Ausgrabungsstätten Geheimtipp

Palekastro Minoan Town

Sitia, Lasithi

About

Ruins of a big Minoan town.

The Minoan town of Palekastro lies near the village of Palekastro, in the far east of Crete. It was an important town, where the Palekastro Kouros was found.

Palaikastro is a lively town in the far east of Crete, with a long history of settlements going back to prehistoric times. The Minoan town, excavated at Roussolakkos near the coast, had streets, houses and workshops. The famous Palekastro Kouros, now in the Sitia museum, was found here. The beaches of Chiona and Kouremenos are close by.

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