Agios Stefanos of Ierapetra: a mountain village that is rapidly reviving

Thirty kilometers east of Ierapetra and less than 6 km from the tourist Makry Gialos, is the picturesque village of Agios Stefanos, built on a hill, at an altitude of 453 meters.

Its privileged location offers a unique view of the Libyan Sea while the landmark is the impressive holy church of Agios Stefanos, with its unique architecture, interior and exterior decoration.

As you wander through the winding cobbled streets, you will come across Kimeri, the village's spring with its characteristic arch, where women used to wash their clothes, and Fortezza, a now ruined Venetian fortress destroyed by the raids of the infamous Barbarossa.

The village bustles with life especially in the summer months with many visitors who end up falling in love with it and staying permanently, like Philip from Belgium who has set up his own observatory there for everyone to enjoy the starry sky.

Source and photos: Municipality of Ierapetra