It is a two hour car journey from Heraklion
to the softly curving great bay of Sitia, and
the harbour town of the same name which is noted for its fine wines and
particularly peace loving, hospitable and cheerful inhabitants. The white
buildings of Sitia sit in tiers like an amphitheatre, with little streets
and steps taking one all the way up to the Venetian Castle.
The beautiful sweeping beach at Sitia has been awarded the Blue European
Flag. The most easterly of the larger harbours of Crete, this is the last
stop for the ferries before they head for the islands of Karpathos
and Rhodes.
The town is built on the slopes of two
hills, which rise up from the sea around one end of the bay. It was known
as La Sitia by the Venetians, who built a fortified wall and castle, and
the walk towards the harbour has all of the charm one hopes to find in
a Greek waterfront. The steep climb up wards from the harbour front leads
to the fort with views down over the
esplanade and ferryboat quay. The beach, with its fine white sand,
sun loungers, umbrellas and invitingly safe clear waters, is ideal for
beach lovers and children alike. The local people have a reputation of
lovers of music and festivals, and the August celebration of the sultana,
with its never ending flow of wine, can be unforgettable! The most interesting
day
excursions from Sitia are to the Minoan ruins
at Zakros, Vai beach, Palekastro and Toplou monastery, or the Valley
of the Dead. |
