Full Description & Details
The Marina of Ierapetra is a small working harbour on the south coast of Crete, at the edge of the town of Ierapetra in the Lasithi regional unit. The harbour sits below the old Venetian Kales fortress, and the town's historic quarter preserves narrow streets from Venetian and Ottoman times. This is a functional port rather than a dedicated yacht facility, used mainly by local fishing boats and excursion vessels, with little to offer yachts except an overnight berth on passage or a refuge in unsettled weather.
Depths throughout the harbour range from 2.5 to 3.5 metres, and the holding is adequate for an overnight stop. Local boats and tripper boats fill most of the quay space, so rafting up is often necessary. Mooring options include anchoring, stern to dock, and alongside. The harbour is exposed to winds from the north, and the quay immediately outside the entrance is considered untenable in such conditions. Overnight stays are permitted.
Facilities at the quay include electricity, water, showers, toilets, fuel, and Wi-Fi, according to the marina listing. The port also provides basic repair facilities and a small shipyard, and fuel stations are available for recreational vessels. Waste collection, including garbage and bilge water, is offered. The harbour office has no published opening hours, and the marina is wheelchair accessible, though the toilets are not.
Approach on a course of 000 degrees, staying close to the breakwater to avoid shallows to the east of the harbour. There is a shallow sandy patch immediately inside the breakwater on the port side that needs a good clearance. Depths in the entrance are 2.5 to 3.5 metres, but they shoal toward the castle on starboard, so keep to port after clearing the sandy patch. Contact the Coast Guard on VHF channel 12. The port is well connected by road to the rest of Crete, with the town's restaurants, shops, and accommodation close at hand.
How to get there
Approach the harbour on a course of 000 degrees, staying close to the breakwater to avoid the shallows to the east. A shallow sandy patch lies immediately inside the breakwater on the port side and should be given a good clearance. Depths in the entrance are 2.5 to 3.5 metres, shoaling toward the castle on starboard; after clearing the sandy patch, keep to port.
Contact the Coast Guard on VHF channel 12. In settled weather, an alternative is to lie alongside the quay to port immediately outside the entrance, where depths are 2 to 3 metres, with the deeper water at the inner end. Beware rock ballasting in places.
The port is well connected by road to the rest of Crete, and the town's amenities, including restaurants, shops, and accommodation, are within easy reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the depth and draft limit at the Marina of Ierapetra?
Depths throughout the Marina of Ierapetra range from 2.5 to 3.5 metres, suitable for smaller to mid-sized vessels.
Can I stay overnight at the Marina of Ierapetra?
Yes, overnight stays are permitted at the Marina of Ierapetra, though rafting up is often necessary because local boats fill most of the quay space.
What facilities are available at the Marina of Ierapetra?
The Marina of Ierapetra offers electricity, water, showers, toilets, fuel, and Wi-Fi at the quay, plus basic repair facilities and waste collection.
What VHF channel should I use to contact the Marina of Ierapetra?
Contact the Coast Guard at the Marina of Ierapetra on VHF channel 12.
Is the Marina of Ierapetra protected from the wind?
The Marina of Ierapetra is exposed to winds from the north, and the quay outside the entrance is considered untenable in such conditions.
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