Welcome!
Heading up the winding roads to the mountains of northern Sitia district, passing through traditional villages clinging to the steep hillsides and buffeted by the harsh north winds, you marvel at the endurance of this landscape and its people.
Bare mountainsides, rocky hills, wild gorges and caves combine to form a landscape where the ground is burnt by the sun, the rocks etched by wind and rain. Ever-shifting colours reflect the light, hurling it back violently in dazzling flashes.
By day, the mighty Sun has his ancient kingdom here, in this land of contrasts. Hot summer nights by the sea are full of exotic fragrances and unfamiliar sounds. With the spring comes a riot of wildflowers; with autumn, fresh breezes and the promise of life-giving rain.
This is a place shaped by the elements – brilliant sun, clear azure sea, endless blue sky, and the receiving earth.
Why choose Eastern Crete?
Eastern Crete is the most unspoilt part of the Island of Crete. Moreover, it enjoys more sunny days than the west – 320 per year. Until recently, getting to the area has been more difficult – which also explains why it has been spared the ravages of early uncontrolled tourist development. Now with the advent of direct flights to Sitia from Athens (and abroad, see below) as well as a regular ferry service from Piraeus, more and more people are discovering the delights that East Crete has to offer.
Rural Life
lower foothills are lovingly cultivated. Higher up are groves of holly and olive, vast rolling expanses covered with prickly broom, sage, thyme and other aromatic plants that offer food to the roaming flocks of sheep and goats. Amongst the shrubs and wildflowers you find clusters of bee hives – the famed "bee gardens" that yield the rich, fragrant mountain honey of Eastern Crete.
Most of the With its rich and varied nature, Sitia district vibrates with rural life and traditions. The plains, the valleys, the hills and the population are farmers – growing olives, wine grapes and vegetables, as well as breeding livestock and keeping bees. In the coastal villages, people still earn a living from the sea. Age-old rural traditions have been maintained. You will see old people who follow the ways of their ancestors, like harvesting olives with a stick, the "katsouna" grape-harvest with baskets, digging with a mattock, sheep shearing and milking, fishing from small boats with fishing-nets... not to forget the hard-working donkeys, carrying their loads as they have done since Biblical times. Time has not stood still here – but much has wisely been retained that has disappeared elsewhere with the modernization and the mechanization of farming.
Of course you will see modern farmers as well, with farming machinery, automobiles and pick-up trucks, as well as efficient processing and packaging facilities. These are inevitable technological developments that allow consumers far away to enjoy quality rural products at reasonable prices.
In Sitia district the traditional and the modern co-exist, not only in farming but in other sectors as well.
Take for example the Chandra Plateau, where old windmills are used to draw water while the modern wind generators produce ‘clean’ electricity from wind power. You can see such wind parks in other places of this district as well, near the villages of Achladia, Xerolimni and Palekastro. These pioneering eco-friendly windmills strike a unique note in the mountain scenery, bearing witness to the growing awareness of environmental responsibility in the area.
Throughout Sitia district, olive trees predominate in the landscape. Everywhere you will find the holy tree of Athena, its slender silver-green leaves playing with the wind and receiving the hot rays of the sun, transforming its fruit into the magical elixir of life and health, olive oil.
Plains, hills, valleys and mountainsides are all so similar and so different but always covered with this blessed tree whilst every now and then small and large vineyards, gardens and fruit-bearing trees with their dark green shades and their vivid and joyful colors lay oil the appealing picture of the Sitian landscape.
But it is not only about the beauty of the landscape. The thousand-year-old experience of the peasants teaches that the olive oil and the wine - the latter in small quantities- are beneficial for the health and prolong life. The scientific research in the last years confirms these two facts in the most celebrating way!
It has been proven that olive oil protects people from heart diseases, cancer and many other diseases, gives vitality and prolongs life. Furthermore the red wine has a salutary influence oil prevention of cancer, osteoporosis and other diseases. The research has proved that the Cretan nutrition based on the olive oil and inclusively the consuming of legumes, vegetables and fruits, low fat meat, dairy products and small quantities of wine, is the cause of the good health and longevity of the Cretans which is the longest in the world - and is recommended by all specialists and nutritionists.
The wine of Sitia has been famous since the antiquity. Lucullus used to transport by ships the wine from Sitia to Rome for his renowned Lucullean feasts! Today the Sitian wine is of excellent quality and is selling like hot cakes in Greece and abroad while the olive oil of Sitia is best olive oil in the world.
It is extra virgin oil of high quality designation of origin controlled by HACCP and 150 9002 and for many years now is awarded the first price in many contests. This year it was awarded the first world price by the contest for extra virgin olive oils organized by the International Olive Oil Council (a United Nations institution). Within the last few years in the district of Sitia around the area of the TOPLOU Monastery and elsewhere, the organic farming of olive trees and vines has been developed in an innovative way by individuals or groups of young farmers supported by the LEADER programs so that olive oils, wines, olives, olive paste, soap and vinegar of high quality have been produced and packed. The unique conventional or organic products of Sitia are available in appealing prices in shops, in special selling-points or by the producers themselves in the whole district. You can find details and the places to visit in the annex of this brochure.
The olive tree and the vine not only give their blessed fruits but are firmly associated with the history and the culture, the tradition, the art and the way of living in Sitia, at the Mediterranean and in Europe. It does really worth it, to follow their particularly interesting and beautiful course in time as well as the course of the undiscovered Sitia full of images, experiences, emotions, beneficial knowledge and messages for a lifetime.
History,Health and Nutrition
The close links of Crete with the European continent are widely recognized – after all, it is from Crete that the continent received its name. In Greek mythology, lustful Zeus, in the guise of a white bull, carried off the beautiful Phoenician princess Europa, daughter of king Agenor, to the island of Crete. There he fathered the progenitors of the magnificent civilization known to us today as the Minoan.
Sound nutrition formed a basic element of this famed civilization. Since earliest times, the people of Crete have based their diet on the rich variety of health-giving foodstuffs that the land so generously provides: olive oil, wheat, wine, honey, legumes and vegetables, mountain greens and aromatic plants, low-fat cheese, lean meat and fish.
This civilization, forged on the values of hospitality, honesty, and dignity, can be considered as a culture of health. Regular consumption of olive oil, wine, legumes, fruit, vegetables, honey and herb tea offers unique advantages, promoting a long and healthy life with exceptionally low mortality rates in heart disease and cancer.
Crete is proud that today, some 5000 years after the rise of the Minoan civilization, the island is in a position to offer humanity this superb dietary prototype that greatly improves the quality
The sacred olive oil
Olive oil forms a major part of the daily Cretan diet. Most families in Crete own some olive trees, to meet their daily needs as well as providing a second income.
The olive is a favourite subject in Minoan art. Olive trees, olive branches and olive blooms are depicted in many wall paintings and relief works, found at the palace of Knossos ( 1600–1400 BC) and displayed in the Heraklion Museum today. Vases of the Minoan period feature the olive, like the storage jars discovered on the small island Psira off the coast of northeastern Crete. Moreover, the olive was a favourite subject for gold-plating in the Minoan period. Characteristic of this is the superb piece of jewellery made up of a bunch of golden olive leaves found on the small islet just outside Mochlos in Sitia district.
At the Olympic games that started in 776 B.C., winners were crowned with an olive wreath, made of branches also cut from same wild olive tree. And at the Panathenea games (from 600 B.C), the winner' s prize was a decorated amphora, filled with olive oil from the sacred olive-trees belonging to the Goddess Athena.
As for the olive oil of Sitia district – well, many hold that it is best in the world! Sitian extra-virgin oil bears the high quality designation of origin controlled by HACCP and 150 9002, and has repeatedly been awarded top prizes in many contests.
The Wines of Sitia
Along the long and narrow district of Sitia, the high mountain range lies like a protective shield against the strong hot south winds from the Libyan Sea. Sitia's vineyards extend from elevations of 600 m. above sea level, cascading downhill towards the sea. They dominate the hillsides with their carefully-tended ancient terraces in the calcareous and sandy soil.
The mild winters, combined with long, hot and dry summers, extensive sunlight throughout the year and the refreshing breezes off the Cretan sea ensure ideal conditions for wine production. Indeed, Sitia can look back on some 4000 years of winery and vine cultivation, as shown from the Minoan-era palace of Kato Zakros, where the oldest cultivated vineyards have been found.
The wines of Sitia have long been famous. Lucullus used have the wine shipped from Sitia to Rome for his renowned Lucullan banquets! Later, during the Venetian presence in Crete (12th–16th c. AD) Cretan wines reached a new peak of international fame.
Today’s Sitian wine has maintained its excellent quality and is popular throughout Greece as well as abroad. Also today wine plays an important role in Cretan nutrition. And let us not forget that recent research has shown the great number of components in red wine that act as anti-oxidants in the human body.
The favourable soil and climatic conditions, aided by systematic cultivation of the area since antiquity, have fostered the many excellent varieties of grapes used in the wines of Sitia – including varieties Liatiko, Muscat, Myrodato, Dafnato, Asyrtiko, Roman, Mantilari, Kotsifali, Vilana, Plito, Athiri, Thapsathiri ... and many more.
Visitors in late August and September can witness the grape harvest, where they probably will be offered an armful! Wine is still made in the traditional way by treading the grapes. The remaining grape must is used to distil the potent local raki spirits. At "Kazanemata" (raki-making sessions) in October, visitors are always welcome, and given a sample – a memorable experience!
Lifestyle and Diet
For Cretans, the secret of longevity is very simple: they eat what their rich soil produces! This means lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, greens and other fresh produce, together with legumes, cheese and bread. Local herbs add flavour; and sweets are made using natural sweeteners like honey and grape-juice syrup. And of course the excellent Cretan wine is an indispensable mealtime accompaniment.
The focus has always been on vegetarian and dairy products. Until recently, Cretans ate very little meat – in fact, meat has always had a ritual quality in Crete as elsewhere throughout Greece. In antiquity, Cretans consumed only the meat offered to the gods on the altar of sacrifice. Even in modern times, it has been customary to serve meat only a few times a year – on feast days, or, for the wealthy, perhaps every Sunday.
This, however, should not be considered as a limiting practice, or some kind of asceticism. On the contrary, Cretan ingenuity has fully exploited the entire spectrum of ingredient combinations, resulting in volumes of tasty recipes. Pure olive oil is the sine qua non in all cookery, and fresh produce has a prominent place on dinner tables. Cretans do not require doctor's orders to consume large amounts of fruit and vegetables – that is a way of life. Even on days traditionally associated with meat-eating, like Easter Sunday, meat is not the only item on the menu. It is served with artichokes, wild greens and other vegetables, accompanied by a crisp, fresh salad.
Traditional music and Cultural events
Traditional Music and Cultural Events
Eastern Crete is proud of the variety of its music and folk traditions. At any popular festival you can take part in (or simply watch) age-old local dances as well as many kinds of live music. Note especially the Sitian "kontilies" (mastery of the lyre) and "mantinades" (old or improvised folk Cretan couplets), traditions in which Sitians – who are born revellers – are unrivalled. Even a casual get-together can rapidly become a festive party!
Some cultural events of the Sitia area:
Kornaria
Annual cultural festival held from the beginning of July until mid-August. Events include concerts of music, dance and theatre, exhibitions of fine art and photography, lectures and sports events (like the Kornarios road race, beach volley competition). The festival takes place outdoors in the Venetian fortress "Kazarma" above the town of Sitia, and indoors at the "Polikendro". Also in the villages there are events, like the "Kazanemata" (raki festivals) and Klidonas. The Council of Sitia organizes these events to encourage the cultural traditions of Sitia and provide foreign visitors with an opportunity to get to know the local customs and traditions.
Festival of Agia Ekaterini
Festival in honour of St. Catherine, the patron saint of Sitia, held on 25 November. A road race around Sitia is traditionally organized after the event.
Corn Festival
A new event, held in June in the central square of Piskokefalo village, just south of Sitia town. It includes music concerts.
Despolo Festival
This festival is held in June, in the central square of Tourloti village, west of Sitia town. It includes concerts of music.
Maritime Week
Organized every second year during the last week of June, with boat racing as well as music concerts and dance.
Sitia Carnival
Organized every year on the last Sunday of the pre-Lenten Carnival period. Schools, clubs and societies all take part.
Village church festivals
Village festivals in the area include traditional music and dance. They are held every year, as follows:
- St. Paraskevi, 26/7: at Ζiro and Aghia Triada
- St. George 23/4: in the ruins of the hamlet of Skalia, Sitanos
- St. Marina 17/7: Exo Mouliana and Myrsini.
- Prophet Ilias, 20/7: Messa Mouliana
- St. Panteleimona 27/7: Roussa Ekklisia, Chamezio(Hamezi), Schinokapsala.
- Metamorphoseos, 6/8: Exo Mouliana, Aghios Stefanos and Zakros.
- Panagia (Our Blessed Lady)15/8: Palekastro, Lastro, Piskokefalo, Tourloti, Sitanos.
- St. John 29/8: Ziros.
- Panagia ((Our Blessed Lady) 8/9 Lithines
- Holy Cross 14/9: Sfaka
- St. Sophia 17/9: Armeni
- St. Anna 9/12: Piskokefalo.
- Holy Trinity: Palekastro and Aghia Triada
- Holy Spirit: Armeni
Municipality of Sitia
Sitia is a lively town of approximately 11,000 inhabitants. It maintains the best traditions of the past, while looking to the future. The surrounding district is famous for its con¬siderable olive oil production and for the excellent quality of its olive oil and wines. There are numerous local festivals in traditional Cretan style held in villages throughout the summer, as well as cultural events in the town itself.
Some tips for visitors:
- Be sure to visit the many exhibits of the Folklore Museum
- The Archaeological Museum of Sitia one of the most important provincial museums in Greece. It features priceless exhibits from the whole Sitia area, ranging in time from the Neolithic era to the Byzantine period.
- Admire the view over Sitia Bay from the Venetian castle of Kazarma, especially by night. There is also a specially designed arena for cultural events as part of the annual summer "Kornarion" festival – tribute to the great poet of the romantic epic "Erotokritos", Vintsenzos Kornaros, from the Sitia area.
- Browse in the shops and bazaars for souvenirs and artefacts.
- Taste the fresh fruit at the open market, and other produce of the Sitian land.
- Enjoy delicious local pastries like "kaltsounia" and "xerotigana"
- Relax to the sea breeze while enjoying a meal at the picturesque taverns along the sea front.
- Discover traditional dishes in a restaurant on the terrace of an old estate or in the Old Town neighbourhood of Sitia.
- Discover your own Sitia: choose your own routes and follow the roads and byways of your choice. Relax and enjoy the simple lifestyle and hospitality of the people of this lovely area at the south-eastern end of Europe.
The whole district abounds in places of archaeological and historical interest, from the Minoan period onwards. Within easy reach of Sitia you will find the Toplou Monastery, the impressive Minoan Palace of Kato Zakros, as well as other major archaeological sites at Palekastro, Itanos, Pressos and elsewhere. Sitia town boasts two fine museums – for archaeology and folklore – with many fascinating exhibits.
East Crete is ideal for those who enjoy walking, be it a short stroll or a proper hike! There are some routes in and around Sitia and, in the Palekastro area, 5 routes of varying lengths and difficulty have been specifically mapped out. One walk takes you through the spectacular gorge of Kato Zakros, at the end of which there is a section for rock climbing.
Walking along the E4 European long-distance path (which runs along the whole of Crete), you will discover beautiful, wild terrain and meet equally memorable people. Flower lovers will delight in the wide array of wild flowers and herbs carpeting the countryside during April and May. Divers will also find much to explore in the watery realms of the area.
Entertainment
The town of Sitia and the tourist-influenced areas live the rhythms of a modern cosmopolitan life, all the while co-existing harmoniously with the features that define the cultural character of Cretan folk tradition. This modem folk culture, the continuity of a long and rich Cretan tradition, finds expression in the innumerable celebrations and festivities where ancient features and attitudes survive up to this day.
Information
Sitia has all the public services you would expect in a town of its size: police and fire stations, information services, citizens advice, banks, hospital, health clinics, tourist police, travel agents, shipping agents, civil aviation authority, and of course a wide array of businesses.
For accommodation, there are hotels of every category in Sitia and throughout the region. Everywhere you will find rooms for rent and small guest houses. It is easy and convenient to rent a car or motorbike, and there are several large supermarkets as well as a wide range of shops. You will find tavernas and restaurants to suit your pocket, and even the smallest of villages has its own kafeneion – the traditional Greek coffee house.
Visitors in Sitia particularly enjoy the mild climate and the wonderful beaches. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 35° C often accompanied by fresh breezes. Sitia is the seat of administrative and public services for the county and has good road and sea connections, with regular bus and ferry services. The rapidly developing airport has connections to Athens, Kassos, Karpathos, Preveza and Rhodes, and is currently being upgraded to international status.
The name Sitia is derived from the ancient city of Itia, birthplace of one of the seven wise men of antiquity, Myson. Sitia was in existence during the Late Minoan period of pre-classical times. During the Venetian occupation the town of Sitia was destroyed three times; in 1508 by earthquake, in 1538 by the pirate Barbarossa and in 1651 by the Venetians to prevents its falling into the hands of the Turks.
For two centuries Sitia ceased to exist as a town. The present city was built in 1870. Unlike many other places in Crete, Sitia remains lively and vibrant all year round.
Useful contact numbers:
Municipality of Sitia 2843040500
Public Information Service 2843 028300
Association of Hotel Owners 2843 028428
OAS (Sitia Development) 2843 023590
Police Station 2843 024200
Port Authorities 2843 022310
Post Office 2843 022283
Ι.Κ.Α. (National Insurance) 2843 022253
Hospital 2843 024311
Olympic Airways 2843 022270
K.T.E.L. (Bus Station 2843 022272
Breakdown Services 154
E.L.P.A (Breakdown Service) 104
Archaeological Museum 2843 023917
Places of Natural Beauty
The nature of Sitia district remains rich and virgin. The numerous features of exceptional interest include:
- Rare geological formations and sites of geological development
- Ten large gorges and geological crevices
- Three hundred caves of great interest
- Some 2100 species of self-sown plants; 300 are endemic and there are many aromatic or medicinal plants
- A great number of rare animal and bird species, including the world’s biggest colony in the world of the rare Eleanora falcon.
- The rich sea biotope north of Psiros island, where even corals grow.
- Extensive sea meadows with the protected "Poseidonia" seaweed
- The palm tree groves of Vai, unique in Europe
- The beginning of the European long-distance walking trail E4
- Many biotopes of mixed Euro-African vegetation (in Vai, Koufonisi etc.)
Beautiful coasts
Sitia district abounds in beaches of dazzling beauty with crystal-blue waters. Every day you can experience the sun and the clear waters of a different beach. Some are secluded and ideal for relaxing in peace, while others are busy, sociable places for those that love company and action. And some beaches combine peacefulness with small scenic fish taverns where after a good swim you can enjoy the sunset with a light meal and a drink.
Palekastro area offers some of the cleanest, most picturesque in the world. Here you can swim, fish, practice water sports or simply relax and enjoy nature and the delicious Cretan food.
The most important beaches from North to South are the following:
SITIA BEACH
This well-organized beach consists of a long stretch of fine golden sand right by the town. It offers a variety of water sports, including jet ski, surfing, water skiing and pedalo. Sitia Beach has been awarded with two Blue Flags and is popular throughout the year. And... you can rent one of the fishing boats in the harbour for an unforgettable romantic evening boat ride.
MOCHLOS
Enjoy a swim in cool, clear waters of the beach by the picturesque fishing village of Mochlos, or in the various small coves scattered nearby. The ruins of an important Minoan settlement can clearly be seen on the island of Agios Nikolaos, 150 metres off the mainland opposite Mochlos. This settlement flowered in the mid-Minoan period and was a major port in East Crete.
PLATANI
In the tiny cove of Platani, on the north coast, there is a little pebbly beach where you can enjoy a quiet swim.
AG. FOTIA
This particular Ag. Fotia is not the area of the same name at Ierapetra in the south. No, this lovely beach is located 7 kms east of Sitia, in an area where the biggest cemetery of Minoan Crete was discovered.
PAPADIOKAMPOS
The beaches of Papadiokambos, northwest of Sitia, are totally secluded. You will want to take provisions with you, so that you can relax and enjoy the hours amidst nature in all its unspoilt glory.
RICHTI
From Mouliana village west of Sitia, three to four hours’ walk through a gorge or rough dirt road will take you to one of the most secluded beaches of the island.
MAKRYGIALOS
The long fine sandy beach of Makrygialos on the south coast is ideal for children and adults alike, and it boasts all possible facilities. Makrygialos offers a range of accommodation from luxury hotels to villas, pensions and rooms by the beach. To the west, the beaches of Koutsouras, Mavros Kolimbos and Achlia also provide every comfort.
KOUTSOURAS
Koutsouras is situated on the south road, a few kilometres west of Makrygialos and 41 kms from Sitia. Visitors are entranced by the unique dark grey pebbles, turquoise waters and shady pine trees. This beach is the first long beach on the route from Ierapetra to Sitia and has been awarded a European Blue Flag.
VAI
Visit the only natural palm forest in Europe – at Vai, with its clean waters and beautiful beach by the far north-eastern headland of Sidero. Its beauty is unique in Crete. The palm fronds cover the banks of the small stream that leads to the sea and its surrounding area. Vai is also of significant ecological importance, as the wetlands between the fringes of the palm forest and the beach are home to a wide variety of birdlife, while the waters team with sea creatures.
ITANOS
The sandy beach of Erimoupolis is situated slightly to the north of the magnificent palm groves of Vai. There you can combine a swim in the sea with a visit to the ruins of ancient Itanos/Utana. For centuries, this city was engaged in rivalry with the powerful city of Presos, until managing to ensure its destruction by turning the military might of Ierapetra on it. The ruins of two early Christian churches prove that it remained an important trading centre up until the early Byzantine period, when it gradually became eclipsed by the ever-growing city of Sitia.
KAROUMES
The remote beach of Karoumbes on the east coast can be reached either by boat or by a 40-minute walk through the gorge by Chochlakies village.
Here you can combine a swim with a visit to the ruins of the Palace of Zakro, the sole Minoan Palace to have been excavated in Eastern Crete. It was built in about 1700BC, only to be destroyed a few hundred years later by the cataclysmic volcanic eruption on Santorini. The site remained undisturbed until excavations brought a wide range of valuable artefacts to light, most of which can now be seen in the Archaeological Museums of Sitia and Heraklion.
CHIONA
Chiona with its crystal waters is situated only 2 kms from Palekastro. Why not sample the famous fish soup (kakavia) in the charming little fish restaurants by the beach?
KOUREMENOS
The sandy beaches of Kouremenos and Chiona lie just south of Vai, and provide ideal conditions for windsurfing.
Around the Palekastro area, the northerly meItemi (or etesian) wind increases in strength through the local thermal and funnelling effect that gives the surface wind an additional 2 Beaufort. This makes Kouremenos Bay one of the most wind-certain spots in Europe, with wind statistics of 20-28 wind days per month from April to October. Apart from the excellent swimming conditions for young and old and the refreshing "air conditioning effect", the bay offers perfect, flat-water conditions close to the shore (due to the offshore wind) as well as clear blue waters. This is a perfect place for those wishing to learn windsurfing, but is equally suited for more advanced practitioners who want to fine-tune their technique or learn new surf moves.
At Kouremenos beach you will also find a windsurf station, the only fully equipped one on Crete. Its team will gladly instruct, equip or provide tips on new freestyle moves. These creative "four friendly freaks" also enjoy helping others express their creativity and have by materials available to paint, print or design
XEROKAMBOS
The stunning unspoilt beaches of Xerokambos on the east coast provide the chance to swim in incredibly clear turquoise waters and then enjoy fresh fish in one of the local tavernas. Comfortable accommodation is available in rooms and villas.
GOUDOURAS
The fishing village of Goudouras on the Libyan Sea lies east of Makrygialos amidst clean waters and beaches. In addition to engaging in fishing and tourism, the local people now cultivate out-of-season produce and hothouse fruits and vegetables.
Islands
The seas around Sitia are garlanded with many beautiful islands which host a wide variety of rare sea-life and flora. Every island is a tribute to a land blessed by the gods: the remains of a Minoan settlement have recently been excavated on the island of Psira; the island of Elasa to the east was where the Minoans first set foot on Crete; the Dionisades and Ianisades stand guard over the Bay of Sitia – and the island of Koufonisi is renowned for its long history of trading in the purple dye laboriously extracted from sea snails. Apart from these larger islands, the seas abound with small rocky islets that serve as winter home to a rare Mediterranean hawk – the Eleanora falcon.
Dionisades
Local people call the islands opposite Sitia "Dionisades" and "Ianisades" and often make use of the fishing grounds there. The rare Mediterranean Eleanora falcon can be spotted on its isolated beaches. Fishing boats often anchor for the night there, lights dancing on the dark waters, their only company the dolphins that sport around them.
Psira
On this small uninhabited island to the west of Mochlos, important artefacts from the pre-Minoan period have been found, indicating that Psira was once an important sea port. An amphitheatre-shaped settlement has been unearthed here together with clay pots and vases – considered some of the finest examples of Minoan art – which can now be viewed in the Archaeological Museum at Heraklion.
Koufonisi
The island of Koufonisis lies on the horizon southeast of Xerokambos. Remains of Minoan and Roman dwellings have been discovered here, including a Greco-Roman theatre with seating for an audience of 1000 people. Thus, it seems that the island was heavily populated from ancient times until the post-Roman era. It was probably a major centre for the harvesting and processing of costly purple dye from the famous gastropod Murex Trunculus, abundant in the nearby waters.
Elasa
International Airport
In the course of 2012 the upgrading of Sitia Airport to international status is due for completion, making travel to Eastern Crete much easier. Work on the new terminal building is well underway.We are of course keeping a close eye on the development, as this will have a huge impact on accessibility and on the property market in the region.
East Crete – Still a good investment for 2010
With the cost of living lower in Eastern Crete than most other EU countries, the lowest crime rate in Europe, a relaxed lifestyle, a fantastic climate with over 320 days of sunshine a year, clean sandy beaches and unspoilt scenery - is it any wonder that Northern Europeans are choosing to move here?
Property and land prices are still affordable, far cheaper than the more tourist-developed West Crete. With improved road links, Sitia airport and harbour developments, the area is set to remain an excellent investment for years to come.
With the global financial crisis and depressed housing markets in Europe and elsewhere, many property-owners realize there are fewer buyers this year, and have reduced their asking prices. This is a very good time to buy property in Eastern Crete, as these prices won’t last.
We have a wide range of properties and plots of land available in this area, for every taste and budget. Our long experience and in-depth local knowledge are major assets. We focus on selecting only those properties and plots of land that we consider to be of good value or feasible projects for our clients.