Archaeological sites

Ancient Itanos

Sitia, Lasithi · Free

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

About

Ruins by the sea near Vai.

Ancient Itanos lies in the far north-east of Crete, near Vai. It was an important port city from Minoan to Byzantine times, with trade links to Egypt and the Near East.

The site includes houses, walls, temples and early Christian basilicas, spread over two hills between small beaches.

Itanos was inhabited from the Geometric period, around the 8th century BC, and became a leading trading city in eastern Crete. For a while it was under Ptolemaic Egypt, which kept a garrison here. The ruins include two acropolises, houses, walls and early Christian basilicas. The beaches between the hills are lovely for a swim after exploring the site.

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.

Around Sitia

Nearest town: Palekastro, about 9 km by road
Nearest airport: Sitia airport (JSH), about 20 km by road

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