Sitia: The Untamed East and the Gateway to the Palms
Sitia is a city of slow rhythms and immense hospitality, located in the far eastern corner of Crete. Unlike the bustling hubs of Chania or Heraklion, Sitia has maintained a quiet, authentic character that reflects the rugged beauty of the Lasithi landscape. In 2026, Sitia remains a sanctuary for travelers seeking the ‘real Crete’—a place of excellent wine, ancient Minoan sites, and the only natural palm forest in Europe nearby. It is a city that looks toward the Dodecanese, serving as a cultural and maritime bridge between the two island chains.
Things to know about Sitia
Geographically, Sitia is built amphitheatrically around a beautiful bay on the northeastern coast of Crete. Historically, it was the birthplace of Vitsentzos Kornaros, the author of the epic poem ‘Erotokritos’. An ideal trip length is 3-4 days to explore the eastern plateau and the remote beaches of Zakros and Vai. It is famous for its award-winning Sitia Olive Oil (PDO), its unique ‘Kritika’ music, and its status as a UNESCO Global Geopark due to its unique geological formations.
Top attractions in Sitia
The Kazarma Fortress
Dominating the city’s highest point, this 13th-century Venetian castle (Casa di Arma) is the landmark of Sitia. It offers a spectacular view of the harbor and the sea. Today, it hosts the ‘Kornareia’ cultural festival, where music and theater performances take place under the stars.
Vai Palm Forest and Beach
Located 24km east of Sitia, Vai is a natural wonder. It features over 5,000 Theophrastus palm trees reaching the edge of a golden sandy beach. It is the largest palm forest in Europe and offers a tropical atmosphere that is unique in the Mediterranean.
Ancient Itanos
Just north of Vai lie the ruins of the ancient city-state of Itanos. It was a powerful maritime center in antiquity, and today you can explore the remains of early Christian basilicas and ancient walls that sit right on the edge of three beautiful, secluded turquoise bays.
The Monastery of Toplou
One of the most significant and wealthiest monasteries in Greece, Toplou looks like a medieval fortress with high walls and a 33-meter bell tower. It houses a world-class collection of icons and produces some of the best organic wine and olive oil in Crete.
The Archaeological Museum of Sitia
This museum houses incredible finds from the eastern part of Crete, spanning from the Neolithic to the Roman era. The most famous exhibit is the ‘Palaikastro Kouros,’ a stunning gold-and-ivory (chryselephantine) statue that is a masterpiece of Minoan art.
Zakros Gorge (The Gorge of the Dead)
A beautiful canyon that leads from the village of Ano Zakros to the Minoan Palace of Kato Zakros on the coast. It is named for the Minoan burials found in the caves along the cliffs. The hike is relatively easy and offers a mix of history and wild nature.
The Palace of Kato Zakros
The fourth-largest Minoan palace discovered on Crete, Kato Zakros was a vital trade link with the East. Because it was never looted, archaeologists found incredible treasures here. The ruins sit right next to a quiet beach on the Libyan Sea.
The Sitia Waterfront
The city’s promenade is a lively, friendly place lined with ‘rakadika’ (traditional taverns serving raki and meze). It is the heart of the city’s social life, where you can taste the local ‘Xerotigana’ (honey-dipped pastries) and enjoy the sunset over the harbor.
Richia Beach
A beautiful, unorganized beach located near the city, perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. The water is crystalline and the landscape is rugged, typical of the eastern Cretan coastline.
Kato Peristeras Waterfall
A hidden gem in the Sitia Geopark, this waterfall creates a lush green oasis in the middle of the arid eastern landscape. It is a perfect hiking destination for those who want to see the island’s inland natural beauty.
Island-hopping from Sitia
Sitia is the gateway to the Dodecanese from Crete. Weekly ferries connect Sitia to Karpathos (3-4 hours), Kasos (1.5 hours), and Rhodes (6 hours). It is also connected to Piraeus and Heraklion. Sitia Public Airport (JSH) offers daily flights to Athens and several other islands, making it a key hub for exploring the eastern Aegean.
