Sitia or Siteia is a small but charming town in Lassithi Prefecture, laid out in a horseshoe shape on the side of a hill in the northeast of Crete Island. It is one of the most pleasant and attractive towns in Lassithi, retraining from its peaceful atmosphere. There is a long beach along the Sitia road that leads to Kouremenos, Vai and several other places of historical interest.
The earliest settlement of the town of Sitia dates back to before Minoan times, and in the neighbouring town of Petras, there are excavations from the Neolithic period (3000 BC) all the way to the Bronze Age (3000-1050 BC). Also, several Minoan settlements have been unearthed in the various archaeological sites nearby Itanos and Machlos. Sitia is quieter than the prefecture capital Agios Nikolaos, yet it is equally accessible to visitors.
Sitia has a greater focus on agriculture and commerce rather than tourism. A sandy beach skirts a wide bay on the east side of the town, and most of the homes are lodged on a hillside overlooking the port. It has a pleasant mixture of new and old Venetian architecture, and its attractive harbour-side promenade is lined with taverns and cafes, which is perfect for a pleasant evening stroll. Even at the height of the season, the town has a relatively laid-back feel compared to the more commercial western part of the island of Crete.
Sitia is rich in history, beautiful beaches and landscapes and has access to all necessary facilities like hospitals, supermarkets, bars, cafés, taverns, shops and more.