Katerina’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Vai, or more specifically the palm forest of Vai, is one of the most popular sights in Crete and one of the most beautiful and special places in the whole Mediterranean. In the 1980s, Vai was decreed a protected area and cleaned up. Today it is considered one of the most beautiful parts of Crete, and the beach has been awarded a Blue Flag by the European Union.
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Palm Forest Vai
Vai, or more specifically the palm forest of Vai, is one of the most popular sights in Crete and one of the most beautiful and special places in the whole Mediterranean. In the 1980s, Vai was decreed a protected area and cleaned up. Today it is considered one of the most beautiful parts of Crete, and the beach has been awarded a Blue Flag by the European Union.
Erimoupoli beach lies right behind the ruins of an ancient Dorian settlement where it is possible to see ancient temples and early Christian churches. Much of Itanos ruins continue underwater and can be explored with basic snorkelling equipment, the approach is easy and is family-friendly as it's not overcrowded!
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Itanos Beach
Eparchiaki Odos Monis ToplouErimoupoli beach lies right behind the ruins of an ancient Dorian settlement where it is possible to see ancient temples and early Christian churches. Much of Itanos ruins continue underwater and can be explored with basic snorkelling equipment, the approach is easy and is family-friendly as it's not overcrowded!
A long beach with the opportunity of nice food at restaurants where you can enjoy nice traditional foods.
If you are a fan of water sports, this beach is a nice suggestion for windsurfing.
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Pláž Kouremenos
A long beach with the opportunity of nice food at restaurants where you can enjoy nice traditional foods.
If you are a fan of water sports, this beach is a nice suggestion for windsurfing.
Toplou Monastery or Monastery of Panagia Akrotiriani (Our Lady of Akrotiri) is one of the most important and beautiful monasteries in Crete.
The monastery with its imposing belfry, 33 metres high, stands in a harsh, almost desert landscape with giant wind turbines turning in the background; this is one of the first wind farms in Crete.
Toplou Monastery is impressive from afar, looking like a small fortress surrounded by a 10-metre-high wall. After many attempts at restoration and renovation, today Toplou Monastery has become an exceptionally interesting Cretan monastery, well worth the long trip there. just a few kilometres further on is the famous Vai Palm Forest with its wonderful beach.
Toplou Monastery is the only surviving example of the many monasteries, large and small, that once stood in the Sitia area - all eventually destroyed by war and pirate raids.
Just a few kilometres further on is the famous Vai Palm forest with its wonderful beach.
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Klášter Toplou
Toplou Monastery or Monastery of Panagia Akrotiriani (Our Lady of Akrotiri) is one of the most important and beautiful monasteries in Crete.
The monastery with its imposing belfry, 33 metres high, stands in a harsh, almost desert landscape with giant wind turbines turning in the background; this is one of the first wind farms in Crete.
Toplou Monastery is impressive from afar, looking like a small fortress surrounded by a 10-metre-high wall. After many attempts at restoration and renovation, today Toplou Monastery has become an exceptionally interesting Cretan monastery, well worth the long trip there. just a few kilometres further on is the famous Vai Palm Forest with its wonderful beach.
Toplou Monastery is the only surviving example of the many monasteries, large and small, that once stood in the Sitia area - all eventually destroyed by war and pirate raids.
Just a few kilometres further on is the famous Vai Palm forest with its wonderful beach.
The Richtis Gorge in eastern Crete may not be as well known as the Samaria Gorge, but it is a lush paradise. Hiking in the gorge is done in the shade of trees with a flowing stream, even during summer and it is a very special place for hiking.
Head out on this 5.6-mile out-and-back trail near Kavoussio, Crete. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 56 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and fishing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
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Richtis Gorge
The Richtis Gorge in eastern Crete may not be as well known as the Samaria Gorge, but it is a lush paradise. Hiking in the gorge is done in the shade of trees with a flowing stream, even during summer and it is a very special place for hiking.
Head out on this 5.6-mile out-and-back trail near Kavoussio, Crete. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 56 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and fishing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
Far on the easternmost shores of Crete lies a little village that is truly an escape from everything. Among the most beautiful destinations of Crete, the village of Zakros is unique, with its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, with the fascinating ruins of the Minoan palace, with its splendid natural wonders that surround it and the enchanting beach that is perfectly protected by the bay. Zakros is an excellent choice, offering an unforgettable experience for people who search for the most authentic and inspiring places in Crete.
Kato Zakros Beach
Far on the easternmost shores of Crete lies a little village that is truly an escape from everything. Among the most beautiful destinations of Crete, the village of Zakros is unique, with its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, with the fascinating ruins of the Minoan palace, with its splendid natural wonders that surround it and the enchanting beach that is perfectly protected by the bay. Zakros is an excellent choice, offering an unforgettable experience for people who search for the most authentic and inspiring places in Crete.
The beach is not too long but is renowned for its beauty and serenity. Here you can have a perfect day, especially if you combine your visit to Chiona with eating at the famous local fish taverns. The beach is slightly organised (near the taverns), but some tamarisk trees along the coast offer shade. There are several small coves east of the main beach, where you can find a quiet place to swim alone. The first sandy beach is called Bondalaki and is an amazing beach.
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Chiona
The beach is not too long but is renowned for its beauty and serenity. Here you can have a perfect day, especially if you combine your visit to Chiona with eating at the famous local fish taverns. The beach is slightly organised (near the taverns), but some tamarisk trees along the coast offer shade. There are several small coves east of the main beach, where you can find a quiet place to swim alone. The first sandy beach is called Bondalaki and is an amazing beach.
Reaching the village of Chochlakies, walk on the indicated path that leads to the entrance to the gorge and the beach. It will take you one hour, the path is practicable all the way along, and you will arrive at a lovely beach perfect for swimming and fishing.
Karoumes Beach
Reaching the village of Chochlakies, walk on the indicated path that leads to the entrance to the gorge and the beach. It will take you one hour, the path is practicable all the way along, and you will arrive at a lovely beach perfect for swimming and fishing.
City/town information
The city of Sitia is only 15 minutes by car, where you can visit the Kazarma fortress and then walk at the old part of the town to reach the sea side walk full of Palm trees, whilst enjoying the great sunset!! Alongside you'll find
you traditional cafés and Greek tavernas serving Cretan delicacies that you should certainly need to try. At the end of the promenade, there is a small square with gorgeous plants and statues!
In Sitia you will also be able to find various amenities such as supermarkets and a variety of stores and shops.
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Sitia
The city of Sitia is only 15 minutes by car, where you can visit the Kazarma fortress and then walk at the old part of the town to reach the sea side walk full of Palm trees, whilst enjoying the great sunset!! Alongside you'll find
you traditional cafés and Greek tavernas serving Cretan delicacies that you should certainly need to try. At the end of the promenade, there is a small square with gorgeous plants and statues!
In Sitia you will also be able to find various amenities such as supermarkets and a variety of stores and shops.
Food scene
Α most graphic village with a very healthy climate and plenty of water. It is about 9 km from Sitia and is reached by a road that branches off the Sitia – Palekastro road beyond the rise at Tripitos. In the village, there is a fountain which, according to its inscription, was built in 1877 by Axelos, then Governor of the Province of Lassithi. The village of Roussa Ekklisia is situated to the east of Sitia at the height of 340m. It is a picturesque village with a lot of water and a beautiful view of the Sitian gulf.
There, you will also be able to taste great traditional food!
Roussa Ekklisia
Α most graphic village with a very healthy climate and plenty of water. It is about 9 km from Sitia and is reached by a road that branches off the Sitia – Palekastro road beyond the rise at Tripitos. In the village, there is a fountain which, according to its inscription, was built in 1877 by Axelos, then Governor of the Province of Lassithi. The village of Roussa Ekklisia is situated to the east of Sitia at the height of 340m. It is a picturesque village with a lot of water and a beautiful view of the Sitian gulf.
There, you will also be able to taste great traditional food!
Palekastro is the easterst town of Crete, located about 20 km east of Sitia. It is the economic centre of a fertile large area with many historical, archaeological and naturalistic sights.
The small town does not have any particular beauty, but the surrounding area has many great places to explore, as well as restaurants with nice food and some available shops to buy any essentials needed and/or non-essentials or souvenirs.
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Palekastro
Palekastro is the easterst town of Crete, located about 20 km east of Sitia. It is the economic centre of a fertile large area with many historical, archaeological and naturalistic sights.
The small town does not have any particular beauty, but the surrounding area has many great places to explore, as well as restaurants with nice food and some available shops to buy any essentials needed and/or non-essentials or souvenirs.