Sitia is the name of a region and town on Crete that is one of the least touristy parts of the island but boasts exceptional surroundings, natural bounty, lots to see and do, and some of the friendliest locals that you could hope to meet while on holidays. If you have found a vacation rental in Crete, Sitia is the perfect, chilled-out spot to spend some time unwinding and having fun, a little off the beaten tourist path.
While it was built up during the Venetian rule of Crete, Sitia does not reflect its ancient past, as a whole, and, yet, is utterly charming. It is clean and tidy, with friendly faces, white-washed Greek homes, little shops, winding streets, and a surrounding landscape that is perfectly primed and waiting to be explored. On Sundays, the “volta” takes place, an event that fills the streets with townspeople parading in their finery in front of the neighbours, cafes and tavernas and is a passive but fascinating spectacle to behold.
While it was built up during the Venetian rule of Crete, Sitia does not reflect its ancient past, as a whole, and, yet, is utterly charming. It is clean and tidy, with friendly faces, white-washed Greek homes, little shops, winding streets, and a surrounding landscape that is perfectly primed and waiting to be explored. On Sundays, the “volta” takes place, an event that fills the streets with townspeople parading in their finery in front of the neighbours, cafes and tavernas and is a passive but fascinating spectacle to behold.
Some historic landmarks do remain, including the old Venetian Fort – glittery for its recent restoration – and the ruined remains of Ancient Roman fish tanks. There are also museums in town that reimagine and celebrate the storied past of the area, including the Folk Museum and Archaeological Museum. Surrounding villages like, Zou, Ziros, Handras and more, meanwhile, have great archaeological and historical interest.
The food of Sitia is famously good, as is their raki and enjoying mezedes in the little tavernas that dot the town, with some of the raki, wine, beer or ouzo is a must. Particularly delicious locals dishes include omaties (or omathies), a type of pork chitterling stuffed with rice, chopped liver, sultanas and spices, a creamy cheese called xygalo and their lauded sweet cakes.
In addition to the food, the beaches of the area are famously good and offer opportunities for laying out on golden sands, paddling, swimming, windsurfing and more. Beyond the beaches, there are also lovely treks across the mountains and hikes along the coast to be discovered.
So, if you like a warm welcome, good food, beautiful beaches, and just enough to keep you occupied but not a buzzing tourist hub, this little gem in Greece is an ideal destination!
The food of Sitia is famously good, as is their raki and enjoying mezedes in the little tavernas that dot the town, with some of the raki, wine, beer or ouzo is a must. Particularly delicious locals dishes include omaties (or omathies), a type of pork chitterling stuffed with rice, chopped liver, sultanas and spices, a creamy cheese called xygalo and their lauded sweet cakes.
In addition to the food, the beaches of the area are famously good and offer opportunities for laying out on golden sands, paddling, swimming, windsurfing and more. Beyond the beaches, there are also lovely treks across the mountains and hikes along the coast to be discovered.
So, if you like a warm welcome, good food, beautiful beaches, and just enough to keep you occupied but not a buzzing tourist hub, this little gem in Greece is an ideal destination!
Photo credits
Picture 1: Roselmaria / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 1: Roselmaria / CC BY-SA 3.0;