An unhurried east-Cretan port close to Minoan Zakros and Vai.
Sitia offers a relaxed waterfront, an excellent archaeological museum and access to eastern Crete's palm beach, gorges and remote villages.
Sitia rises around a broad harbour below the Kazarma fortress. The Archaeological Museum is a highlight, with finds from the Minoan palace at Zakros and the remarkable gold-and-ivory figure from Palaikastro. The town itself has a sociable waterfront and a distinctly local pace.
Eastern Crete opens from here: Vai's palm grove, Toplou Monastery, the Richtis Gorge and the palace of Zakros are all possible day trips. The region's dry hills and small villages feel far removed from the denser resort coast west of Agios Nikolaos.
Practical information
Sitia has a small airport and seasonal ferries, plus buses from Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos. A car is the best way to reach Zakros, Vai and inland trailheads.
