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Prefecture: Lassithi



Dragonada island
Places near Dragonada island

Sitia Airport (IATA: JSH, ICAO: LGST) is a small community airport in the region Mponta of Sitia Municipality, on the eastern part of Crete in Greece. The facility is serving the city of Sitia. The airport is located 1 km north/northwest of the city center.

Even though the church dedicated to Saint Catherine appears to be relatively new—since it was rebuilt in the early 19th century—we can confidently identify its location as the site of the earlier Santa Caterina church of the Augustinians.
Its first belfry, on its south-western side, was constructed in 1938. The Bema was expanded with two auxiliary spaces in the early 1950s, and the dilapidated belfry was replaced in 1953-54.

Sitia Town, East Crete. Sitia, 18 km from Palekastro and 60 from Ierapetra, with a population of 9500 people, is the easternmost city on Crete and perhaps the least developed.
Even during the busy summer peak, Sitia retains a certain charm and laid-back style.
It has been inhabited since the Minoan period. At Petra, to the east of the town, a section of ancient settlement has been excavated. There is a waterfront with restaurants and cafes, a large public beach, and an archaeological museum which holds many of the findings from Palekastro.
Sitia Town in East Crete Sitia Town in East Crete Sitia Town in East Crete
Sitia is the seat of administrative and public services for the county and has road and sea connections with various places in the island and with Pireaus and other Aegean islands. There is also a small airport with connection to Athens, Kassos, Karpathos, Rhodes. During the Venetian occupation the town of Sitia was destroyed three times.
In 1508 by a terrible earthquake, in 1538 by the pirate Barbarosa and in 1651 by the Venetians so as not to fall in the hands of the Turks. For two centuries Sitia ceased to exist as a town, until 1869. The present city was built in 1870.

Kouremenos Beach and windsurfing in East Crete.
The longest beach of Palekastro area (1.5 km length) is only 2 km far from Palekastro village and 20 from Sitia. It is sandy and the bottom is ideal for divers. Very close to the beach you can find some taverns that serve fresh fish any time.
The beach here is mostly sandy with a few small pebbles dotted around, there is no need for booties here. The water is super flat but a small wind shadow directly off the beach is good for non-windsurfing spectators! The secluded bay offers a huge space which some times in July and August is frequented exclusively by windsufers.
The Area of Palekastro lies approximately 2,5 hours by car from the Heraklion airport on the far North Easterly point of Crete. The drive takes you through some stunning scenery along the Northern coast line with the most dramatic views through the winding roads of Eastern Crete. The drive is rewarded by a part of Greece that is devoid of mass tourism, some would say this is the Greece of 20 year ago.The lovers of windsurfing are attracted by it, as it is famous all around Europe for this sport. See in ythis article some windsurf- images.
Of course, Palekastro has more to offer. If you feel likehaving a day off or there is not enough wind for windsurfing, you don’t need to be worried about being bored. Round-trips in rental cars can also be recommended.

Itanos beaches are located 2 km north from Palm beach Vai, 8 from Palekastro and 26 from Sitia. The sandy beach of the ancient town of Itanos or Erimoupolis, Lassithi prefecture.
If you’re looking to kick back and relax and do nothing more serious than soak up the sun or occasionally dip your toe into crystal clear waters, then the beaches at Erimoupolis or Itanos in Lassithi Prefecture could be the place for you. Reached by walking a short distance from the small car park at the ancient site of Itanos it’s some distance to any facilities so it is essential to bring plentiful supplies of water. The beaches are quiet on weekdays but are popular at weekends so can become busy. The clear water and sandy beach are perfect for a lazy day with some palm trees offering much needed shade in the heat of the day.
Area description:
There is another longer sandy beach that you can get to - on foot - over the low hill to your left, where the main road stops.
In fact, there are 3 beaches here: the first is the one at the end of the road, the second is reached walking to the north (the beach on the 1st photo) and the third is also reached walking south behind the small fortress. The third one is also suitable to spend time under the shade of the palm-trees.
However the best selection for swimming is the northern, sandy beach. The bottom of the sea is rich. There is a whole ancient city down there giving home to a variety of fish. It is a paradise for the lovers of diving.
These are amazing beaches in Crete, secluded with perfect water. During the week it is sparsely populated but come the weekends it becomes crowded especially during July and August.There are no amenities at the beach and the closest restaurant is a 10minute drive (Palm Beach Vai), so take your own water etc. Parking can be found near the ancient site of Itanos.
What to do..
The site of Ancient Itanos is well worth a visit, particularly as it was once the most important settlement on Crete. Visitors to the site today can see ruins including a black stone tower, and Early Christian churches. Keen snorkelers will be pleased to hear that some of the site is under water, making the views through the crystal clear water even more rewarding. The town of Sitia nearby is off the well-worn tourist track in Crete so has retained much of its charm and relaxed atmosphere. With a busy harbour, a good variety of shops, a pretty seafront and a large sandy beach of its own, it’s a good base for exploring unspoilt Crete at its best.
Above the beach of Erimoupolis one can observe the red marbles that are unique to the area and which belong to the Phyllite-Quartzite unit. The rock formations can be seen from the road leading to Kyriamidis Bay.

In Papadiokambos you’ll meet a long beach with large stones and rocks and an archaeological site. In some places a few bays with pebbles are formed, where you can swim. The only sure thing is that you’ll be alone, since the place is completely secluded. There is almost no infrastructure around, so be sure you have supplies with you.
Papadiokambos’ strong winds and big waves keep most visitors away. This, however, even in winter attracts the lovers of windsurfing. Papadiokambos (known by windsurfers as Faneromeni) is one of the best spots for wave sailing in Greece. Wave sailing is one of the most striking aspects of the sport. The area has strong currents, large waves 3-4m high and has actually no beach. Some places are very dangerous and you should be very careful and in advanced level, so as not to break your equipment on the rocks.

