With brilliant blue waters lapping at white-washed buildings, Sitia offers a quintessential Greek island escape without the tourist crowds. Wander quiet cobblestone streets to uncover slow-paced daily life amid remnants of Venetian and Turkish influence. From the pretty harbor dotted with cafés and tavernas, to hilltops harboring ancient ruins seen only by goats, Sitia promises discoveries around every corner you wander along the northeastern coast of Crete.
Where is Sitia
Sitia is located on the eastern end of the island of Crete, along the northern coast looking out onto the picturesque Sitia Bay. It’s part of the Lasithi region, known as the home of the mythical Zeus. Sitia serves as a peaceful harbor town that once was an important port connecting medieval Crete to the Aegean Islands and beyond.
The town is situated between the mountain range of Thripti and the sea, about 92 kilometers east of Crete’s largest city, Heraklion. Its hilltop ruins gaze out to smaller nearby islands like the jet-setters’ haven of Karpathos, giving it a feel of being the gateway between Crete and more remote Greek destinations. With its strategic location on Crete’s northeastern coast, Sitia has been valued by Minoans, Venetians, Ottomans and more throughout history.
Can I get to Sitia by ferry?
With Sitia’s harbor being one of its main draws, arriving by ferry helps you soak in its maritime atmosphere from the start. Ferries from other Greek islands like Rhodes, Karpathos, and Santorini regularly stop in Sitia’s port throughout the summer months when visiting Greece is most popular.
The main ferry lines docking in Sitia connect to other island-hopping routes via ANEK Lines and SeaJets. Whether beginning or ending your Greek island travels in Sitia, the ferry ride evokes the romance of the open sea that captivated Homer and gives you those iconic whitewashed island views as you sail into port.
Upon arrival, it’s an easy walk from the boats that line Sitia’s seaside into the heart of town. The cries of seagulls act as your soundtrack, and the scent of freshly caught fish at seaside tavernas welcome you to charming Sitia from its glistening waters.
The best areas in Sitia
With its labyrinthine old town to scenic coastal paths, Sitia invites you to explore its distinct locations. Each area adds its own flavor that makes the town a microcosm of culture and history not to be missed on the island of Crete.
The Old Town
The archetypal white and blue Greek island aesthetic comes to life as you get lost meandering through Sitia’s Old Town. From the restored medieval houses clustered together to lively squares that mark treasured sites from the Venetian occupation, it feels like walking back through time as you discover architectural gems around each corner.
Fishing harbor
No visit to a coastal town like Sitia is complete without toasting the boats dotting its harbor. Sitia’s loyal fishing community keeps the harbor humming with daily catches that supply the seafood tavernas in authentic style.
Hilltop monastery ruins
For breathtaking views of Sitia hugging the harbor with mountains rising behind, head to the ruins of the Monastery of Toplou. Destroyed by earthquakes, its otherworldly remains standing tall on a hilltop since the 15th century make an iconic, panoramic backdrop of the area’s history meeting the sea.
Palms boulevard beachfront
An oasis of exotic palm trees lines the coastal road leading to Sitia’s popular beach getaway, complete with tavernas and beach bars catering to sun seekers and swimmers along the blue flag gravel beach kissing the glistening sea.
Eastern beaches
If Sitia town’s beach doesn’t satisfy your inner mermaid, keep following the coast east to discover even dreamier creamy sand beaches like Tholos and the famous palm tree forest of Vai. True to the east side, they promise magical sunrises for early risers.
Agios Nikolaos: the must-visit neighborhood
The postcard-perfect coastal town of Agios Nikolaos lies just 65 kilometers west along the northern shore from Sitia, making it an easy and appealing day trip or overnight excursion. Often called “AgNik” by locals, this charming city centers around beautiful Mirabello Bay and beckons visitors to explore its many offerings.
Founded in the late Bronze Age nearly 4,000 years ago, Agios Nikolaos wears its storied history in plain sight. The iconic bottomless Voulismeni Lake sits right in town connected to the sea and once provided the town freshwater – today it simply captivates passersby with its turquoise beauty. Just above Lake Voulismeni lies the Folk Museum, housed in a historic home showcasing regional life through the centuries.
From lakeside tavernas to harborside dining options, Agios Nikolaos entices hungry palates with fresh Greek cuisine focused around the day’s catch. Quaint, colorful streets lined with shops and cafes link the lake to the bustling harbor filled with private yachts, fishing boats and ferry stops serving surrounding islands.
For breathtaking views, head up to the hilltop Fortress of Spinalonga remnants looming over the bay. Beach options also abound with secluded Golden Beach being the most renowned thanks to being sheltered in a shallow cove of the Mirabello Bay with stunning sand meeting turquoise shallows. Whether for history, food or scenery Agios Nikolaos’ laidback coastal charm makes it an alluring addition to any Northeastern Crete travels.
Landmarks in Sitia
From its landmark fortress to the ancient ruins scattered throughout, Sitia offers history buffs and architecture admirers plenty of iconic sites. Wander to these must-see spots for an in-depth experience of the many layers behind this unique town.
Kazarma Fortress
Looming over Sitia’s harbor is the unmistakable Kazarma Fortress, whose 14th century walls defended against pirates in medieval times. Climb to the top for a bird’s eye perspective over the town and sweeping views of the bay and nearby Piskopiano village clinging to the hillside.
Folklore Museum
Get a window into traditional life on Crete through Sitia’s Folklore Museum. Wander past recreated workshops and home interiors fully equipped just as artisans and townspeople centuries ago used them.
Petras Minoan Site
Just west lies an important excavated Minoan palace dating back 4,000 years. Walk among Bronze Age ruins, including mosaic floors, to glimpse the civilization that first settlers left behind, now being uncovered by archaeologists.
Richtis Waterfall
Journey inland 15 minutes to discover the oasis of Richtis Waterfall, complete with stone arches and pools tucked within a gorge, whose flowing waters carved the ravine over centuries.
Moni Toplou Monastery
This 15th century monastery looking over Sitia still operates today with its fortified architecture and artifacts intact, capturing over 500 years of history sitting peacefully atop its hill.
Where are the best beaches in Sitia?
The northeastern tip of Crete where Sitia lies might fool you with its rocky shoreline lining the town’s harbor and main beach, but explore just minutes up the coast to discover some of Crete’s most postcard-perfect beaches. Both relaxing and rugged stretches of golden sand await along Sita’s peaceful palm-tree dotted coastline.
To find the best beaches, simply head east from Sitia’s center. Follow the coastal road while catching glimpses of brilliant blue Mediterranean vistas to your left while the rugged mountains of Crete rise to your right. Just four km up you’ll discover Glystra Beach, whose fine pinkish sand and tranquil waters have earned it status as one of the finest beaches around.
Keep following the same road another 5km, and you’ll be greeted by the oasis-like stand of Palm Beach, named for the 200-plus exotic date and Washington palms that line its white gravel shore in rare fashion for Crete. The idyllic setting, beach bar amenities and summer events here make it popular for both locals and visitors alike.
For even more remote and exotic intrigue, don’t miss journeying 15km east of Sitia to perhaps the most iconic Cretan image—the protected Palm Forest of Vai with thousands of wild date palms uniquely growing right up to the golden sandy bay cradled in its own cove. It’s an otherworldly paradise beach protected from winds that complete the Egyptian aura and round out the string of top beach options east of Sitia proper.
Summary: Visiting Sitia
With its labyrinth of areas revealing layers of history, culture, and natural wonders, Sitia epitomizes Crete’s rugged beauty. From its glistening beaches to hilltop monasteries and ancient ruins scattered about, this untouched harbor town rewards those who wander off the beaten path to uncover its many hidden gems along the northeast coast.