Palekastro is a picturesque town situated on the eastern coast of Crete that has retained its unique character despite its growth. The town’s economy is primarily based on agriculture and tourism, and visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the town’s square, which is lined with cafes and taverns. The square is the hub of activity in the town, and visitors can spend hours observing the hustle and bustle of daily life. During the summer months, weddings are a frequent occurrence in the village, and the grand wedding feast takes place in the square, to which everyone is invited. This is an excellent opportunity to experience Cretan dancing and immerse oneself in the local culture. In addition to its lively ambiance, Palekastro is also home to an ancient castle, which lends the town its name. Visitors can explore the castle and learn about the town’s rich history and heritage. Overall, Palekastro is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the authentic charm of Crete’s eastern coast.
Things to do in Palekastro
Things to do in Palekastro sit within 6 km of the square: 4 beaches, a Minoan town and two gorges. The town itself is the base for them, with the cafes and taverns on the square and the castle that gave the place its name. The list runs outwards from the square.
- Windsurf at Kouremenos, a beach 1 km east of Palekastro and 21 km east of Sitia, and it is the longest in the region at over 1.5 km, framed by Cape Tenta to the north and Cape Plaka to the south. Fine brown sand, shallow turquoise water and tamarisk trees run along it, with umbrellas, showers and beach bars in places. The constant strong wind is what draws windsurfers, as Kouremenos beach sets out.
- See the Minoan town at Roussolakos. The site sits 1.9 km from the square and is listed as Roussolakos Minoan Town.
- Swim at Hiona. Chiona is 2 km east of Palekastro and 18 km east of Sitia, a small sandy beach of white sand and clear shallow blue water. The name means “carob storehouse” in the local Cretan dialect, after the stores built near Cretan beaches to move carobs by ship in the days before roads, and the area traded in carobs for generations. Local fish taverns sit beside it, and the beach is covered on Hiona beach.
- Drive down to Skinias, where three small coves lie 4 km from the town at the end of the Katsara gorge, 20 km east of Sitia, in one of the remotest corners of eastern Crete. There is no shade and there are no amenities, so take water and an umbrella. A rough dirt road leads to the central sandy beach, and drivers of standard cars have to stop short of it, as Skinias beaches explains.
- Walk one of the two gorges. The Toplou Gorge, 5.7 km away by the Toplou monastery, is two ravines that join just before the sea, and it holds a colony of Cretan date palms and freshwater ponds that surface near the shore. The Chochlakies Gorge, 5.8 km away and also called Karoumes, runs 3.5 km from a restored watermill in Chochlakies village down to Karoumes beach, takes about an hour and a half, and forms part of the E4 footpath.
- Carry on to Psili Ammos. The beach is 6 km from Palekastro and 25 km east of Sitia, next to the Vai palm beach and reached on foot over the eastern hill from it. Fine sand and clear turquoise-green water fill a narrow strip that is often deserted, and naturists use it. No large trees grow there, so bring an umbrella, as Psili Ammos beach notes.
Eating and drinking centres on the square and the beaches east of it. In the town are Elena “Mama” Cuisine, Mythos, “Retro” Family Tavern and Knossos Restaurant and Rooms. Towards Kouremenos, 1.6 km to 1.8 km out, sit Surf Beach Snack Bar and Glaros Beach Bar, and Fotis Seaside is 2 km from the square.
Palaikastro town Map
Uncover Palaikastro town is located at Palaikastro town, in the Lassithi region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Palekastro located?
Palekastro is located on the east coast of Crete, 20 km away from Sitia.
What is the main source of income in Palekastro?
The main sources of income in Palekastro are agriculture and tourism.
Does Palekastro retain its character and charm despite its growth?
Yes, Palekastro manages to retain its character and charm despite its growth.
What is the center of activities in Palekastro?
The town's square is the center of activities in Palekastro.
What can be found in the town's square?
The town's square is lined with cafes and taverns.
Can visitors try their hand at Cretan dancing in Palekastro?
Yes, visitors can try their hand at Cretan dancing in Palekastro during the wedding feasts.
What is the average temperature in Palaikastro town?
The average temperature in Palaikastro town ranges from 15°C to 30°C, depending on the season.
Which is the nearest airport to Palaikastro town?
The nearest airport to Palaikastro town is Sitia Airport, which is approximately 20 km away.
What are the popular attractions in Palaikastro town?
Palaikastro town is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Kouremenos Beach and Chiona Beach. Other popular attractions include the Minoan settlement of Roussolakkos and the Monastery of Toplou.
Is Palaikastro town a good place to visit for a beach holiday?
Yes, Palaikastro town is a great place to visit for a beach holiday. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, with crystal clear waters and golden sand.
What is the best time to visit Palaikastro town?
The best time to visit Palaikastro town is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea is perfect for swimming.
