Sitia
What to see in Sitia?
- Kazarma (Casa di Arma) fortress, built by the Venetians in the 13th century on top of the hill, with a beautiful view of the town.
- Petra, a Minoan settlement, the site of ancient Itia or Itidas. Of course I hád to visit that, but it was closed. Passing policemen told us that they never see it open, but it is in the season from what I’ve heard and read (TUE-SUN: 08:30-15:00). I was there in November, so that doesn’t say much about opening hours in season. The view from up there towards the town is beautiful, and worth driving the few hundred meters up to see.
- The Venetian villa at Etia, a classic example of Venetian architecture.
- Tripitos, Hellenistic Sitia, 3kms east of Sitia.
- The archeological museum.
- The Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni.
Vai Palm Forest and Beach
Kouremenos beach
Palekastro
Zakros
Zakros or Epano (Ano) Zakros lies in a fertile valley between hills. It is the commercial and administrative center of the area. The area is famous for the springs, making the land very fertile and green and there are many orange and olive groves. Zakros is a relatively large (about 1000 residents), picturesque, traditional village.
Drive down to Kato Zakros for a visit to the Minoan palace, walking in the gorge, or for a swim and a bite to eat. More on Kato Zakros can be found here: Kato Zakros
After visiting Kato Zakros, there are two possibilities:
– If you still have time, take the road to Xerokambos . From there you can drive the serpentine bends up to Ziros and Handras to the coast at Makrigialos. (tip: buy some local wine at low cost from the supermarket or kafenion in Handras, Ziros or Armeni!)
– Drive back through Zakros and take the small road on the left at Adravasti to Karydi. This road is amazingly beautiful, driving through the mountains with a middle-of-nowhere feeling. The road goes to Handras, and from there down to the coast. One of my favorites roads!
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