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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Catch the best light for photos

Ierapetra Port and Lighthouse
Best Time
Catch the best light for photos

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

🚢 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

Harborfront Promenade
Ierapetra Port
Wander along the waterfront, soaking in the atmosphere of this charming, albeit touristy, harbor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry to Chrissi Island
Exploring Ierapetra Town
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 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.
👃 Diesel Fumes on Ferry
Be aware of potential diesel smells on the ferry, especially in rougher waters.
🛍️ Touristy but Charming
Embrace the lively, tourist-focused atmosphere with many shops and restaurants.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 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.
👃 Diesel Fumes on Ferry
Be aware of potential diesel smells on the ferry, especially in rougher waters.
🛍️ Touristy but Charming
Embrace the lively, tourist-focused atmosphere with many shops and restaurants.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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'.
Yes, the area around Ierapetra Port is lined with numerous shops and restaurants catering to tourists.
📸 📸 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
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ferry to Chrissi Island
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.
Exploring Ierapetra's Harbor Charm
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.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit