Ierapetra, the capital town of the district by the same name, is a lovely town of south- eastern Crete that combines a brilliant past with a present of economic growth and extension. Ierapetra that during the Roman Age used to be an important commercial port today is a tourist destination characterised by really mild climate and sandy beaches lined with trees. It is a centre for winter tourism because the temperature seldom falls below 120 centigrade, and the mean annual temperature is 200 centigrade; also it has the most hours of sunshine and lowest rainfall in all of Greece.
Practically all the beaches of Ierapetra, from east to west, within a distance of 4 miles are suitable for swimming. In the town there are two organized beaches, with umbrellas, sun-chairs, bars, water sports etc. One is located east of the town and the other near the port, in front of the old town. The surrounding countryside is covered with olive groves and vineyards. The town is overlooked by a harsh looking castle that was built by the Genoans during the 13th century and then strengthened by the Venetian first and then by the Turks. Like many places in Greece the eventful history is evident in the architecture, where the Venetians traces go hand in hand with the oriental ones. In Ierapetra the oriental heritage is in the Turkish mosque complete with minaret and the ablutions fountain.