Hidden gem 2.5 km
Itanos Beach
Three little coves next to the ruins of ancient Itanos, north of Vai.
Secluded coves · Sitia
Secluded coves
Chiona Beach
Highlights & amenities
- Entry
- Free
Organised
Atmosphere
Characteristics
Activities
Facilities
About
A small sandy beach near Palekastro, next to an ancient Minoan town and fish tavernas.
Chiona is a small beach of white sand and clear water, home to migratory birds. Right behind it lie the ruins of the Minoan town of Palekastro.
Right behind the beach are the remains of the Minoan town of Palekastro, and there are a few fish tavernas by the water. The wind can be strong, which makes the area popular for windsurfing. Kouremenos and Vai are nearby.
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
- East coast
- Nearest town: Palekastro, about 6 km by road
- Nearest airport: Sitia airport (JSH), about 24 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
Worth seeing nearby
- Palekastro Minoan TownArchaeological sites · 2.6 km
- Pelekita CaveCaves · 7.8 km
- Toplou MonasteryChurches & monasteries · 8.7 km
- Ancient ItanosArchaeological sites · 9.1 km
Things to do in Lasithi
Getting there
About 30 minutes from Sitia.
Live sea conditions
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On the map
35.18687, 26.30174 · See on map
Nearby
Hidden gem 2.6 km
Palekastro Minoan Town
Ruins of a big Minoan town.
Archaeological sites · Sitia
Hidden gem 2.7 km
Skinias Beach
Two wild beaches in one of the most remote corners of eastern Crete.
Secluded coves · Sitia
3.3 km
Kouremenos Beach
A long sandy beach near Palekastro and one of the best windsurfing spots on Crete.
Secluded coves · Sitia
Hidden gem 6.1 km
Maridatis Beach
A small untouched pebble beach between Vai and Kouremenos.
Secluded coves · Sitia
Hidden gem 7.8 km
Pelekita Cave
A big cave on the coast.
Caves · Sitia
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