Resort Sitia - characteristics and facilities

The medium-sized seaside resort of Sitia is situated on the shores of an open bay and includes a harbour, which provides this isolated area of the north-eastern tip of Crete with important transport links to other resorts on the island and to other Greek islands. Touristically, the town is very friendly and well-equipped, with everything visitors need at their disposal. With a permanent population of around 9,000, Sitia is the third largest town in the Lassithi region (after Ierapetra and Agios Nikolaos). However, thanks to its long distances from the island's busiest tourist resorts, it still manages to retain a peaceful Greek atmosphere. The main income of the resort comes from the operation of the marina, olive cultivation and tourism.

The town of Sitia is very unique at first glance, with a dense development of small white houses cascading down the slopes of the surrounding hills. So sometimes the small narrow streets between the houses are replaced by small narrow stairs, and perhaps from every balcony you will have the local bay and its lively harbour in the palm of your hand. Up above the town stand the remains of the Venetian fortress of Kasarma.

The resort of Sitia offers its visitors an ample variety and quality of individual accommodation, from small rooms in local family houses to smaller but beautiful hotels. Of course, there are pleasant taverns serving delicious Greek food, bars with refreshing drinks, various shops and services such as pharmacy, ATM, car rental, etc. Sitia also boasts a beautiful and spacious seafront promenade that stretches around the resort and is full of various tavernas, cafes and bars. However, there is plenty of space for romantic walks and quiet contemplation under the shade of palm trees and roses. The surface of the promenade is an interesting mosaic of small pebbles.

Since 2005, Sitia also has a small international airport, which is used mainly for short flights within the island. In recent years, however, the number of international flights has also increased.

The coastline around the resort and Sitia beach

A relatively large part of the coastline around the resort is occupied by the local port of Sitia. The harbour mainly serves as an anchorage for fishing boats and small cruise yachts, but also hosts cargo ships and large ferries that come from other resorts on the island and from other Greek islands (e.g. Rhodes, Karpathos or Chalki).

The main beach of the same name, Sitia, starts right next to the harbour. Sitia beach is well organised, well equipped and, thanks to its gradual entry into the sea, is popular with families with smaller children and the elderly. On the other hand, this is not the main reason why tourists head to Sitia. If you're staying longer, be sure to take a trip to one of the beaches on the very east coast of Crete.

History of the town of Sitia

The predecessor of today's Sitia was the ancient city of Itea (or also Itida or Sitaia), which was located east of the present city and was inhabited by "Eteocretans" ("old and true Cretans"). During the early Byzantine period, the city centre moved to its present location and the city experienced important development, mainly due to the growing importance of the local harbour.

Under the influence of the Venetians, several castles and fortresses were built here from the 13th century onwards, of which only one remains - Kasarma Castle. Only the high watchtower of the original structure has survived, the rest of the fortress was built later. After an earthquake in the early 16th century and several pirate raids in the mid-16th century, the town was destroyed and its inhabitants fled to the safety of a small castle on Liopetra Hill. Most of the castles and fortresses were even destroyed by the Venetians themselves to prevent them falling into the hands of the Turks.

For the next two centuries Sitia was abandoned and fell into disrepair, until the Turks took credit for its restoration in the second half of the 19th century.

Sitia is the birthplace of the great Cretan poet Vitzentz Kornar, author of the famous epic Erotokritos. This chivalric romance is popular throughout Crete and singers, for example, often draw on its verses even today. A bust of the poet stands in the main square of the town.

Historical sights and tips for trips

Kasarma Castle in its current form is not original, but was built on the remains of a previous fortress from the time of Byzantine rule (13th century). A high three-storey watchtower, the old armoury called the "casa di arma", has been preserved from these times. The view from the fortress down to the resort and the bay of Sitia is particularly beautiful.

The Kasarma Fortress is home to the small Archaeological Museum of Sitia, preserving rare historical fragments from the area of eastern Crete. Much of the exhibits come from the archaeological site of Kato Zakros, with the remains of the fourth Minoan palace of Crete (after the palaces of Knossos, Phaistos and Malia). The extensive and well-preserved foundations of the entire palace complex were uncovered at the site, and many valuable objects and artefacts were also found.

If you like swimming and nice beaches, the beaches on the east coast of Crete are a good choice for a trip. There is the famous "palm" beach of Vai, surrounded by a large grove of naturally growing date palms, and you can also spend a pleasant afternoon on the long and sandy beaches of Xerokambos and Kouremenos, for example.

For whom the centre is suitable

Sitia is a quiet resort on the tranquil north-east coast of Crete, so don't expect any wild parties. At the same time, it is not completely small and provides all the necessary facilities and comforts for visitors, and thanks to the nice beach with a gradual entrance to the sea, the resort is also popular with families with small children. We recommend it as a good starting point for exploring the beauty of the eastern part of Crete.

An interesting fact is that the majority of tourists heading to Sitia are Greek and thus outnumber the foreign tourists. They come here mainly to relax and recharge their batteries.

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.