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Excursions
In east  Crete, the famous palm beach of Vai (22 kms) is worth a visit, and so are the ruins of Itanos (22 kms), the Minoan palace of Roussolakos (18 kms), and the village of Kato Zakros (41 kms) with it's bay and it's Minoan excavation site.
A mountain road runs from Sitia to Makrigialos (35 kms) and to the beaches on the south coast, and further on to Ierapetra (59 kms) with it's picturesque Venetian fortress.
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Ierapetra
is Europe's southernmost town, and also the biggest town of the governmental district of Lassithi which obtains it's name from the high plateau in the district's west, and includes the district capital of Aghios Nicolaos and the port town of Sitia in the East of the north coast as well.
Kato Mera, the Old Town of Ierapetra, is of typical Mediterranean flair and has many small shops and workshops where hand-made souvenirs of many kind are on offer.
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The church of St. George is worth a visit, and so is the very well preserved Venetian fortress which watches over the entrance of the small fishing port and marina.
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Since some years there is a beautifully designed promenade by the port of Ierapetra and along the coastal road which runs between the Old Town and the small beach.
Some of the restaurants along that road have roofed pergolas on the promenade.
During the season one can watch the waiters carrying full trays from the restaurants across the road to the pergolas (and empty trays back to the restaurants as well).
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Road distance: 59 kms *)
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Aghios Nicolaos
is the capital of the governmental district of Lassithi which obtains it's name from the high plateau in the district's west, and also includes the two townships of Ierapetra on the south coast and Sitia in the East of the north coast.
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The town center is located on a small peninsula which spreads eastward into the Mirambelou bay. By the southern edge there is a small fishing port and marina.
The true port of Aghios Nicolaos is however located by the peninsula's northern edge. From here, ferry boats travel to Piraeus, Rhodes, Iraklion and Sitia several times per week.
The excursion boats which head towards the former lepers' island of Spinalonga several times per day moor here as well.
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Voulismeni lake which is a small sweetwater lake is located at the side behind the port, and connected to the harbour basin via a channel. It is used as a berth for many small fishing boats.
Around the port and the lake, numerous restaurants, tavernas, kafenions and souvenir shops line up.
Inside the town there are several smaller hotels and apartment houses with a rather private atmosphere.
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Road distance: 71 kms *)
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*) Shortest road distance from Petras
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