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Situated on the easternmost point of Crete, the charming coastal town of Sitia is a popular tourist destination known for its tranquil Mediterranean port and picturesque scenery. The town is located in a semicircle on the western side of the Bay of Sitia and serves as the capital of the county with the same name. It is approximately 69 km east of Agios Nikolaos and offers a serene atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Apart from its natural beauty, Sitia is also home to several historical and cultural landmarks that are worth exploring. One of the most notable attractions is the Venetian fortress which overlooks the town and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The Archaeological Museum of Sitia is another popular destination that houses a collection of artefacts from the Minoan and Roman periods.
For those looking to relax and soak up the sun, Sitia’s beaches are a must-visit destination. The town’s beaches are known for their crystal-clear waters and soft sand, making them perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and other water activities.
Overall, Sitia is a perfect destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and history of Crete. With its stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and serene atmosphere, Sitia is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Crete.
In the charming town of Sitia in Crete, a variety of delightful accommodations await. From cosy hotels to rooms and apartments for rent, there’s a perfect spot for every traveller. Choose a stay right in the heart of the town overlooking the bay, or opt for a beachside location, just a leisurely 5-10 minute stroll along the scenic promenade to the bustling town centre. Below, find a comprehensive list of accommodations in Sitia Town to make your holiday truly memorable.
~Lovey-Dovey~ nice & central apartment ~Sitia~ is located in Sitia, 400 metres from Sitia Beach, 2.4 km from Karabopetra Beach, and 24 km from Vai Palm Forest. Guests staying at this apartment have access to free WiFi, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony.
This 2-bedroom apartment will provide you with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a living room.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 1 km from the apartment.
from
€76
/night
Located in Sitia, 600 metres from Sitia Beach and 2.6 km from Karabopetra Beach, Traditional stone house provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With quiet street views, this accommodation features a patio.
The apartment is equipped with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with inner courtyard views.
Deep River Beach is 2.9 km from the apartment, while Vai Palm Forest is 24 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 1 km from Traditional stone house.
Situated in Sitia, 400 metres from Sitia Beach and 2.4 km from Karabopetra Beach, SITIA CITY CENTER luxury apartment features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The property has city and quiet street views, and is 24 km from Vai Palm Forest.
Boasting a PS3, the apartment has a kitchen with an oven, a microwave and a toaster, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 3 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a hot tub. A flat-screen TV with streaming services and a Blu-ray player are available.
The apartment offers a sun terrace. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at SITIA CITY CENTER luxury apartment, while walking tours and pub crawls can be enjoyed nearby.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 1 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€143
/night
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.
from
€98
/night
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Sitia Old Port Studio is located in Sitia. The Vai Palm Forest is within 24 km of the apartment.
With free WiFi, this apartment provides a TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with an oven and microwave. 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.
Situated in Sitia, 300 metres from Sitia Beach and 2.2 km from Karabopetra Beach, Ni President Suite, DeMaNi President Suites features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The property features city and quiet street views, and is 23 km from Vai Palm Forest.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
The wellness area at the apartment is comprised of a sauna and a hot tub.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 2 km from Ni President Suite, DeMaNi President Suites.
Sitia, a town that marries natural splendour with cultural richness, offers an array of experiences for every traveller. Dive into history at the Folklore Museum of Sitia, stroll along the vibrant harbour, or explore ancient treasures at the Archaeological Museum. Yet, Sitia’s charm extends beyond these landmarks. Discover more activities and experiences in and around this enchanting town in the list below.
Discover the enchanting allure of East Crete with our meticulously crafted day tour.
Toplou Monastery
The journey starts as we make our way to the storied Toplou Monastery. You’ll be allotted 40 minutes to delve into its rich history, admire its distinctive architecture, and soak in the breathtaking views of the Cretan countryside that envelops this sacred site.
Vai Palm Beach
Next, we venture to the idyllic Vai Beach, celebrated for hosting Europe’s largest natural palm forest. Enjoy two hours of leisure time to swim in its azure waters, sunbathe on its golden sands, relish a tasty lunch, and take in the mesmerizing beauty of this unique landscape through your camera lens.
Sitia Town
Our exploration culminates in the picturesque town of Sitia, a gem that allows you to experience its lively beach road, enjoy a coffee at a traditional café, and indulge in exquisite local sweets over a 40-minute visit.
As the sun sets on this unforgettable day, we return to Heraklion by bus, carrying with us a treasure trove of memories from this enchanting journey through East Crete’s most cherished sights.
Start your day tour discovering the beautiful east part of Crete!
Visit Toplou, a 15th-century monastery located in a dry and barren area. Toplou monastery is one of the most significant monasteries in Crete, dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary) and St. John the Theologian.
Continue the tour to visit the largest palm forest in Europe, Vai Palm Beach. The palm forest draws thousands of visitors each year. They come not only for its wonderful palm forest, but also for the large sandy beach spread out at its foot.
Last stop of the day the cozy town of Sitia, with a lovely beach road and Venetian castle.
Detailed Time Schedule:
Morning Pick Up
We will start collecting participants from pick-up points in the morning.
Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus drive will differ.
Bus Drive to Toplou: 2 hours amd 30 minutes
1nd stop: Toplou Monastery – 40 minutes
Our participants willenjoy a visit to the historical and beautiful Monastery of Toplou.There they will spend about 40′ of guided time and free time to take photos of the unique architecture and the Cretan Natural landscape outdoors.
Bus Drive to Vai Beach: 20 minutes
2rd stop: Vai Beach – 2 hours and 30 minutes
Stop at Vai, the biggest natural palm forest in Europe. Enjoy your free time to swim, sunbathe, have lunch and take photos of this exotic landscape of Crete.
Bus Drive to Sitia: 30 minutes
3rd stop: Sitia – 1 hour and 20 minutes
Participants will enjoy some free time to explore the town on their own pace, walk by the cosmopolitan beach road, have a coffee at a traditional cafe or taste the delicious local homemade sweets.
End of the tour – Arrival at resorts:
Embarkation in the buses and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning.
Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ.
Return Bus Drive to Heraklion: Around 2 – 3 hours hours
Following collection from select areas, the experience starts from Agios Nikolaos heading east. This is an excellent opportunity for you to admire the sublime Gulf of Mirabello, which is Eastern Crete’s riviera. You will then pass through many picturesque villages before reaching the 15th-century Toplou Monastery.
The compound features a small museum with notable exhibits of Christian-Orthodox art, such as sacred utensils and chalcography by the monks of Mount Athos. There is also an olive press which produces olive oil of outstanding quality, as well as wine-making facilities. Both the olive oil and the wine produced in the monastery are exported all over the world.
You may participate in a wine and spirit tasting session (optional) at the monastery’s cellar, after which you will pay a visit to one of the main attractions in eastern Crete, the protected Palm Forest of Vai. It is unique in Europe and is located next to one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. At this location there will be plenty of time for you to enjoy swimming, as you bask in the rare beauty of the landscape. On your way back, you will stop at Platanos where you can watch the sunset in an area which boasts an enchanting view.
Explore one of Crete’s most beautiful landscapes while hiking by the small river that will lead you to the 20m waterfall of Richtis. During the hike you will see some small ponds and waterfalls, as well as many different endemic plants, flowers, trees and animals. Richtis Gorge is part of the Sitia Geopark. On the path you will pass over small wooden bridges, old water mills and amazing view points. The hike is about 7km long. Richtis gorge is a green oasis where you definately want to be during the Cretan summertime.
Embark on a day tour to the beautiful Vai Palm Beach, located on the eastern coast of Crete.
This stunning beach is known for its unique palm forest, crystal clear waters, and golden sandy shores.
Vai Palm Forest is said to have been grown from the seeds of dates that were discarded by Arab sailors in the area during the 9th century.
Your day will begin with a comfortable transfer to the beach, where you will have the opportunity to explore the area at your own pace. Take a leisurely stroll through the palm forest, relax on the beach and take a dip in the refreshing waters. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant if you wish and soak in the breathtaking views of the beach and surrounding landscape.
After a day of relaxation and exploration, you will be transferred back to your accommodation with memories of a truly unforgettable experience.
Enjoy the unforgettable panoramic view over the entire north-east coast of Crete. In the mountains, it smells of the most aromatic herbs that will be shown and explained to you. Our adventure will take you to the rustic mountain village “Stavrohori”. There will be time to stroll around, visit the old church and sit down to savour a refreshment. Your tour guide, who has lived in Crete for the past 33 years, will share with you some Greek secrets with pleasure as well as some little anecdotes.
Nature lovers will experience the ultimate adventure wrapped into a half day excursion!
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.
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.
Absolutely! Sitia is a charming coastal town and a popular tourist destination known for its tranquil Mediterranean port and picturesque scenery.
Sitia is located in the easternmost part of Crete.
Sitia is sited 69 km east of Agios Nikolaos.
You can also reach Sitia by bus or car from Agios Nikolaos in about 1.5 hours and from Heraklion in about 2.5 hours.
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