Sissi - the character of the resort and its amenities

Sissi is located on the northern coast of Crete, in close proximity to the popular holiday resort of Hersonissos - Stalida - Malia, which has earned the title "the largest and busiest resort on the island of Crete". So it is no wonder that even the formerly small fishing village of Sissi has not resisted the increasing demand of tourism and has gradually developed and adapted to the demands of foreign tourists. Today, Sissi is considered a bustling and well-equipped tourist resort surrounded by beautiful nature.

The harbour town of Sissi offers its visitors every comfort. You can choose from a variety of accommodation options, from rooms and apartments to large hotels, and thanks to the large variety of restaurants and taverns, you are sure to sample many delicious dishes. In addition to Greek cuisine, you will also find typical international dishes on the restaurant menus. However, it would be a shame not to take advantage of the fact that you are spending the summer in a fishing village and taste some of the catches of the local fishermen. As the sun sets, tourists then move on to the bars and discos to continue the fun. But if you want to experience the real nightlife of the Greek coast, head to the neighbouring resort of Malia, which never sleeps. In Sissi you'll also find several shops, minimarkets, a pharmacy, ATM and car rental.

But despite the ongoing construction and well-developed tourist services, Sissi still manages to retain more of its traditional Greek atmosphere than the neighbouring large resorts. Perhaps it is also the beautiful green surroundings that surround the town, which give a very calming impression. There are also marked walking and cycling routes around the resort.

Sissi - coast and beaches

Sissi is located in the Malia Bay and boasts beautiful sandy beaches and clear sea that washes them. Most of the coastline around the resort is covered by long sandy beaches, organized and full of tourists and beach attractions. However, the partly rocky coastline here also creates little beaches and small coves, without amenities and too much noise. The advantage of the beaches around Sissi is the gradual entrance to the sea, so they are ideal for families with smaller children.

Similar to the resort itself, the local larger beaches are well equipped for tourism. Sun loungers and umbrellas are standard, and you can refresh yourself in the beach bars and nearby tavernas. Local sports clubs offer a bit of adrenaline and water fun.

Along the coast, you'll also discover a nice fishing harbour, which is used only for mooring small fishing boats and from which local fishermen supply the local taverns with fresh catches every day. And there are beaches everywhere, as evidenced by the small, unorganized Palm Bay Beach, located right at the entrance to the marina.

Historical sights and trips to the surrounding area

Malia Bay and its surroundings are generally considered to be the first inhabited area in Crete, with the oldest finds from this area dating back to 6,000 BC. Subsequently, demonstrable traces of settlement date from around 3 000 BC, from which the remains of individual settlements or graves have also been preserved. The most famous historical monument from this era is the Minoan palace of Knossos, which dates back to around 2 000 BC. Knossos was probably the administrative centre of the entire Minoan civilisation, and today it is a vast archaeological site that bears witness to the local Minoan civilisation. It is close to the capital Heraklion.

Of course, don't miss a visit to the capital city of Heraklion, a historic city with plenty of sights and a variety of shopping and other entertainment options. If you like history and historical buildings, you will be attracted by the massive fortress of Heraklion, the famous archaeological museum and the beautiful Byzantine church of St. Titus.

Nature lovers and walkers will appreciate the surrounding countryside. Just outside the resort the hills begin to rise and towards the south-east you will see the Selena (Selena Oros) mountain range, which forms the northern part of the highest mountains in the area, the Dikti Mountains. An interesting excursion tip is to visit the nearby Lasithi plain, surrounded by the surrounding mountains (we recommend renting a car), which is also close to beautiful monasteries such as the Kera Kardiotissa women's monastery and the Moni Vidianis men's monastery.

On the site of the former airbase near the town of Gournes, a large Dinosauria entertainment complex with a marine aquarium, the Cret-Aquarium Thalassokosmos, opened in 2005 and is now one of the best in Europe. For the aquatic elements, we have a tip for a large amusement water park with attractions for children and adults - Acqua Plus Water Park, located in the hills above the resort of Hersonissos. From the harbour of the neighbouring resort of Malia you can also take boat trips to nearby seaside towns. Popular excursions include a trip to the Venetian fortress on the small island of Spinalonga near Agios Nikolaos, or a cruise to the northeastern tip of Crete, where the famous Vai (Palm) Beach is located.

For whom the centre is suitable

Sissi is quite a busy resort and in the main tourist season it is usually full of tourists, so we do not recommend it to those who are looking for peace and quiet on their vacation. At the same time, it is not as touristy as the neighbouring resorts of Malia, Stalida and Hersonissos - especially in terms of activities for children and nightlife for adults. If you're looking for those two things, we'd recommend focusing more on these aforementioned resorts.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Agia Varvara (Malia), Milatos

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.