Book a Flight to Sitia from €45

Kazarma (Casa di arma): It is the main sight of the town, a fortification structure dominating the bay of Sitia. The fortress, as well as the entire medieval fortification of the city, dates back to the late Byzantine era. During the Venetian rule, it used to be a barrack for the guard or, according to other sources, the Head Office. Earthquakes and pirate invasions, however, brought about many destructions, while in 1651 the Venetians themselves destroyed it, so that it would not be taken by the Turks. During the Turkish rule the Kazarma, unlike the other walls, was restored, while Turkish additions, such as the outposts on the battlements, can be seen to this day. Nowadays the fortress can be visited and in the summer it is used as a venue for cultural events.

Archaeological Museum: An interesting collection of artefacts from archaeological excavations dating back to 3500 B.C. up to 500 A.D. from the broader area of Eastern Crete. Among them, the clay tablets with Linear A inscriptions and an exceptional gold and ivory figurine stand out. 
Address: Sitia - Piskokefalos National Road, tel. +30 28430 23917

Archaeological sites: The prefecture of Lasithi is full of monuments from all historical eras. The Minoan civilisation is represented by archaeological treasures (Palaiokastro, Gournia, Mochlos, Myrtos, Milatos, Agia Fotia, Lato) with the most important being Zakros Palace, fourth in size in Minoan Crete, with 180 chambers and dating to 1600 B.C. Near Nea Praisos stretches the famous Hellenistic city of Praisos.

Vai: Twenty five km east of Sitia stretches one of the most famous beaches in Greece. Vai, the only palm forest in Europe, stretches up to the sand, creating an exotic scenery. Legend has it, that the palm forest was created by the stones of dates tossed on the ground by Egyptian soldiers or Saracen pirates. 

Spinaloga: The Venetian rule left significant monuments as heritage to the area, and some of them stand in excellent condition to this day. One of them is the 1579 fortress, on Spinaloga skerry, across Elounta. The impressive castle nowadays welcomes its many visitors, having left behind it the “ghosts” of its recent past, as for the first half of the 20th century it was an exile and seclusion centre for the lepers of Crete. You can get there by boat from Agios Nikolaos, Elounta and Plaka.

Toplou Monastery: The stavropegic Toplou Monastery, of the 15th century (12 km from Sitia), one of the most historic monasteries in Crete and wonderfully restored, impresses with its size, the significant exhibits in its museum and the virgin nature surrounding it. 

Zakros: Zakros, 36 km from Sitia, is a verdant traditional village of 800 residents, with a beautiful spring and a water museum. The Gorge of the Dead starts from the village and ends at Kato Zakros, next to the ruins of the fourth largest Minoan palace in Crete.

Chrysi or Gaidouronisi: The exotic island, a few miles south of Ierapetra, is among the most impressive places you can visit in the prefecture. There you will enjoy swimming in a blue lagoon scenery, sunbathing on rosy sand, formed by millions of smashed shells (in the past, all visitors took handfuls as souvenir, but it is currently strictly prohibited), walking in the cedar and lentisk forest and diving in the colourful sea bottom. As for dining, there are two tavernas serving fresh fish and seafood! You can access the island by boat from Ierapetra.

Agios Nikolaos: The capital of the prefecture, 82km from Sitia, is built on the bay of Mirabello. The trademark of the town is Lake Voulismeni or Vromolimni, which is connected to the sea by a narrow passage opened in 1870. Just 12km to the north, you will find cosmopolitan Elounta, a favourite shelter for international jet-setters! 

Ierapetra: Located on the extreme south of Europe, 60 km from Sitia, Ierapetra oversees the Libyan Sea and is surrounded by fertile soil and golden beaches. While in Ierapetra, walk in the picturesque alleys of Kato Mera, the old neighbourhood of the town and visit the Venetian Kale castle, built in early 13th century and standing to this day in a very good condition. You can also stroll down the port and enjoy the warm, incensing breeze of the Libyan Sea.

Beaches: The shallow and crowded beaches of the prefecture are gathered on its northern part, while on its southern part deeper and steeper beaches can be found. If you don't want to move from Sitia, don't worry: there is a blue flag beach just by the port! A bit further away the following beaches await you: to the east, Petras, Agia Fotia with the greyish sand and to the west, Agioi Pantes, Platani and Papadokampos. Locals, on the other hand, prefer Erimoupolis - at the location of the ancient city Itanos - where you can swim enjoying a ...lost Atlantis scenery, among ancient ruins that can be seen at a small depth from the sea surface. The list is still very long: Plaka, in the village with the same name, offers a fantastic view to Spinaloga, Ammoudara is easily accessible, hence, very popular, Tholos with its rounded pebbles, is ideal for relaxation under the tamarisks, while little needs to be said of Elounta, as it is the most cosmopolitan resort in Crete. If you prefer something more alternative, you should head for Gournia, the beach with calm waters that is hidden between hills, while top destinations for family holidays are Chiona, Kouremenos and Rousolakos. To the south, under the traditional village of Koutsounari and for 5 km stretches Megali Paralia, with fine pebbles, popular with families and young people. Palaikastro (35km) and Kato Zakros (46km) combine swimming with a walk in the ancient city. Those that love exploring will discover one of the last untouched paradises in Xirokampos (55km south-east). Dunes, ornamented with fragrant lilies, absolute calm and clear waters compose an eerie landscape, just for the initiated. Finally, take a boat trip to deserted Koufonisi, a stone's throw away from Goudouras Cape. If you don't have your own means, there are boats starting from Goudouras or Makrys Gialos, while you can also enjoy free camping, if properly equipped.

Sitia has an interesting market for all sorts of shopping, souvenirs and everyday items. However, what makes it special, is the local products showroom, where you can buy traditional products, such as olive oil, wine, raki, delicious honey, herbs and local cheese, all certified by the Agricultural Association of Sitia. Keep an eye for “Sitia” olive oil, “Cretan local wine” from Sitia and “Varvaki” tsikoudia.

The healthy and delicious Cretan Cuisine, based on vegetables, dairy products, fish and excellent quality olive oil, are the main protagonists in the traditional tavernas of Sitia and in the luxurious hotels of Elounta.

Night-life in Sitia is focused in the bars and tavernas around the port and the outskirts of the town.

• Kornaria: The largest celebration organised in Sitia, lasting for almost all summer (July and August) is Kornaria, the cultural events of the Municipality to honour Vitsentzos Kornaros, in the Castle and the Port. 
• Traditional festivals: A traditional feast is organised on 15 to 20 August, the Sultanina festival. In the area, fairs are a favourite in the summer, at the monastery of Faneromeni (15 August), the monastery of Analipsi at Papadokampos, the monastery of Profitis Ilias at Mesa Mouliana (20 July) and at Sfaka, at the monastery of Timios Stavros (14 September). Famous Cretan mezedes and live music of Sitia, with lyre, mandinades and traditional dance, are the true protagonists in all celebrations (fairs, weddings, christenings).

Getting to and from the airport

Aegean Airlines lands on the Municipal Airport of Sitia, which has a parking area and car rental agencies. The airport of Sitia is located only 1.5 km from the town centre. For your transportation you can use your own private means or taxi, which you will find outside the airport building.