Sitia Town – Discovering North Eastern Crete

Crete Blog › Sitia Town – Discovering North Eastern Crete

Follow my tips and recommendations for a trip to the city of Sitia on the island of Crete – Discover secluded coves and lively shores.

Sitia is a small port town in the east of the island of Crete overlooking the Sea of Crete, as part of the Aegean Sea. This charming village is located near Cape Sidero, in the easternmost region of the Lasithi Plateau. Lasithi is a fascinating area of exceptional natural beauty and stark contrasts. On the one hand, it is home to some of the most famous holiday resorts in the world. On the other hand, it attracts visitors with its unspoilt areas, ancient cities and medieval villages, gorges and mountains, as well as beautiful beaches where peace and quiet reigns.

Sitia is ideal for those seeking a peaceful holiday, but can also be a perfect starting point for fascinating excursions in eastern Crete.

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Sitia, Greece – Exploring the Hidden Treasures of Eastern Crete

Sitia is well known for its delicious traditional cuisine and relaxed authentic atmosphere. Here, you can stroll leisurely through the pretty streets and enjoy the local culture, which is not yet as heavily influenced by mass tourism as other places on the island.

Life mainly takes place at the harbour, where there are many nice cafés and taverns along the waterfront promenade. Ferries also depart regularly from here to Rhodes or Santorini. Sitia is also located in a picturesque area, surrounded by mountains, gorges, and the azure blue sea. Beach lovers will find numerous beautiful beaches in Sitia and the surrounding area.

Is it worth visiting Sitia

The region of Sitia in eastern Crete has retained its unique cultural identity, which makes it a place to experience the true Crete. Its natural environment and historical traditions are making Sitia a place of serene natural beauty. Sitia is for you if you like outdoor activities, like hiking, bird watching and geology.

Sitia is also renowned for its high-quality olive oil, often considered among the best in Greece. The town is also a hub for traditional Cretan cuisine, with local specialities such as Dakos (a type of soaked bread topped with tomatoes and cheeses), lamb with Stamnagathi (a kind of herb), and Sfakianopita (Cretan Cheese Pie with Nuts). If you’re a foodie, seeking peace and quiet, or simply someone who wants to live like a Cretan, Sitia is your place to be.

Where to stay in Sitia

Sitia offers a range of accommodations for every taste. Due to its small size, you will find mainly small boutique hotels and beach side apartments. You can stay centrally located close to Sitia Bay or a little outside town toweards Petras Beach. I recommend booking early, as supply is limited here.

Here are my recommendations for the best places to stay in Sitia:

1. Porto Kaza – Best for Comfort, Location, Sea Views

Porto Kaza ($$$) is located on the edge of town within 5 min of walking to all the main restaurants. The location is great with easy parking (inside the city is very difficult). Very comfortable, modern rooms with balcony and sea view. Breakfast is included with multiple options. Very friendly host. Self-catering apartments are also available. ☑ Click here to check prices and availability.

2. Sitia Bay – Best for quiet location and family hotel flair

Hotel Sitia Bay is run by a local Greek family around Eric with a perfect quiet location, beautiful sea views from all rooms, yet close to everything you need. ☑ Click here to check prices and availability.

3. Nereids Apartments – Best for a tranquil retreat in nature

Nereids Apartments is an incredible value in Sitia, right across the road from the beach, walking distance from town, with ample parking for your rental car. The place itself is like paradise on earth with spacious rooms and super tranquil atmosphere. ☑ Click here to check prices and availability.

4. Hotel Petras Beach – Best for families & budget travelers

A delightful family run hotel about 1.5 km from the centre of Sitia. It fronts a very nice beach with a rock platform making it ideal for children. The owners are very helpful and generous. ☑ Click here to check prices and availability.

Sitia – Beaches

There are a number of beaches in Sitia and the surrounding area. The shallow and crowded beaches of the prefecture are located in the northern part, while deeper and steeper beaches can be found in the southern part.

Sitia Beach

The town beach, Sitia Beach, is well equipped with sun loungers and parasols, as well as bars and cafés. A little further away, to the east, are the beaches of Petras and Agia Fotia, and to the west, Agioi Pantes and Platani.

Vai Palm Beach

The most beautiful beaches in the area are located in the far north-east, about a 30-minute drive away. The most famous beach in the area is the palm beach of Vai, which is really worth seeing with its countless date palms. However, you usually have to share your spot in the sun with many other visitors here. The palm beach of Vai is one of the most popular beaches in Crete.

The locals, on the other hand, tend to frequent Erimoupolis beach, a natural pebble beach that is ideal for snorkelling. At Itanos Beach, further south, you can swim amid the ruins of the ancient city of Itanos, which can be seen at a shallow depth from the sea surface, against the backdrop of a lost Atlantis. A little further south of Vai, Chiona, Kouremenos and Roussolakos are the best beaches for families, as they are a little quieter and, with their gently sloping waters, are ideal places for playing and splashing around.

Sitia – Things To Do

Visit Sitia Geopark – Geology & Hiking

The Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark is a protected area in Eastern Crete established to preserve the natural habitat, flora and fauna of the region. The park streches from Cape Sidero in the north to the Richtis Gorge in the south. Sitia is characterised by the contrasts between its semi-mountainous and coastal environments, between Mediterranean vegetation and wild rocky landscapes. Hiking is an excellent way to discover these different aspects.

The Geopark offers a variety of geo-routes, including more than 11 for hiking and cycling, which connect geological monuments, habitats, archaeological sites, historical sites and settlements. Most of them are accessible, covering distances of 3 to 7 km and taking between 1 and 2.5 hours to complete.

You can find further information about hiking in Sitia here:

• https://tours.nhmc.uoc.gr/geo/sitia/en/
• https://www.sitia-geopark.gr/activities/geotourism/hiking-trails/

The park contains numerous caves and gorges, inviting you to explore the area. Significant fossils have also been found in many places. The Sitia Geopark Information Centre is located on the waterfront promenade of the town of Sitia. I recommned visiting the centre before heading to the trails.

Hiking in Richtis Gorge

Richtis Gorge on Crete is a natural gem with lush nature loacted 15 km west of Sitia. A hiking trail (moderate difficulty) leads to a waterfall and is ideal for nature lovers. The trailhead is accessible from the Richtis Gorge Parking near the village of Exo Mouliana, followed by a 20-minute walk to the entrance, where you need to pay the small entrance fee (€3).

The gorge itself is around 4 km long and offers a varied experience with rocky terrain. The trail leads along a stream, passing old water mills and historic bridges. You are rewarded by the exceptionally beautiful Richtis Waterfall at the end of the hike.

Visit the Old Fishing village of Mochlos

Mochlos is a small, picturesque fishing village located In the gulf of Mirabello in Eastern Crete, within easy reach from Sitia (30 km or around a 40 minute drive). If you ask me about the most beautiful villages in Crete, Mochlos is the answer. The small village centre is super charming, with colourful flowers climbing up the whitewashed houses.

Use the time in Mochlos to relax on the town’s narrow sandy beaches or enjoy the local cuisine at one of the original Tavernas in town (I recommend Sochoro in town or Bogazi by the sea).

Worth exploring is the rocky islet of Mochlos right opposite the village, with Minoan traces of an old harbour settlement that were first uncovered by the archaeologist Richard Seager in 1908. Boat transfers are available from Mochlos during the season.

Getting there

The next bigger settlement is Agios Nikolaos (driving time 60-90 minutes) following the National road along the coast. The drive is magnificent and there are many places to see en route. I recommend a small detour to Mochlos to stop at Taverna Bogazi. Located directly by the sea, you can enjoy perfect views tiny island opposite in complete peace and calm.

Coming from Heraklion (total driving time 2.5 to 3 hours) I recommend you to stop at the picturesque village Neapoli just en route. Passing Agios Nikolaos, you can also combine your visit of Sitia with a stop at the famous Lasithi Plateau.