10:00

Kales Fortress

Start at the Venetian fortress at the mouth of the port, reachable on foot from the center. Allow about 45 minutes for the walls and sea views; access to the outer area is generally free, while any interior openings may vary.

Bring water and a hat: shade is limited.

11:00

Walk through Ierapetra Old Town

Continue on foot through the streets of Kato Mera, the oldest part of the city, taking in the low houses, courtyards, and architectural details. Allow about an hour at a relaxed pace; the walk is free and works well with a short coffee break, around €2–5.

The narrow lanes are partly uneven: wear comfortable shoes.

12:15

Napoleon's House

Head to the small house traditionally linked to Napoleon’s stop during the Egyptian campaign. The visit is brief, about 15–25 minutes, and often mainly involves viewing the building from the outside; check on site whether entry is possible.

Do not assume that the interior is open to the public.

13:00

Lunch in Kato Mera

Stop at a tavern in the old town to sample Cretan dishes, seasonal vegetables, and fish when available. Allow about 60–75 minutes and an estimated cost of €15–25 per person, drinks not included.

Ask for the catch of the day and check whether the price is per kilo.

14:30

Archaeological Collection of Ierapetra

Spend about an hour at the archaeological collection, which offers an introduction to the history of the area through finds from the Ierapetra region. The ticket, if required, is generally modest: expect around €2–6, but check prices and opening hours before you go.

Local museums may have weekly closures or reduced hours.

16:00

Ierapetra Port and seaside walk

Head back toward the port with a walk of about 10–15 minutes and watch the movement of fishing boats and the boats to Chrissi. The port is also a useful place to check the pier and the indications for the next day’s excursion; the walk is free.

Confirm the boarding time for Chrissi here or with the operator.

19:30

Dinner on the seafront

End the day with dinner in a taverna near the port or along the seafront, with no need to travel by car. For a full meal, expect around €18–30 per person, depending on your choice of fish, wine, and appetizers.

In high season, booking ahead can help you avoid waiting.

08:00

Breakfast and preparations in town

Have breakfast near the port and get water, sunscreen, a hat, and a light lunch ready. A simple breakfast costs about €5–10; also bring any motion sickness medication with you.

Reduce packaging and take all your rubbish with you.

08:45

Boarding at Ierapetra Port

Arrive at the pier early, following the operator’s instructions, for ticket check and boarding. Sailings and times vary depending on the season and sea conditions; the approximate boat fare is around €25–40 per person, to be confirmed at the time of booking.

Ask specifically whether the excursion includes disembarkation or only sailing and swimming stops.

10:00

Sailing to Chrissi Island

The crossing usually takes about 45–60 minutes, but this can change depending on the type of boat and the sea. Along the way, admire the southern coast of Crete and follow the crew’s instructions on the areas that can be visited and any restricted zones.

The timings are indicative: the operator’s published schedule takes precedence.

11:00

Chrissi Island and surrounding waters

The island is known for its turquoise sea, pale beaches, and fragile natural environment. Plan the stop only in the ways allowed that day: access ashore, time on the beaches, and swimming may be restricted by conservation orders or by the boat’s schedule.

Do not collect shells, do not cross any barriers, and do not assume you will be able to disembark.

13:00

Lunch on board or a planned break

Many excursions include a break on the boat or a swimming stop, but lunch may not be included. Bring food and water purchased before departure, with an estimated cost of €8–15, and follow the crew’s instructions.

Check in advance whether water or snacks are available on board.

16:00

Return to Ierapetra

Return is usually in the afternoon, but it may be brought forward or delayed due to weather and operating conditions. Once at the port, take a break and keep the rest of the day free of tight commitments.

Keep some evening flexibility if you have transfers or reservations.

19:30

Relaxed dinner in Ierapetra

Stay in town for a simple dinner and to recover after sailing. Expect to spend about €15–25 per person for an informal meal; a stroll along the seafront before or after dinner is free.

If the sea is rough, a light dinner may feel more comfortable.

09:00

Departure for Koutsounari

Pick up a rental car or arrange a transfer: Koutsounari is about 10–12 km east of Ierapetra, and the journey usually takes 15–20 minutes. For a daily rental, budget around €35–65, plus fuel, with seasonal variations.

With public transport, schedules can be infrequent: check them the day before.

09:30

Koutsounari Long Beach

Spend the morning on the long pebbly beach with dark sand, choosing either a free stretch or an organized beach club. Access to the beach is free; sun loungers and an umbrella can cost roughly €10–20 for two people, depending on the season and the venue.

Water shoes are useful, and the sea can be windy.

11:30

Trail to Milona Waterfall

Drive to the waterfall access area and continue on foot along the trail, allowing around 45–90 minutes in total for the round trip and a stop. The route and water flow depend on the season; access is normally free, but the terrain and conditions should be assessed on site.

Avoid visiting after heavy rain and wear shoes with good grip.

13:30

Lunch in the Ferma area

Stop at a taverna along the coast, between Ferma and Koutsounari, for lunch without straying from the route. Plan on €15–25 per person and about an hour, then continue east.

In the low season, some places may be closed or have reduced hours.

15:00

Kapsa Monastery

Continue by car to Kapsa Monastery, perched on the coastal slope and overlooking the sea. Set aside 30–45 minutes to visit the accessible areas and enjoy the view; there is normally no admission fee, but opening hours and access may depend on religious services.

Wear respectful clothing and check for any entry restrictions.

16:15

Stroll at Makrigialos Port

Reach Makrigialos in just a few minutes by car and wander around the harbor and seafront area, among boats, cafés, and views of the coast. The visit is free; a coffee or drink break costs roughly €3–7.

The harbor is a pleasant stop, but don’t confuse it with a guaranteed connection to Chrissi.

17:15

Return to Ierapetra

Allow about 40–50 minutes of driving to get back, depending on traffic and your starting point. Refuel the car before returning it and leave time for a photo stop along the way.

Don’t make the return trip after dark if you’re not familiar with the coastal road.