Sitia town is situated approx. 68km to the east of Agios Nikolaos. Despite not being conventionally pretty, this town and its port offer options for those who are looking for places unspoilt by mass tourism. It is a regular town which happens to have tourism and as a result, it offers insight to the way of life for locals.

There is a peaceful atmosphere and the entire wider area offers many contradictions: bays, port, hills, valleys, caves and sandy beaches. Whether you wish to explore, or simply relax and enjoy a moonlit walk along the harbour or a coffee in the morning, this location is ideal for you.

In the town of Sitia, housed in a charming 19th century building, one finds a folk museum with an excellent guided tour, offering a thorough glimpse into how locals used to live years ago (and in some cases, still do!). For beach lovers, the best beach is probably that of Petras, unless one ventures further afield to Erimoupolis or even the village of Mochlos.

Exploring outside the town, there are many options in the region for various activities and sightseeing. The more to the East one travels, the more barren the land becomes but the region has much to offer in terms of hiking trails (such as the Gorge of the Dead in Kato Zakros and the Richtis Gorge) and windsurfing opportunities in many places.

Toplou Monastery is famous for its architecture, art, surrounding nature and.. wine! Even though it looks like a fortress, there are only a handful of monks still living there. If you visit, ensure you dress appropriately and check the opening hours for the public. The abandoned village of Ethia is not to be missed and the villages of Zou, Ziros and Handras are for those interested in archaeology.

Wherever you are planning on going, having a car makes it so much easier to begin your adventures. Hire a car from one of the major airports such as Chania or Heraklion, ask us about our alternative car rental locations in Crete or simply ask us to bring the car to you – Apex Car Rental is here to help you enjoy an easy-going holiday!