Hidden gem 989 m
Palekastro Minoan Town
Ruins of a big Minoan town.
Archaeological sites · Sitia
Archaeological sites
Petsofas peak sanctuary
About
Minoan peak sanctuary above Palaikastro.
Petsofas, at 255 m, was the first Cretan peak sanctuary to be excavated, in 1903. Thousands of clay figurines were found here, and the view over Palaikastro and the coast is lovely.
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
Hidden gem 1.1 km
Itanos Beach
Three little coves next to the ruins of ancient Itanos, north of Vai.
Secluded coves · Sitia
Hidden gem 2.0 km
Skinias Beach
Two wild beaches in one of the most remote corners of eastern Crete.
Secluded coves · Sitia
2.0 km
Kouremenos Beach
A long sandy beach near Palekastro and one of the best windsurfing spots on Crete.
Secluded coves · Sitia
2.1 km
Chiona Beach
A small sandy beach near Palekastro, next to an ancient Minoan town and fish tavernas.
Secluded coves · Sitia
2.6 km
Palekastro
Village in the far east of Crete, near Vai and Minoan Palaikastro.
All villages & towns · Sitia
Hidden gem 5.4 km
Maridatis Beach
A small untouched pebble beach between Vai and Kouremenos.
Secluded coves · Sitia
6.9 km
Toplou Monastery
A fortified monastery with its own wine.
Churches & monasteries · Sitia
Hidden gem 7.5 km
Pelekita Cave
A big cave on the coast.
Caves · Sitia
7.7 km
Vai Palm Beach
Sandy beach backed by Europe’s largest natural forest of Cretan date palms.
Sandy beaches · Sitia
Getting there
Less than 30 minutes on foot from Palaikastro.
On the map
35.18690, 26.27890 · See on map
Activities nearby
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