BEACHES
SITIA BEACH
This well-organized beach consists of a long stretch of fine golden sand right next to the town and provides every facility the visitor might need. The beach offers a variety of water sports including jet ski, surfing, water skiing and pedalo.
It has been awarded with two Blue Flags and is always busy, winter and summer. You can rent one of the fishing boats in the harbour for an unforgettable romantic evening boat ride.
VAI
Visit the only palmforest in Europe with its clean waters and beautiful beach. It is situated on the northern edge of the region on the headland of Sidero. Its beauty is unique in Crete. The palm trees grow naturally here and their fronds cover the banks of the small stream that leads to the sea, and its surrounding area. Quite apart from its beauty, Vai is also of significant ecological worth. The wetlands created between the edge of the palmforest and the beach are home to a wide variety of birdlife and the ocean is teaming with sea creatures.
GOUDOURAS
Goudouras is a well-known fishing village on the Libyan Sea. It is situated to the east of Makrigialos in a unique setting with clean waters and beaches. As well as earning money from fishing and tourism, the local inhabitants have increased their income from the cultivation of out-of-season produce and hot house fruit and vegetables.
ITANOS - ERIMOUPOLI
The sandy beach of Erimoupolis is situated slightly to the north of the magnificent palmforest of Vai. The visitor can combine a swim in the sea with a visit to the ruins of ancient Itanos, which used to be the one remaining Heteocretan city. This city was engaged for centuries in rivalry with the powerful city of Presos until it secured its destruction by turning the military might of Ierapetra on it. The ruins of two early Christian churches prove that it remained an important trading centre up until the early Byzantine period when it was overshadowed by the ever growing city of Sitia.
KAROUMES
The remote beach of Karoumbes is on the east coast and can be reached either by boat or by a 40 minute walk through the gorge of Hoklakion.
KATO ZAKROS
The beach of Kato Zakros is an hour’s drive from Sitia. Here you can combine a swim with a visit to the ruins of the Palace of Zakro, the only Minoan Palace to have been excavated in Eastern Crete. The Palace was built about 1700BC only to be destroyed a few hundred years later by the eruption of the volcano in Santorini and was never reinhabited. The site remained undisturbed until excavations brought a wide range of valuable artefacts to light, most of which can now be seen in the Archaeological Museums of Sitia and Heraklion.
KOUREMENOS
The sandy beaches of Kouremenos and Hiona ncan be found slightly to the south of Vai and provide ideal conditions for windsurfing.
KOUTSOURAS
Koutsouras, one of the newest villages in the region, is situated on the south road, a few kilometres from Makrigialos and 41 kms from Sitia. Increased tourism in the 80’s led to the sudden development of the area. The visitor is entranced by the unique dark grey pebbles, turquoise waters and shady pine trees. This beach is the first long beach on the way from Ierapetra to Sitia and has been awarded with a European Blue Flag.
MAKRIGIALOS
The long fine sandy beach of Makrigialos is ideal for children and adults alike because you can find all the facilities you need. Makrigialos offers a range of accommodation from luxury hotels to villas, pensions and rooms on the beach. To the west, the beaches of Koutsouras, Mavrou Kolimbou and Achlia also provide you with every comfort.
Maridati Beach
Only 4.5 kms away from Palekastro you can find the lesser-known beach of Palekastro area. The reason people don’t choose it, is the 1600m rough, dirt road that goes there.
The bay is encircled by rocky hillrocks, but the beach has less sand and more pebbles. The blue waters are crystal-clear.
KAPSA MONASTERY BEACH
Kapsa monastery beach is a small beach in front of the homonymous monastery. It is a pebbly and peaceful beach.
MOCHLOS
You can enjoy a swim in cool, clear waters on the beach in the small, picturesque fishing village of Mochlos or in any one of the small coves scattered to the east and to the west. The ruins of an important Minoan settlement can clearly be seen on the island of Agios Nikolaos 150 metres off the mainland opposite Mochlos. This settlement flowered in the mid Minoan period and was a major port in East Crete.
XEROKAMBOS
Xerokambos is an untouched area of beautiful beaches, ideal for those in search of peace, calm and a relaxing holiday. Its shallow, crystal-clear blue waters make this the perfect destination for families with children. The wild beauty of the mountains and gorges combines with olive groves, fantastic deserted beaches and turquoise coves to form a fairytale landscape. In Xerokambos there is a small village with rent rooms and tavernas.
PAPADIOKAMPOS
The beaches of Papadiokambos, northwest of Sitia are totally isolated. Be sure to take provisions with you in order to make the most of nature in all its unspoilt glory.
RICHTIS
Three to four hours walk through a gorge or a “nasty” dirt road will take you from Mouliana village to one of the most secluded beaches of the island.
HIONA
Here is to be found yet another Sitia beach sunning itself next to the crystal blue sea. It is situated 2 kms from Palekastro. Why not try the famous fish soup (kakavia) found in the charming little fish restaurants next to the beach.
