you glad that NYC is getting a new bus terminal? This is the story of the Port Authority Bus Terminal and how it became contentious with New Yorkers. #nyclife #architecture
@urbanistariel
9.9K likes • 130.1K views

👃 Diesel Fumes on Ferry

Be aware of potential diesel smells on the ferry, especially in rougher waters. Reddit

🛍️ Touristy but Charming

Embrace the lively, tourist-focused atmosphere with many shops and restaurants. Reddit

Typo (Past) I know💀 No port authority tonight😭 #newyork #newjersey #train #viral #fyp
@matthewmugo
6.6K likes • 80.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚢 Book Ferry in Advance

Secure your Chrissi Island ferry tickets early, especially in summer, to guarantee a spot. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Harbor

Enjoy a walk around the small, picturesque port and admire the lighthouse. Reddit

👃 Diesel Fumes on Ferry

Be aware of potential diesel smells on the ferry, especially in rougher waters. Reddit

🛍️ Touristy but Charming

Embrace the lively, tourist-focused atmosphere with many shops and restaurants. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(8 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Ierapetra Port is a charming, albeit touristy, small harbor that serves as the main departure point for the stunning Chrissi Island. Visitors appreciate the picturesque views, the lighthouse, and the lively atmosphere with numerous shops and restaurants. The ferry ride to Chrissi Island is a highlight, though some note it can be a bit rough with potential diesel fumes.

"Small little Harbour. Pretty small streets and very toruristic but nice lots of shops and restaurants and a ferry which is bringing you every day to chrissi island. A beautiful island 15km away from the coastline. The ferry’s having an indoor and outdoor area. On top its smells a lot like diesel during the ride but you won’t notice if you watch the beautiful island from the sea view in your back.

Ship ride is even in low wave water a little
Rough compaired tongue boat size."

Nico .S

"An absolutely beautiful place to relax and take walks. Ierapetra, Heraklion Crete"

Angela Morris (Αγγελική)

"Beautiful."

Valdaspi pi

What People Like

Beautiful harbor views
Chrissi Island ferry access
Lively atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be very touristy
Ferry ride can be rough

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ierapetra Port is located in the town of Ierapetra on the south coast of Crete. You can reach Ierapetra by bus from Heraklion or other major towns on the island. The port is centrally located within the town.

Parking can be limited in the immediate vicinity of the port, especially during peak tourist season. It's advisable to look for parking in nearby streets or designated parking areas in Ierapetra town.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Access to the port area itself is generally free. However, you will need to purchase tickets for the ferry to Chrissi Island if you plan to visit. Reddit

Ferry tickets can typically be purchased directly at the port from various ferry operators or sometimes in advance from local travel agencies in Ierapetra. Booking ahead is recommended. Reddit

The port is accessible at all times, but ferry services to Chrissi Island operate on a schedule, usually from morning until late afternoon. Check with individual ferry operators for exact timings.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The port is primarily a departure point for Chrissi Island. You can enjoy a walk along the harbor, admire the lighthouse, and explore the surrounding tourist shops and restaurants. Reddit

The port can get busy, especially when ferries are departing or arriving, and during the peak tourist season. The surrounding streets are also described as 'very touristic'. Reddit

Yes, the area around Ierapetra Port is lined with numerous shops and restaurants catering to tourists. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lighthouse, the boats in the harbor, and the views towards Chrissi Island are popular subjects. The charming streets surrounding the port also offer great photo opportunities.

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunset can also be beautiful over the water.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ierapetra Port is a good starting point for families looking for a day trip to Chrissi Island. The ferry ride, while potentially a bit rough, offers a sense of adventure for children. Once on Chrissi Island, the shallow, clear waters and sandy beaches are ideal for younger ones to play and explore. Ensure you pack plenty of sun protection, snacks, and water, as amenities on Chrissi Island are limited. The port area in Ierapetra itself has shops and restaurants that can cater to family needs before or after your island excursion. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Visiting Ierapetra Port is an accessible option for budget travelers, as walking around the harbor and enjoying the views is free. The main expense will be the ferry to Chrissi Island. While it's a popular excursion, compare prices between different ferry operators at the port to find the best deal. Eating at local tavernas slightly away from the immediate port front might offer more affordable options compared to the prime waterfront restaurants. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ferry to Chrissi Island

The primary draw of Ierapetra Port is its role as the gateway to the stunning Chrissi Island. Ferries depart daily, offering visitors a chance to explore this uninhabited paradise known for its golden beaches and cedar forests. The journey itself can be a bit rough, even in calm waters, due to the size of the boats, and some travelers note the presence of diesel fumes during the ride. However, the breathtaking views of the island as you approach often make it worthwhile. It's highly recommended to book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during the busy summer months, to ensure you get a spot on your desired departure. Reddit

When planning your trip, consider the ferry's amenities, which often include both indoor and outdoor seating. While the ride might be a little bumpy, the opportunity to witness the unique beauty of Chrissi Island, with its crystal-clear waters and distinctive landscape, is a major highlight for many visitors. The ferry experience, while functional, is secondary to the destination it serves. Reddit

Exploring Ierapetra's Harbor Charm

While the port itself is relatively small, the surrounding area of Ierapetra offers a delightful experience for visitors. The streets are described as 'pretty small' and 'very touristic,' bustling with a variety of shops and restaurants. This creates a lively atmosphere, perfect for an evening stroll or a leisurely afternoon. The Ierapetra Lighthouse stands as a picturesque landmark within the harbor, offering a classic seaside photo opportunity. Travelers often find it a 'beautiful place to relax and take walks,' enjoying the coastal ambiance. Reddit

Despite its tourist-focused nature, the harbor retains a certain charm. The combination of the sea breeze, the colorful boats bobbing in the water, and the array of local eateries and souvenir shops makes it an engaging place to spend time. It’s a spot where you can easily lose track of time, soaking in the Mediterranean vibe and enjoying the simple pleasures of a coastal town. Reddit

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