Quick answer: Palekastro is an agricultural village in the far east of Crete, 18 km east of Sitia. It is a quiet base for the beaches of Kouremenos and Chiona, the Minoan town of Roussolakos, Toplou monastery (6 km) and Vai.
- Region
- Sitia, far east Crete
- Distance
- 18 km from Sitia
- Beaches
- Kouremenos, Chiona
- Nearby
- Toplou 6 km, Kato Zakros 19.5 km
Beaches
Kouremenos is a long bay known for windsurfing, thanks to the steady wind. Chiona, by the Minoan site, is calmer and has tavernas. Further north, Vai and Itanos are a short drive.
Minoan Palaikastro
By Chiona beach lie the excavated streets of Roussolakos, a large Minoan town. The ivory and gold statuette known as the Palaikastro Kouros, found here, is displayed in the Sitia Archaeological Museum.
Around the village
The village has tavernas, rooms and shops. Toplou monastery is about 6 km north, and Kato Zakros about 19.5 km south.
Questions before you go
Is Palekastro a good base?
Yes, for a quiet stay near several beaches and Minoan sites.
Is Kouremenos good for windsurfing?
Yes, it is one of Crete's best-known windsurfing beaches.
Where is the Palaikastro Kouros?
In the Sitia Archaeological Museum.
