SitiaCrete · Greece

All About Sitia

Sitia is a small seaside town and one of the economic centers of the Lasithi region of Crete, which lies on the northeastern side of the island. Built in a semi-circle shape within the Bay of Sitia, it is a traditional community sitting on the sparkling Cretan Sea adorned by little fishing boats and waterfront cafés. When you book your ferry tickets to Sitia with Ferryscanner, you will arrive at a peaceful destination that offers easy access to the more well-known towns of Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra.

As you take a romantic stroll along its lovely promenade under the shade of leafy palm trees, you can enjoy the views up to the remains of the medieval Kazarma fortress on the hilltop. A visit to Sitia’s Folklore Museum will reveal more about the area’s local customs, while the Archaeological Museum houses intriguing finds going back some 4000 years. From Sitia, you can explore the surrounding area to get a taste of the warm Cretan hospitality in mountain villages almost untouched by the passage of time.

Hop on a small boat trip to the old leper colony of Spinalonga in Elounda, discover the lesser-known Minoan palaces of Malia, Palaikastro, and Zakros. If you are a nature lover, you will find plenty to do in the region, with countless gorges, mysterious sea caves, mountain passes, and of course spectacular beaches, making Sitia a truly enchanting place to explore.
 

Routes and Ferries to Sitia

You can book your ferry ticket to Sitia with Ferryscanner from various ports. If you are in Athens, ferries regularly leave from Piraeus for the 14-hour journey. Alternatively, you can book ferry tickets to Chania, Heraklion, or Kissamos and head for Sitia on arrival. You will also be able to travel to Sitia from the island of Anafi with ANEK Lines, which runs in the summer months and takes 4 hours 25 minutes.

Ferry tickets to Sitia are also available from Milos and the journey lasts for just over 10 hours or you can book your ferry tickets to sail to Sitia from Thira in Santorini, for a 6-hour crossing.

Sitia has its own airport that serves domestic flights from Athens and Thessaloniki, and international flights in high season from destinations such as Larnaca and London. If you are flying into Athens and wish to sail to Sitia from Piraeus, the X96 bus leaves every 30-40 minutes for the port. You will also find taxis at the airport to take you to the port and if you are already in the city center, there are frequent train connections to Piraeus.
 

Port of Sitia

The port of Sitia is very convenient for those wishing to discover the eastern side of Crete and handles passenger ferries all year round. It is the most eastern harbor on the island and is adorned by the Venetian fort on approach.

The harbor also provides shelter for the many fishing boats and yachts, as well as larger cargo and transport boats, which you will see as you walk along the promenade. There are plenty of amenities near the port such as shops, banks, and restaurants, as well as a well-cared-for beach with very clean water.
 

Capital & Villages

Main Town

There is a real island feel to Sitia, with the daily comings and goings of the ferries and boats creating a vibrant buzz, while the town itself remains relatively unspoilt by the impact of tourism. As you sit enjoying a traditional raki in one of the many cafés, you can imagine how life was centuries ago, because not much has changed.

The old town has maintained its traditional houses and picturesque yards, while the ruins of the Kazarma fortress conjure up images of pirate raids and Venetian influences. Don’t forget to savor the award-winning olive oil, of Sitia and imagine it being consumed by the ancients. The town flourished as a commercial port during the Byzantine era and was home to the famous Greek poet Vitsentzos Kornaros (1553-1613), who left his romantic imprint on the town’s people.

Agios Nikolaos

When arriving with ferry tickets to Sitia, stop off at Agios Nikolaos to get a taste of this beautiful town. The capital of Lassithi sits on the large Mirabello Bay where the ancient town of Lato once stood. It has a very cosmopolitan feel due to the large influx of tourists to the town each year and is one of the most popular destinations in Crete, with all the amenities and shops that one would expect.

Take in the lovely Byzantine churches, walk around the lagoon-like Voulismeni Lake and look out to the tiny islet of Agii Pantes, home to some of Crete’s endangered wild goats. The neoclassical buildings, picturesque marina, and welcoming taverns will help you to create wonderful memories of your time in Crete.

Elounda

Elounda lies 11 km north of Agios Nikolaos and has acquired quite a reputation for its luxurious hotels, attracting Heads of State and celebrities. But behind its exclusive facade is a small fishing town (also known as Schisma) built on the splendid Bay of Korfos, just opposite Spinalonga, which was once used as a leper colony.

Take a stroll around the harbor and enjoy a coffee in one of the friendly cafés. Just outside the town, you will find the old salt pans that once provided large revenues during Venetian rule that are now home to flamingos and herons. Old stone windmills, abandoned farms, and small chapels such as that of St Luke and St. Fokas bring a wonderful character to this well-hidden Cretan gem.

Ierapetra

Ierapetra is located 30 km to the south of Agios Nikolaos in the narrowest part of Crete and is a modern city of about 12,000 residents. It is built on the site of ancient Hierapytna and was a strategic trading town covering a large area. You can explore the 13th century Genovese fortress of Kalés in the entrance of the old harbor and stroll through the old part of town, or Kato Mera, with its enchanting narrow streets.

In Ierapetra, there is plenty to buy at the colorful market stalls, such as leather goods and exquisite jewelry and you can even take a boat trip to the exotic island of Chrissis or Gaidouronissi (Donkey Island) as it is known. Ierapetra’s rich past unfolds in its mosques, Ottoman fountain, and the Archeological Museum, where you will discover ancient artifacts of past eras that still influence the town today.

Palekastro

Palekastro (or Palaíkastro) is a lively town on the east coast of Crete, about 20 km away from Sitia in the Municipality of Itanos. The name means ‘old castle’ and it sees few tourists, leaving the inhabitants to carry on with their daily life of agriculture and tending to their olive groves.

The large Kouremenos bay is popular with windsurfers while Europe’s largest natural palm grove at Vai is only 8 km away. Visit the magnificent 14th century Toplou Monastery carved into the rocky landscape and check out its fine collection of precious icons while you are there.

Agios Georgios (Tourtouloi)

A graphic green village with its own refreshing stream, Agios Giorgios is just one of many traditional settlements worth visiting for its authentic atmosphere. Small neighboring villages such as Pano Piskopi, Sukia, and Sklavos all tell a story; it is here that excavations revealed a Minoan and Geometric cemetery, as well as a large Minoan villa.

The caves of Megalo Katofugi and Mikro Katofugi can be found nearby, located at an altitude of 450 meters, with a chamber complex full of stalagmites and stalactites.

Mochlos

A delightful fishing village with a small islet just 33 km east of Sitia, Mochlos is a quiet resort with few tourists and many friendly inhabitants. It was an important port in Minoan times and ancient vessels have been found in the area.

Take a boat to the island and explore the ancient Minoan settlement of tombs, buildings, and houses before returning to the village for some traditional Cretan cuisine at one of its few but exceptional taverns.

Kalamafka

Kalamafka is one of the most beautiful inland villages in the region and about 60 kilometers from Sitia, but well worth the visit. It sits on the edge of the Lassithi mountains in an area with an impressive landscape of unique natural beauty.

Freshwater springs and an abundance of plane trees create an oasis effect, with caves, rock paintings, and the Havgas Gorge being natural nearby beauty spots. Old churches, an ancient olive press and the local delicacies of ‘klostenios’ halva as well as the sound of the traditional lyra are a constant reminder of authentic village life.
 

Best Beaches

Sitia is your gateway to some of the most legendary beaches in eastern Crete, with the unique Vai Beach being at the top of the list. From peaceful coves to cosmopolitan resorts and even island escapes, every beach in the region holds its own special magic. If you venture south, you will also discover many secluded beaches that only the locals know about, facing out to the Libyan Sea.

Vai Beach

Vai Beach, also known as Palm Forest, is located 25 km east of Sitia and is truly a tropical paradise. It is a unique, wild date palm grove covering 250 square kilometers with 5,000 palm trees, making it the largest known palm tree forest in Europe.

Thanks to the Venetian merchants who threw their date seeds away here, the forest has grown right at the water’s edge, lined by golden sand. Taste the exotic when you arrive here and enjoy relaxing amidst the palms while you gaze out to the azure waters.

Xerokampos Beach

After getting off the ferry to Sitia, make your way to Xerokampos; a long sandy beach about 47 km south of Sitia and 20 km from the typical mountain village of Ziros, which you will pass on your way. Upon arrival, you can enjoy spectacular sea views and will notice the rugged Lamnoni Gorge, with the surrounding landscape being quite arid and rocky. Still not yet fully developed for tourism, Xerokambos is ideal for relaxing holidays and provides a quiet haven of turquoise waters and wild beauty.

Kato Zakros Beach

Kato Zakros is 43 km east of Sitia and sits in a cozy bay surrounded by some greenery and cliffs. The beach is not organized but is a lovely place to totally unwind and is close to Zakros village, which is one of the most picturesque in the area.

Nearby, you will find the archeological site of Zakros, where a Minoan palace used to stand, making a visit to the area well worth your while.

 Dragonada Beach

Dragonada Beach is located on a tiny island in the open sea which you can reach by boat from Sitia. On arrival, you will find a small harbor next to the temple of Saint Anthony and notice that there is only one house on the island.

This is escapism at its best, where you can indulge in absolute seclusion but be prepared as there is only a beautiful beach with no facilities or restaurants.

Makry Gialos

 This is a small beach resort on the southeast coast and 33 km from Sitia. It features a quaint fishing harbor and a nice 1 km stretch of sand. Four more equally attractive beaches can be found nearby and there is a good choice of waterfront bars and restaurants. The area has been inhabited since the Minoan times so there are many ruins from this period to discover during your visit.

Chrissi Island

Chrissi island is home to some stunning beaches and the main reason to take the short boat ride there from Ierapetra. Shallow, azure waters reflect the fine sand, giving a certain Caribbean feel, and you will find hundreds of tiny shells scattered under your feet.

Among the island beaches, you will find Vlychadia beach, Kataprosopo beach, and Vougiou Mati, which is also the drop-off point for the visiting boats. The most popular beach on the island is Belegrina (or Golden Beach), which is surrounded by windswept juniper trees.
 

Transportation Around Sitia

 Once you arrive in Sitia, you can take a walk around the town without the need for transport. Local buses run frequently between Sitia and Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno to the west, as well as to Agios Nikolas and Ierapetra, with connections to Hersonissos and Elounda.

You can hire a car or motorbike to tour the surrounding area and taxis are also available. Local boats to the tiny islets operate daily in the summer and you have access to many options during your stay in Sitia. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Sitia.