Ierapetra is the sunniest town, not only in Crete but in the whole of Europe, with an average of 3101 hours of sunshine per year! In Ierapetra, you can find some of the longest, cleanest, and most amazing beaches of southern Crete, including a tropical paradise amongst them; the famous Chrissi island! "Meltemi", a north wind blowing from the Aegean and creating big waves on the north side of Crete, keeps the sea in Ierapetra calm, crystal-clear, and safe throughout the year! With the local economy being based on agriculture, Ierapetra retains an authenticity on the Cretan way of life, with the local cuisine featuring as a trademark! Some of the reasons that make Ierapetra a much-loved vacation destination among the Cretans themselves. Ierapetra combines both sea and mountain landscapes, in a truly unique way! In a glimpse of an eye, you can leave a sunny beach and find yourself in a 2100-m mountain peak, walking through the Selakano forest, or hiking in one of the many gorges of the area!