Why You Will Love Sitia in Lasithi (+ Things to Do, Where to Stay, Day Trips & More)

This post offers essential details about visiting the eastern town of Sitia in the Lasithi region, including the best things to do in Sitia, where to stay, and the top landmarks to visit nearby.

Have you ever heard of Sitia in Crete? Sitia is a small but gorgeous town in Lasithi, in East Crete. It’s a great place to start a fascinating exploration journey in the most remote corner of the island. In this article, I’ll tell you about everything to do in Sitia, the places to visit, and the landmarks you cannot miss!

Located in the proximity of Cape Sidero, in the easternmost region of Lasithi on the Greek Island of Crete, Sitia is a small city, not as touristic as other towns in Crete, which gives it a serene village atmosphere. Sitia lies on the western side of Sitia Bay, and, like most of eastern Crete, it has a pleasant, warm, and dry climate all year round. 

So, here is everything you need to know to prepare for your visit and all the things you can do in the town. Let’s start with some basic information to help you better plan your Sitia adventure!

Where is Sitia?

Sitia is on the north coast of the island, facing the Sea of Crete. It is 130 km east of Heraklion and about 70 km from the capital of Lasithi, Agios Nikolaos. It takes about two hours to reach Sitia from Heraklion and one and a half hours from Agios. 

How to Get to Sitia

The coastal town hosts the smallest airport on the island (JSH)—and the only airport in East Crete. It receives a few domestic flights from Athens, Alexandroupolis, Preveza, Zakynthos, Lefkada, and other places in Greece.

During summer, more routes connect Crete to a few Greek Islands. The airlines that operate are Olympic Air (and Aegean Airlines) and the Cretan airline Sky Express.

However, the most common way to reach Sitia is by car, taxi, or bus from Heraklion, the capital of Crete. Depending on the route, a trip by bus will last from 90 minutes to three hours.

At least three daily buses cover the route Heraklion-Sitia. The ticket is €15. More details are available on the KTEL website.

BY CAR:
If you get to Sitia by car, you will love this great road trip! The drive from Heraklion is about two hours (128 km) and takes travelers through some fantastic landscapes along the coast, especially after they leave the area of Malia behind.

A Bit of History About Sitia

The modern town of Sitia is believed to have been built on the former Ancient Itia (or Eteia), where it got its current name. Itia was an ancient, prosperous Minoan city in a strategic position in the Mediterranean. It maintained commercial routes with other ports in Greece and the Mediterranean.

Itia was the port of Ancient Praisos, a city destroyed in 155 BC. Praisos was a strategic port for trading and the main rival of Ancient Ierapytna (today, Ierapetra) on the South coast.

Itia was an important settlement, especially after the fall of major Minoan settlements across Crete. It became a center that offered refuge to people fleeing from other Minoan centers. Thanks to its important port, the town grew and flourished continuously throughout Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman times.

In Byzantine times, Sitia flourished, becoming a Bishop’s seat, thus gaining an even higher status. When the Venetians took over Crete, Sitia maintained and even increased its importance on the island, becoming a remarkably large city in eastern Crete. It was also home to one of the most important characters in Greek Literature, Vitsentzos Kornaros (1553-1613).

The medieval settlement was protected by an imposing wall and had its own fortress, which is still standing on an elevated position facing the seaside promenade of modern Sitia. Today, the fortress is open to the public. 

However, different circumstances, such as constant pirate attacks and natural disasters, lead to a quick decline. A terrible earthquake destroyed most of Sitia in 1508, while pirate Barbarossa destroyed the remains of the settlement in 1538. The Venetians surrendered to the Ottoman Empire, and the Turks rebuilt the city and the Kazarma Castle.

Although the Turks renamed the city (Avnie), the name did not last. Sitia was Sitia once again when Crete was liberated from the Ottoman Empire.

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Why You Should Visit Sitia

Sitia is the perfect base from which to discover iconic places on the island, including the fabulous Vai Beach and the Minoan Palace of Kato Zakros, one of the four Minoan palaces on the island.

The city is unspoiled, quiet, and a taint provincial, with life revolving mostly around agricultural activities rather than tourism. However, it is an enjoyable town where visitors will feel a warm welcome and where they can experience the authentic lifestyle of the island. 

Top Things to Do in Sitia

These are some of the best things to do in Sitia and the surrounding area, in no particular order.

Kazarma, The Venetian Fortress

Upon arriving in town, head up the hill facing the small harbor and explore the Venetian fortress. Kazarma is a name that comes from the Italian expression Casa di Arma (Casa d’Arma means guard barracks in Italian).

The stunning defensive fortress was constructed during the Venetian times, around the thirteenth century. When the Turks conquered Sitia in 1651, the Venetians destroyed parts of the fortress, but new conquerors rebuilt it. Today, the fortress is a prime location for panoramic views of the bay and a place where locals gather for summer festivals, concerts, and other celebrations.

Entrance ticket: €3 – Opening hours: 8.30 a.m. – 3.30 p.m.

Archaeological Museum of Sitia

The port town of Sitia houses one of the most important archaeological museums in Lasithi, exhibiting objects and findings from the Lasithi area belonging to different historical periods, such as Bronze Age objects Mochlos (a small island on the Mirabello Gulf and the Minoan Palace of Zakros.

Folklore Museum of Sitia

Devote at least an hour to the exhibitions at the local folklore museum to learn about the traditional crafts and lifestyle in this part of Crete. Objects in the collection include examples of Cretan wood carving, religious icons, ancient photos, embroidery (kopaneli), weaving, and folkloric costumes. The museum is in a beautiful neoclassical house in town.

Harbor and Waterfront Promenade

One of the appointments that the locals enjoy is a visit to the seaside promenade of Sitia, adorned with gorgeous palm trees and wooden benches, and guarded at the top of the hill by the imposing Kazarma.

Along the wide walk, you will find traditional cafés and Greek tavernas serving Cretan delicacies that you should certainly need to try. At the end of the promenade, there is a small square with gorgeous plants and statues.

Attractions Near Sitia

Spending time in Sitia offers the chance to enjoy fantastic day trips in one of the most remote areas in Crete, the island’s eastern coast. Over here, these are some of the places you should visit:

Minoan Palace of Zakros

Located 44 km from Sitia, via the Sitias-Palekastrou-Vai road, it takes about an hour from Sitia to arrive at this archaeological site. The settlement was built around 1900 BC, and the ruins mostly date from the Neopalatial period.

Once at the site, some of the highlights you should check out include the large central courtyard as well as the warehouses and workshops. There are also the ruins of the treasury vault and royal room.

CURIOUS FACT: The area is populated by wells with fresh water, the ones inside the palace are home to different turtles which children love to spot when they visit!

The palace stands at the exit of the so-called Gorge of the Dead which you can also explore. The gorge receives this name since the inhabitants of Zakros used to bury their dead in the caves along the walls of the gorge. More details in this guide to visiting the Minoan Palace of Kato Zakros

Toplou Monastery (Visit and Wine Tasting)

The Holy Monastery of Toplou was probably built on top of an existing church around the 15th century. It was destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt by the Venetian Republica as it had a strategic position in east Crete.

When the Turks invaded and took control of Crete, the monastery was repeatedly attacked by the Ottomans, especially in 1866, during the years of the Cretan revolt. During the Nazi occupation of Crete, in WWII, from 1941 to 1944, Toplou played a key role in sheltering local resistance fighters.

Today, in the museum, it’s possible to see the different objects that the monastery used to combat the Germans.

DON’T MISS: The small courtyard with dark cobblestones and the belfry, built in the typical Rennaisance style that characterizes many of the Cretan religious buildings.

The winery: In summer, it’s possible to visit the wine-tasting facilities to sample the wines, the raki, and the top-class extra virgin olive oil produced in the structure.

RELATED ARTICLE:
– The Most Beautiful Monasteries in Crete

Vai Beach

The Palm Beach of Vai is one of the most beautiful and exotic beaches in Crete and a fantastic place to discover. It is located about 20 km from Sitia, right after the Monastery of Toplou. In fact, visiting both sites on the same day is a great way to spend the day in the area.

Vai is located in the heart of a protected natural palm tree forest, a bit north of the small village of Palekastro. The natural grove, which starts a few kilometers before reaching the shore, and that you see as you drive your way from Sitia to the beach, ends right by the seaside. This is one of the most visited beaches on the island and a great place to spend the day by the sea.

Itanos Beach and Archaeological Site

Itanos is a small beach area located a walking distance to the north of Vai Palm Beach (just under 3 km). This series of different small but relaxing shores offer a good beach spot for families since they are not overcrowded and the coves are well protected from the wind, besides, the main beach is quite shallow.

The beach lies right behind the ruins of an ancient Dorian settlement where it is possible to see ancient temples and early Christian churches. Much of Itanos ruins continue underwater and can be explored with basic snorkeling equipment.

Kouremenos Beach

Another great beach to check out in the area is Kouremenos, about 22 km from Sitia. This is a wide bay bathed by unique turquoise waters, shallow and with fine, yellow sand, ideal for families with kids.

Kouremenos is almost 2 km long and is usually not too crowded. Its unique marine landscape makes snorkeling a favorite activity while the most popular thing to do is windsurfing.

Richtis Gorge

About 20 minutes from Sitia, driving towards Agios Nikolaos on the north coast, you can reach the village of Exo Mouliana to venture on a fantastic hike to discover Richtis Gorge.

Exploring the gorge is really rewarding, the hike can take from 2 to 4 hours. At the end of the path, you will find a waterfall as well as a solitary beach to take a refreshing swim after a long walk.

RELATED ARTICLE
– Complete Guide to Visit Richtis Gorge

Where to Stay in Sitia

These are some of the places I recommend you check when looking for accommodation in Sitia.

• Sitia Beach: Located a short walk from the city center, Sitia Beach is a 5-star hotel a short walk from the city center. It has three swimming pools, a tennis court, and a spa.
  >> BOOK HERE

• Sitia Bay: Facing the blue-flag, sandy beach of Sitia, a 5-minute walk from the town center, Sitia Bay offers self-catering accommodation close to shops and restaurants. It offers a pool with hydromassage, a rooftop terrace, a small gym, a sauna, and a playing area for kids.
  >> BOOK HERE

RELATED POST
– Hotels in Sitia That You Will Love

Where to Eat in Sitia

Inodion – Inodion is the local place to go if you are looking for quality Greek food. Here, you can choose between a wide variety of traditional Greek dishes, all made with care by the dedicated cooking team of Sitia.
Location: El. Venizelou 157, Sitia – Lasithi.
>> READ THE REVIEWS

Cretan House – A place to summarize and showcase the beauty and tastes of Crete.
There are three main reasons you will fall in love with that restaurant in Sitia: delicious food, warm hospitality, and incredible scenery. It is indeed a miniature of the entire Crete.
If that is not enough, the portions in Cretan House are particularly generous.
Location: Kon/nou Karamanli 10, Sitia – Lasithi.
>> READ THE REVIEWS

Aposperitis – In front of the port of Sitia, Aposperitis is an ideal restaurant to dine in over a lovely view of the harbor and the sea. Their menu is based on traditional Greek cuisine with an element of freshness and innovation.
Location: El. Venizelou 167, Sitia – Lasithi.
>> CHECK THEIR PAGE

If you want to know about other places to eat in the region, then check this guide, it also includes restaurants and tavernas in Sitia, not far from Vai Beach.

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Best Things to Do in Sitia, Crete!

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