LASSITHI
Sitia is a small and pleasant coastal town, built in a
semicircle on the western side of the bay of Sitia, a peaceful
Mediterranean port, which is
situated 73 km east of Agios Nikolaos.
The most imposing monument of the past that dominates Sitia is
the fortified castle originally built in the late Byzantine Period and which
overlooks the bay of Sitia. There is a fine archaeological museum containing
many exhibits from local sites, an excellent library, and a significant folklore
museum with many exhibits: mainly hand-woven materials, embroideries, local
costumes and furniture.
Off the coast are some uninhabited islands with deserted
beaches for swimming and fishing. The island Dionyssades, with its picturesque
coves and inlets, is the nesting place of the largest colony of Eleonora
falcons.
Just outside Sitia is a small airport with flights to Athens,
Kassos, Karpathos and Rhodes and from the port there are ferry connections to
Piraeus and other Aegean islands.
Sitia is a good starting point for excursions throughout
Eastern Crete. Some of the most important places to visit are the Monastery of
Itanos and the many beautiful beaches.