On the road to Sitia
Sitia town
located in the less known east corner of Crete
Sitia town and the surrounded area (around 45 villages) on the Eastern side of Crete, is part of the Lasithi region, where the well-known Aghios Nikolaos is the capital of the region, located on the northwest shore of Crete's largest bay.
10 km north of Aghios, is the world-renowned luxury resort of Elounda, opposite the Venetian fortress on the island of Spinalonga. In 1903 it served as a leaper-house and it kept this function until 1957.
11km south of Aghios you will find the popular summer resort of Istros.
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Mochlos village and the island (same name as the village)
Road trip start Aghios Nikolaos
and I follow the old road E75/A90 (construction of new road ongoing) towards the small mountain village of Sfaka 41-42km from Agios Nikolaos, just over half the way to Sitia.
My aim was to reach the seaside village of Mochlos which can be accessed from the main road down a narrow bendy road to the seaside location of Mochlos.
Mochlos Village and island photo Y Skoulas
Mochlos Village and Islet
a pleasant village with tavernas and some accommodation, hotels and rooms to let. The islet opposite the village was inhabited from the very early days. Minoan settlement here.
Minoan history of Mochlos by Minoan Crete
Some of the discoveries can be found in the Heraklion Archeological Museum, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia archeological museum.
Read more about Mochlos Islet here.
Back on to the main road leaving Sfaka village,
where one drives through or just outside mountainside villages. This is a scenic road with some sharp bends. Do take some time to stop at any of the mountain roadside cafes/tavernas, the views are just breath taking above the bay.
Outside Mirsini Village
Further along, I drove through Mesa Mouliana village on to Exo Mouliana Village where you can visit a gorge, if you are more energetic than I was at the time, one can walk (about 4.5km) the Scenic Richtis Gorge with a stream, waterfall and wildlife.
Link to Wikipedia article about Ritchis gorge.
Exo Mouliana back on the main road, to the next village 5-6km Chamaizi (Hamezi) spreading itself uphill to the north side of the road. The village folk museum is worth a visit. During my visit, I saw only two local tavernas. Just before you enter the village on the other side of the road the ancient and archaeological site of Chamaizi.
More Chamaizi archaeological site
by Crete Today,
The remaining 15km I drove direct towards Sitia.
Sitia Airport
Sitia Airport (JSH)
Just outside Sitia town, at the crossroad, take the E75/A90 signposted airport 2km and port 5km.
The airport officially opened in early June 1984. Since 2003 a newly extended runway and other improvements took place. The latest construction and improvement include a new terminal building (2015/2016).
Sitia portpast the airport on the E75/A90 road northeast side of the town. Sitia port is rather small. Cargo vessels and weekly ferry connection available with Athens stopping at several Cyclades Island and a few Dodecanes Islands.
On the hill above the town The Venetian Fort Kazarma, now used as an open-air theatre. Sitia Archeological Museum, a showcase of archeological finds from eastern Crete, worth a visit. There is also a Folklore Museum to visit.
Sitia Town
On my first visit to Sitia I drove straight down signposted Sitia 3km to the town center and beach. Parked and walked the lovely, palm decorated seaside promenade into the center of the town.
Sitia is set on a gentle hillside with buildings and narrow streets tumbling down towards the waterfront, (some steep streets). Sitia town population around 10,000.
Sitia Harbour Tavernas
on the harbour front with a picturesque view of the bay of Sitia. Here are a number of seaside tavernas/restaurants/cafes, be watchful seafront places are in general (anywhere) more expansive,
Mitsakakis, breakfast, brunch, patisserie
Cretan House visit their website here
Inodeion visit their website here
Of course, there are many more tavernas and interesting eating places away from the seafront. Here are a few to try out in Sitia central area.
Ziafeti Restaurant/taverna Good value for money. Greek and Mediterranean, Vegetarian choices. Located on Foundalidou 22,
Thraka taverna. BBQ themed eating with nicely cooked gyros, doner kebabs and souvlakis. Located on Vitsentzou Kornarou 105.
Kretikos taverna. Greek menu, value for money. Very close to Archeological Museum and Sitia Bus station. Located on Dimokratias 1.
Sitia Town Beach and beyond
Great sandy town beach stretching the whole width of the bay, If you have access to your own transport there are some rocky coves and beaches a few kilometers east towards Ayia Fotia (Photia) with some tourism development.
image by Sitia Beach Hotel
Sitia Stay
There are hotels, apartments and villas, in the town, or along Sitia bay beach.
In the town, quiet and good value accommodation can be found in the older streets leading up/down the hill from/to the waterfront.
El Greco Hotel, 2-star official class, located close to the Folklore Museum, Free Wifi.
Sitia Beach Hotel, 5-star official class, close to the beach, close to the seafront promenade, Pool, Free Wifi.
Itanos Hotel. 2-star hotel, nice rooftop excellent view, basic bedrooms. Easy stroll to bars, tavernas.
All the above hotels (in no particular order) can be Book direct or you can find them and more alternatives on
Booking.com - Avia Accommodation sales
Sultana Festival
Book early and before you want to visit Sitia during the high season, and especially the middle of August (15-21) as the annual Sultana Festival, which marks the start of the grape harvest. Traditional music and dancing and all the locally produced wine to try.
