Municipality of Ierapetra

Ierapetra Municipality covers the southeastern coast of Crete and includes the main port town along with several smaller settlements spread across the shoreline. The area is defined by a mix of beaches, agricultural land, and the transition between mountains and sea.

The area was known in ancient times as Hierapytna, a significant trading center before passing through various periods of rule. The introduction of greenhouse farming around the mid-20th century transformed the local economy and made the region a major production area.

The port town of Ierapetra sits at the heart of the municipality and reflects its connection to the sea, with narrow streets where locals go about daily life alongside fishing boats and traditional tavernas. This setting shows how maritime and agricultural worlds meet in everyday rhythms.

The area is connected to other parts of Crete through a network of roads, with the nearest airport located in the nearby city of Sitia for international travel. The port of Ierapetra also offers a connection for travelers arriving by sea.

The region is Greece's largest center for greenhouse farming and produces vegetables year-round that are distributed to markets across the country. This concentration of greenhouses is made possible by the warm climate and extended growing seasons that allow production when European markets have less supply.