“Peristeras” German Naval Base

Ierapetra, a key strategic point, was an ideal location for the establishment of the German Naval Base, thanks to which the Germans could supervise and control sea traffic in the South Cretan Sea. Moreover, the Germans' fear of a possible invasion of the Allies from Africa to the south of the island prompted them to reinforce the fortifications of Ierapetra, which became one of the main defence strongholds of Crete. To this day, at Peristeras,visitors can spot concrete German gun bunkers and machine gun bases aimed towards the sea. Even smaller structures are scattered around, intact or destroyed, that served as Italian outposts or auxiliary buildings. It is worth noting that the German conquerors, before starting their hasty withdrawal from the island after their capitulation, tried to blow up their bases so that they would not fall into the hands of the Allies. Therefore, the remains of Ierapetra are proof that some explosive devices could not be detonated and, thus, these fortifications were not blown up.