Itanos Beach

About

Three little coves next to the ruins of ancient Itanos, north of Vai.

Itanos has three small sandy coves around the archaeological site of the ancient city. Clear water and few people.

Itanos has three small sandy coves around the archaeological site of the ancient city of Itanos, a few kilometres north of Vai. Itanos was an important port in antiquity, with trade links across the Mediterranean, and you can see the remains of houses, walls and early Christian churches on the hills between the coves.

The water is clear and calm, and there are few people even in summer. There are no facilities, so bring water and shade. Combine it with Vai and the Toplou monastery.

Sitia is the far east of Crete, a quieter, less touristy area of dry hills, olive groves and vineyards. The town of Sitia has a pretty harbour, a Venetian fortress and museums, and the area includes the palm beach of Vai, the Toplou monastery, the Minoan palace of Zakros and the Gorge of the Dead. Much of the area is part of the Sitia UNESCO Geopark. The local olive oil is among the best in Greece.

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

Around Sitia

Lasithi, the eastern end of Crete, is quieter and greener than you might expect. Agios Nikolaos wraps around a small lake and a lively harbour, with cafés on the water and beaches within walking distance. Just north, Elounda and Plaka look across to the fortress island of Spinalonga, one of the most moving places on the island. More about Lasithi