Sitia (Crete) continued...

What to see/do - Sitia

Windsurfing, sunbathing and swimming on Sitia's clean, sandy 2 km beach.
See the Venetian fortress "Kazarma" which overlooks Sitia and plays host to several concerts and other performance events, especially during the July and August arts festival of Kornaria (concerts, theatre, events, readings and more).
Sitia is very relaxing to walk in, and one walk might include the Archaeological Museum, which displays finds from the most significant minoan Palace of Zakros and several other local sites.

Drive to the thick palm tree-lined beach at Vai - early morning is a wonderful time to be there and if lucky, have the beach to yourself.
On the same route you must visit the Toplou Monastery, originally built in the15th century, rebuilt after earthquake and Turkish destruction. See its icon collection and paintings illustrating its history as a centre of the many battles fought to hold off invading forces, the old windmill and the views from one of the last fortressed monasteries in Crete. A cafe (open sometimes!) , small museum and gift area are housed within its walls.

Visit the caves of Peristera, Megalo Katofygi, Pelekita and Oxo Latsidi - the last two are both over 300 metres long.

Enjoy the flora. Of the more than 300 endemic plant species in Crete most can be found in the Sitia region - even the untrained eye will revel at the variety.
The villages of Achladia, Agios Stefanos, Zakros; the islands scattered off the coast including the Dionisades (day trips from Sitia); visit the minoan Palace of Zakros in Kato Zakros and lunch at one of the tavernas in this quietest, of island beach settlements. Xerokambos, a visit includes impressive panoramas and multiple stopping points of interest  on the way, has two of the best beaches money can buy (no, they're not for sale). A stop at one of the tavernas for lunch. But see our feature on Xerokambos, you'll probably want to stay.

The gorges of Kato Zakros "Valley of the Dead", so-named after the numbers of Minoan burial sites discovered in the caves of this gorge (part of the E4 path - has sign-posts and drinking fountains); the wilder Orino, famed for red butterflies, which is a long (5-7 hour) walk from Orino village to Koutsouras.
For those seeking shorter walks Karoumes and Bebonas (to name a few) are two we have been told of - usually enquiries at the villages, or nearby villages will provide useful directions and tips. In Sitia the Office of Rural Tourism at 5 Antheon Street is most helpful (tel: 28430-23590).

And, of course, you may want to visit Agios Nikolaos, another pleasant town in east Crete.
 

Where to eat & drink - Sitia

A drink or frappe coffee perhaps, at Club Cafe Aroma (formerly Rodon), towards the ferry landing, 172 Kornarou, tel: 28430-25521 to check when it is open. It's a comfortable and interesting old building, with a long waterside terrace - ducks and a pelican play and catch food below, you have a view of Sitia and the place is friendly and the music refreshingly good. Daytimes are most enjoyable, it's also one of the buzzing places to go at night. Natasha and Stelios run a fine bar/cafe - ask them about the new stone-built taverna they are opening in February or March, sounds like it's going to be good (tell them Roger at CreteTravel.com sent you!).
The cafe/club scene at several bar/cafes between Zorba's restaurant and the ferry landing area, deliver the current club music menu - but principally serve just coffees and drinks.
Zorba's is a good all round taverna and the restaurants on the sea front share similar offerings - all price category D to C - depending on how ambitious you are if you order fish (large price range for different varieties!).
For a quick snack the Gyros at Kornarou (a street behind Dodoni , which itself is Platia Iroon - opposite Itanos Hotel) are good.
Most restaurants are likely to use locally grown or reared ingredients, follow the local patronage - which in Sitia includes sea front tavernas, and you'll eat well and receive good value.
 

Special Comments - Sitia

"The golden sands embraced the circling sea and all the world thrilled to a melody" (Vitsentzos Kornaros).
"Sitia suits all" is accurate. But, the highlights are in the exploration of the region. Whether hiking, day walking, motor-cycling or driving you owe it to yourself to cross the mountains slowly via the small aged villages, to descend rocky footpaths or spiraling roads to gem-sparkling seas, to examine and make notes at archaeological finds - to observe and enjoy a place full of natural and man-made hospitality. A pleasing and well cared-for town.
Oh a last minute tip: try the fascinating Rizari - a shop selling the sort of "accessory" items that could turn any house, into a unique "home". Many things to see as well as original woven goods, hand died using local plant dies - at 31 Kapetan Sifi (tel: 28430-24341).
 

Photo album - Sitia

To see more of Sitia, click here to go to its photo album.
 

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Simple map - Sitia

We have drawn  a simple map of Sitia, to give a better idea of where things are. See Sitia simple map.

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