- Region
- Sitia, Lasithi
- Population
- About 9,500
- Sights
- Kazarma, archaeological museum, Petras
- Nearby
- Toplou, Vai, Zakros
Kazarma fortress
Above the harbour stands Kazarma, a fortress with late Byzantine walls rebuilt by the Venetians and later altered by the Ottomans. The town was razed in 1651. The restored fortress is open to visitors, offers views over the bay and hosts summer cultural events.
Museums and Petras
The Archaeological Museum of Sitia displays finds from eastern Crete, most famously the Palaikastro Kouros, a Minoan statuette of ivory and gold. About 1 km east of town, Petras has a Minoan palace and an earlier settlement on a hill above the bay.
Kornaros
Vitsentzos Kornaros, author of the Cretan epic poem Erotokritos, was from Sitia, and his statue stands on the seafront.
Base for the east
Toplou monastery is about 16 km away, Vai about 25 km and Kato Zakros about an hour by road. The long town beach runs east from the centre.
Questions before you go
Is Sitia worth visiting?
Yes, as a calm base for eastern Crete and for its museum and fortress.
What is the Kazarma?
Sitia's restored Venetian fortress above the harbour.
How far is Vai from Sitia?
About 25 km.
