Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Sitia Old Port studio – 3min walk to beach – AC – WIFI is set in Sitia. The Vai Palm Forest is within 24 km of the apartment.
With free WiFi, this apartment offers a TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with a fridge and stovetop. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
Sitia Beach is 300 metres from the apartment, while Karabopetra Beach is 2.3 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 1 km from Sitia Old Port studio – 3min walk to beach – AC – WIFI.
Kazantzaki 2
Find below list of things to do near Sitia Old Port studio – 3min walk to beach – AC – WIFI:
This road trip crosses Crete to its far eastern corner for two stops: the quiet bays at Erimoupoli, where the Minoan city of Itanos sits between the beaches, and Vai, the largest natural date palm forest in Europe. Cretan Odyssey run it over 11 hours from €50, with a 4.48 rating across 76 reviews. Be clear about the shape of the day before you book: roughly six hours of it are spent on the coach.
The day is a long drive bracketing two beach stops. Four stages make it up.
First is the morning pick-up round, which collects passengers from hotels along the north coast. Second is the drive east, two and a half to three hours to the corner of the island. Third is Erimoupoli and Itanos, 1 hour 45 minutes at three quiet bays reached by short footpaths, with the ancient Minoan settlement of Itanos standing between them and unusual rock formations along the shore. Fourth, five minutes up the road, is Vai: 2 hours 30 minutes at the palm beach, then the return drive of two and a half to three hours.
Vai is the headline, and it deserves to be. The palm forest is a genuine wild colony of Cretan date palms rather than a planted one, the only stand of its size in Europe, and it runs right down to a wide sandy bay.
The route runs from the Heraklion coast to the eastern tip of the island.
The €50 covers the coach, the driver and the guide. Everything on the sand is extra.
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We recommend this trip for the destination, and we want to be straight about the cost of reaching it. Vai and the Erimoupoli bays are the far end of Crete, this is the longest day trip we list from the Heraklion side, and the arithmetic is roughly six hours of coach for four and a quarter hours on the ground.
What makes that trade worth it for some people is that the driving is genuinely hard to do yourself. A Romanian reviewer called it the best way to see East Crete without the stress of driving for that long, and a Greek visitor who just wanted a beach day on their day off said it was absolutely worth the drive. If you are without a car, there is no easy alternative.
The guiding is the strongest part of the product, scoring 4.7 out of 5. A French guest praised the live guide’s explanations twice over, and a German reviewer called the guide excellent. Several reviewers also note that the drive itself has views worth looking up for.
The pairing of the two stops is smart. Erimoupoli is quiet and archaeological; Vai is the famous one with facilities. A German reviewer called the first pristine beach world class, which is not the stop most people book for.
Three honest caveats, and they recur.
The pick-up round is long before the journey even starts. A French guest rated the day three stars specifically for this, reporting three hours spent collecting passengers from hotels along the route and describing it as tiring. Another French reviewer noted the long journey from Sissi. Where you are staying materially changes how long your day is.
Value for money is the weakest score at 4.2 out of 5. A German reviewer who otherwise rated it five stars said plainly that the price was not justified.
Beach time is tight for the distance travelled. The same French guest who liked the guiding rated it four stars because swimming time was too short. Two and a half hours at Vai is enough for a swim and lunch, not for a lazy afternoon.
Check your pick-up time, budget for sunbeds, and eat at Vai rather than Erimoupoli.
Pick-up and drop-off are included from hotels on the north coast; the drive runs two and a half to three hours each way and the return time varies with traffic and the drop-off order.
Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, water and food. Neither stop includes sunbeds or catering in the ticket.
The day runs 11 hours, of which roughly six are spent travelling and four and a quarter are on the ground at the two stops.
Two hours 30 minutes at Vai, plus 1 hour 45 minutes earlier at the Erimoupoli bays.
Vai has the largest natural date palm forest in Europe, a wild colony rather than a planted one, growing down to a sandy bay.
No, sunbeds and umbrellas are extra, though they are available to rent at Vai.
Itanos is an ancient Minoan settlement standing between the three Erimoupoli bays, reached on foot from the beaches.
No food or drink is included. Vai has a restaurant by the bay; the Erimoupoli stop has no facilities at all.
Check dates and prices for the Vai palm forest and Itanos day trip.
This guided hike walks the 7 kilometres of Richtis gorge in eastern Crete, following the river past old water mills to a 20-metre waterfall. Richtis gorge forms part of the Sitia Geopark, and the route stays green and largely shaded through the Cretan summer, unusual for a gorge on this island. Experiences Crete runs it over 7.5 hours including transfers, from €95, and it holds a 4.91 rating across 51 reviews with a perfect 5.0 for guiding.
The walk follows the riverbed downstream through the gorge, rising and falling gently rather than climbing, and ends near the coast. Four things define the route.
First is the water. A small river runs the length of the gorge, feeding ponds and small falls along the way before the 20-metre main waterfall. Second are the crossings, wooden bridges span the stream repeatedly, which is what keeps the route walkable rather than a scramble. Third are the old stone water mills, left where the river once powered them. Fourth is the flora and fauna, with endemic plants the guides point out as you go.
The terrain is flat and rocky, and the operator rates the activity level as easy. Children from 5 years old can take part.
The hike takes place in one gorge in the far east of the island.
The €95 covers the guide, the transfers and the practicalities, leaving only the gorge entry ticket.
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We recommend this hike as the best first gorge in Crete, and we mean that specifically. Samaria is 16 kilometres and a serious day; Richtis is 7 kilometres on flat rocky ground with bridges over the water. It gives you the gorge experience, the walls closing in, the river, the shade, the waterfall at the end, without the commitment, and reviewers say exactly that, calling it an excellent introduction to walking in Crete’s gorges and perfect for beginners.
The guiding is the strongest thing here, and the numbers back it. A 5.0 out of 5 dimension score for guiding is rare, and the reviews explain it: the guide, Giorgos, is named again and again by walkers from the UK, Germany and the US, praised for pointing out wildlife and plants that nobody would notice alone, for answering questions properly, and for setting a pace that suits the group.
Group sizes are genuinely small. Several reviewers describe being one of two or three people on the walk with the guide, which is not what €95 usually buys.
The shade matters more than it sounds. One reviewer noted the route is largely in shade, and in a Cretan July that single fact decides whether a hike is pleasant or punishing.
Two things to weigh.
Value is the weakest dimension at 4.7 out of 5, still high, but the lowest of the three. At €95 plus the €5 gorge ticket this is not a cheap day, and what you are paying for is transfer, a private-feeling group and expert guiding rather than distance covered.
Some flexibility helps. One reviewer who otherwise rated it five stars noted that a degree of flexibility is advisable for parts of the walk. The grade is easy, not effortless, and the terrain is rock rather than path in places.
Wear real shoes, send your details ahead, and carry more water than the bottle provided.
Pick-up, transfer and drop-off are included, and the day runs 7.5 hours in total. The operator needs the full name and date of birth of every participant after booking.
Bring sunglasses, a hat, hiking shoes and water. The hike suits anyone in normal health and fitness, and children from 5 years old can take part.
The hike covers about 7 kilometres, within a 7.5-hour day that includes the transfers from your hotel.
The operator rates it easy, on flat and rocky terrain with wooden bridges over the river, and reviewers describe it as suitable for inexperienced hikers.
The main waterfall drops 20 metres, with smaller falls and ponds along the river before it.
Children from 5 years old can take part, and the flat terrain and short distance make it one of the more family-manageable gorges in Crete.
The €5 gorge ticket is not included and applies from age 15, so carry cash for it.
Much of the route is shaded, which reviewers single out as the reason it works well in Cretan summer heat.
Check dates and prices for the Richtis gorge and waterfall guided hike.
Find below list of beaches near Sitia Old Port studio – 3min walk to beach – AC – WIFI:
Situated 64km east of Agios Nikolaos, Sitia is the furthest city to the east on the island of Crete. In the broader region of the Sitia province, there are numerous petite beaches that offer a delightful combination of sun and sea. For those who enjoy staying near the urban area, the city’s long beach is an attractive option. Situated to the east of the city, Sitia beach stretches from the port all the way to the Petras area. The beach, largely composed of sand with some pebbles scattered here and there, has shallow waters. It is well-equipped with amenities such as umbrellas, showers, lifeguards, beach/water sports, and beach bars. However, quiet spots can be found along its extensive shoreline, particularly towards the east. The east side also accommodates campervans and is dotted with a few trees.
Beyond the Petras area to the east, you can explore the ruins of an ancient city at Trypitos Cape, alleged to be Itia, the hometown of the Wise Myson. Moreover, archaeologists have discovered remnants from various phases of the Minoan era in Petras. West of Trypitos’s archaeological site, another small beach named Karavopetra is located. This name translates to “Ship Stone”, inspired by the sea boulder where ships would traditionally anchor.
In the expansive, uninhabited wilderness between Platani and Sitia airport, the landscape is dominated by sparse vegetation and rugged, sharp rocks. This region, known as Melissokipi or ‘Bee Gardens’, is devoid of roads. It is intersected by numerous deep streams that flow into the sea during the winter season. One such stream, the Vathys Potamos or ‘Deep River’, gives way to a small sandy beach. However, the beach is often adversely affected by frequent winds and waves that bring trash ashore. The region is also referred to as Spilia, which translates to ‘cave’, owing to the presence of one of Crete’s largest caves near the beach. This cavern is so sizable that it can comfortably accommodate a large vessel.
Platani, situated 7km to the west of Sitia and 60km east of Agios Nikolaos on Crete island, can be reached by taking the road to Faneromeni Monastery, which starts near the village of Skopi. Around 2km after Skopi, just before reaching the monastery, you’ll discover two adjacent small pebbly beaches with crystal clear waters.
The first beach, known as Agii Pantes, is nestled at the exit of the verdant Agii Pantes gorge, which can be accessed easily by a hiking trail. Limestone formations near the beach, resembling Pleurotus mushrooms, are a sight to behold. The gorge houses two freshwater springs, Koutsounari and Hosto Nero, the latter located inside a cave. During winter, Agii Pantes beach floods and transforms into a significant wetland.
The second beach, Platani, is formed at the exit of another lush canyon that runs parallel to Agii Pantes. The canyon starts from Faneromeni Monastery. The beach is named Platani, which translates to platan tree in Greek, after the platan trees that line the beach. A spring with fresh water is located next to the beach. This undeveloped area is perfect for peaceful solitude and calm swimming. To the west of Cape Trahilos lies Papadiokambos, a spot renowned for windsurfing.
While you’re in the area, it’s worth paying a visit to the Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni, located adjacent to the Platani gorge. The monastery, likely built in the 14th century and renovated in 1624, houses paintings dated to 1455. These were blackened by the destructive raids of the pirate Barbarossa in 1538 and by the Turks in 1829. The monastery’s name, Faneromeni, which means ‘Revealed’, is derived from the image of the Virgin Mary that reportedly “appeared” in a small cave next to the church. Today, the monastery is uninhabited.
The sea around Papadiokambos is frequently choppy, which makes the eastern side of the Trahili peninsula, just east of the settlement, an ideal alternative for swimming. The stubby cape shields against the waves, resulting in tranquil, azure-blue waters. Initially, it may seem as though there is only a rocky shoreline without a beach. However, there’s a hidden, modest beach, accessible by a dirt road, named Gaidaros (meaning Donkey), as seen on the map. Gaidaros is the sole natural beach in the extensive region between Kalavros and Sitia town that boasts consistently calm waters.
Find below list of gorges near Sitia Old Port studio – 3min walk to beach – AC – WIFI:
The Agii Pantes Gorge, situated adjacent to Skopi in the Sitia province and close to the Faneromeni Monastery, is one of the most accessible walking locations in Crete. The well-marked trail follows the Skafidaras river bed, offering a shaded walkway courtesy of the numerous platan trees. Within the canyon, there are two freshwater springs, Koutsounari and Hosto Nero, the latter of which is nestled within a cave. The gorge’s exit leads to Limni beach (by Platani).
In the winter months, the area that becomes flooded transforms into a significant wetland. Near the gorge’s exit, you can marvel at the white limestone formations that resemble large Pleurotus mushrooms. The Agii Pantes (All Saints) church, located near the gorge’s exit, gives the gorge its name.
The Chalkomatas, also known as Charkomatas Gorge, is situated close to the village of Chamezi in the province of Sitia. The gorge begins where a dirt road ascends towards the Prophet Elijah temple and Liopetro fortress. The vegetation in the gorge is sparse, but the limestone geological formations are striking. The path along the usually dry riverbed is mostly smooth and relatively easy to navigate.
Approximately halfway along the route, elevated 60m above the riverbed, lies the Geloudospilios cave. Its name derives from the Geloudes, demonic entities that take the form of women and are said to drain the life from newborns by drinking their blood.
A three-hour trek through the gorge leads to the stunning Roussa Limni beach. The beach is located below the Chalkomatas cave, where, as per local folklore, pirates once concealed their valuable loot. There are rumors that locals even detonated the cave in their quest for gold. Alternatively, Roussa Limni can be accessed via a road from the nearby Papadiokambos beach, which is just a short walk away.
The Cretan countryside hides a remarkable secret – a petite gorge near the Toplou monastery, which is essentially a combination of two ravines that unite just before they meet the sea.
Despite its modest size, it harbors two significant marvels. The first is a quaint colony of Cretan date palm trees (Theophrastus palm trees). The second is a series of freshwater ponds that appear at the end of the gorge, near the sea. These springs are an extraordinary sight, especially considering the typically hot and arid climate of East Crete.
The Richtis Gorge, situated in the Lasithi Prefecture on Crete’s northern side, lies between the cities of Agios Nikolaos and Sitia. The trail begins just outside Exo Mouliana village and concludes at Richtis beach, to the east of Kalavros village. The entire route spans roughly 3 kilometres, with an elevation difference of around 350 meters between the starting point and the beach. Even in the summer months, the gorge retains a plentiful water supply, utilized for local agriculture. The water in the gorge is collected from the Drymias peak (918m) of the Orno range via the Lachanas and Mesa Mouliana streams, which converge near the trail’s starting point.
Depending on the hiker’s speed, the journey to the beach takes approximately three to four hours. The trail commences from the 19th-century stone-arched Lachanas bridge, a historic site where Christians reportedly killed local Turks attempting to reach Sitia and board a ship to Turkey during the population exchange between Greece and Turkey.
The path continues through a verdant landscape along the river, set against the stunning backdrop of Eastern Crete. The air is filled with the aroma of platans, oleander, and sage, and the scent of fresh herbs constantly shifts. Another notable feature is the old water mills that hikers encounter along the path, a testament to the past.
The crowning glory of the gorge is the breathtaking Richtis waterfall, which stands over 20 meters tall and forms a small pond at its base (the term “richtis” translates to “waterfall” in the Cretan dialect). The waterfall maintains its water flow even in the summer, providing a wonderful spot for a revitalizing dip. The trail concludes at the gorgeous pebbly Richtis beach, which features a small park with tamarisk trees, stone seats and tables, and a water fountain offering drinkable water.
Warning: To protect the delicate stream flora and fauna, please refrain from using sunscreen protection when swimming in rivers.
Tip: Many visitors choose to park their car on the main road at Exo Mouliana and walk down the paved road to the Lahanas bridge. By driving and parking next to the Lahanas bridge, you can save around 30 minutes of walking time. From there, it takes about 1.5-2 hours to reach the waterfall. For those less mobile or with young children, the quickest way to reach the waterfall is to drive along the narrow paved road to Richtis beach and walk for around 30 minutes in the opposite direction of the river.
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