Palekastro - resort characteristics and facilities

Palekastro is the most easterly village on Crete and lies right on the coast, surrounded by beautiful hilly countryside. The resort is particularly popular for its beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear sea, and just a few kilometres to the north is one of Crete's most famous beaches - the "palm" beach of Vai.

Palekastro is located in the regional unit of Lassithi, about 17 km east of the port town of Sitia, which is one of the most important economic centres of the area. The word 'kastro' means 'fortress' and refers to a large Venetian fortress that used to stand in the eastern part of the village. Unfortunately, the fortress was gradually dismantled when the locals used its stones to build new houses, and today there is nothing left of it.

Originally a fishing village, Palekastro still lives a peaceful life today, with a permanent population of around 1,000. Most of the locals work in agriculture, and the area is mainly known for its wine and olive oil production. The village is located in a remote part of Crete and, thanks to its long distances from the main tourist resorts (it takes almost three hours to get there from the capital Heraklion), is not yet affected by mass tourism. The few guesthouses and tavernas that have been built here are mainly due to the windsurfing enthusiasts who make up the majority of tourists here and who head to Palekastro specifically for the beautiful azure sea and ideal weather conditions.

The Palekastro area is sometimes confused with the similar-sounding resort and beach of the same name, Palaiokastro (sometimes also Paleokastro), which are located off the northern coast of Crete, near the town of Heraklion.

Coast and beaches of Palekastro

The coastline around Palekastro consists of several large or small rocky coves with sandy to sandy-pebble beaches and gradual entry into the sea. The shallow and clear sea attracts adrenaline-seeking water sports enthusiasts every year, especially windsurfing, kitesurfing, etc. The winds that blow in the area create quite good waves on the water surface. The rocky walls of the bays attract the attention of sports divers. The beaches here have even been awarded the EU Blue Flag for their cleanliness.

The largest and most famous beach of the resort is the long sandy beach of Kouremenos. The beach is partly organized (you can find a few sunbeds and umbrellas, small family taverns near the beach) and, perhaps not surprisingly, there is also a windsurfing school.

If you head south from Kouremenos beach, you'll reach the smaller Chiona beach, covered in beautiful fine sand. The beach is unorganised and very quiet, but there are several family-run tavernas not far from the beach that will provide you with refreshments as well as accommodation. On the other hand, in the northern part of the resort lies the relatively well hidden small beach of Maridati, whose surface is made up of small pebbles and small tamarisk trees.

About 8 km along the eastern coastline to the north lies the famous "palm" beach of Vai, surrounded by a large grove of naturally growing date palms. In the opposite direction to the south (about 25 km) you reach the famous Xerokampos beach, famous for its light sand and azure blue sea.

Historical sights and trips to the surrounding area

The present-day village of Palekastro lies on the foundations of an old town from the Minoan culture. Archaeological excavations in the area have revealed that the Minoan town was very large and probably served as a major trading centre of the time, as evidenced by the ruins of the ancient port of Itanos (now hidden under the sea). The foundations of the town's buildings, including large villas and town streets, are clearly visible. However, the name of the town could not be traced, so the site was given the name "Rousolakos". The archaeological site of Rousolakos is located near the beach of Chiona.

In Palekastro you can also visit the local folklore museum, which traces life in Crete from the time of Turkish rule until the 1960s. Here you will see an authentic Cretan house with all its furniture and everyday items. Some of the objects on display are rare examples of folk art.

In the eastern part of Crete, about 25 km south of the resort, you will find the remains of an important Minoan palace - the palace of Kato Zakros. Kato Zakros Palace is the fourth largest Minoan palace in Crete (after Knossos, Faistos and Malia). At the archaeological site, the extensive and well-preserved foundations of the entire palace complex were uncovered and many valuable objects and artefacts were found (today they are kept in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and also in the museum of Sitia).

A visit to the nearby town of Sitia, with its well-preserved Byzantine castle of Kazarma, can also be a nice excursion tip. Not far from Sitia stands the beautiful Moni Kapsa Monastery, built right in a rocky outcrop.

Who is the centre suitable for?

The quiet and secluded resort of Palekastro is the ideal place for windsurfing and diving enthusiasts who come here for the clean and gentle sea, ideal waves and beautiful rocky coves.

We would also recommend the resort to those tourists who are easy on accommodation and whose main goal is to explore the beauty of the eastern part of Crete. The eastern Crete area is already outside of the island's major tourist hub, yet there are many natural and historical sites within easy driving distance.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Most favourite resorts of Crete: Adelianos Kampos, Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion (Iraklion), Hersonissos, Chania, Ierapetra, Kalamaki (Matala), Malia, Platanias (Chania), Rethymno, Stalis

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.