ACTIVITIES – SIGHTSEEING

The Minoan Town of Palekastro
At the beach of Palekastro, in the position of Russolakos, a great and big town of the Minoan period was excavated. It flourished during the post-Minoan period but some remains date back to the pre-Minoan period and the mid-Minoan period, mainly tombs with numerous bones very well preserved. The anthropologists that studied the bones found important information on the body structure of the Minoans, who reportedly had an average body length of 1.60 for men and 1.50 for women. A central road connects with 4 other roads that divide the town in 9 districts. The houses that face the central road had imposing fronts, while a complete drainage system was functioning in all the districts. In the district B, among others, there was a chamber-manor with 4 lines of columns and a kitchen, a “Lustral Basin”, a well, a home shrine, a bath, and an oil storage room, while in other spaces there was an oil press. Many vessels, vases, lamps, ect were also found. Chamber-manor were also found in other districts, while in one district a wine press was found. In another district, the famous in antiquity shrine of Diktaios Zeus was found. At this shrine, Zeus was worshipped until the Roman period. The pieces of a plate where the hymn of Zeus Diktaios were also found; it is the first hymn to a deity in the ancient world and it is a hymn to peace and life. In the same space the pieces of an ivory figurine, “the masterpiece” of the Minoan civilization as it has been characterized, were discovered and are exhibited at the archeological museum of Sitia. Human activity in the Minoan town of Palekastro suddenly seized, as it happened in Zakros and in other towns of Crete in about 1500 BC, after the horrific eruption of the volcano of Thira.

Sitia UNESCO Geoparl
The Natural Park of Sitia is on the easternmost edge of Crete, in the Municipality of Sitia. It covers the entire area of the former Kapodistrian Municipality of Itanos, as well as parts of the former Municipalities of Lefki and Sitia. Geographically, it extends from cape Kavo Sidero, in the north, to the southern coast of the Municipality, the edges of the city of Sitia, to the west, and the coast of Zakros, to the east. It is mainly a mountainous area, with the Zakros Mountains dominating the landscape and the lace-like coastline all along the shores. Park’s boundary has been assigned in detail covering an area of 361,4 km2 (or 361,4 hectares).
Sitia Nature Park offers many activities for the visitors wishing to relax at a traditional and unique part of Crete, enjoy themselves at the marvelous beaches or even test their limits with extreme and outdoor activities. In addition, visitors will find famous places worldwide for surfing, rock climbing, canyoning and caving for the more daring.

Toplou Monastery

Monastery of “Kira Akrotiriani” or “Toplou” (meaning “with armament” in Greek) because it acquired the right during the Turkish Occupation to keep a cannon. Moni Toplou is a Monastery with a long history which played a significant role in the struggles of the Cretan people for freedom. In 1654, during the Turkish Occupation, the first bishop of Crete, Neofitos Patellaros, handed over some Cretan monasteries to the Patriach. In 1704 the Monastery of Toplou thus managed to avoid the heavy taxes and land seizures enforced on the Cretan people by the janissaries of the Turkish Occupation. In 1798, the Patriach of Constantinople, Gregory V, declared the monastery and its surrounding lands to remain “uncultivated and undisturbed” and forbade its sale without the express permission of the Patriach. The monastery is dedicated to Our Lady and to St John. The monastery is now run by abbot Filotheos Spanoudakis who has presided over the restoration of the monastery and founded a museum of icons and copper engravings. The displays include icons of great artistic worth, bibles, gold-plated silver crosses, patriachal documents, lead seals, vestments etc.

Vai

Visit the only palmforest in Europe with its clean waters and beautiful beach. It is situated on the northern edge of the region on the headland of Sidero. Its beauty is unique in Crete. The palm trees grow naturally here and their fronds cover the banks of the small stream that leads to the sea, and its surrounding area. Quite apart from its beauty, Vai is also of significant ecological worth. The wetlands created between the edge of the palmforest and the beach are home to a wide variety of birdlife and the ocean is teaming with sea creatures.

Chochlakies Gorge

The Chochlakies Gorge is located just outside the village of Chochlakies. To enter the gorge, you must go through the village of Chochlakies and then follow a narrow road that leads to the church of Agia Marina, an ideal parking spot and starting point for the hike.
The route is relatively walkable, but it is recommended after April when the high flow of water in the creek bed stops. The crossing is particularly attractive due to the rich biodiversity and impressive geological formations.
The UNESCO mapped geo route [geo-route 13] takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. With blue markings, it begins just outside the village of Chochlakies, and ends at the beautiful beach of Karoumes passing through the beautiful gorge. In Karoumes there are equally important geosites, such as coral limestone and small caves. The return is usually a circular route through the gorge back to the starting point. The boldest can extend the route by continuing towards Kato Zakros via UNESCO geo-route 12.
The trail head is surrounded by olive trees, followed by rocks next to the riverbank, and hiking equipment (drinking water, hat, hiking/athletic shoes) is recommended. The reward at the end is priceless with the deep blue and virgin Karoumes beach offering ultimate relaxation before heading back!

Folklore Museum of Palekastro

The first attempt of the establishment of a folklore museum in Palekastro has been started in 1987 by the two cultural unions of Palekastro “Eleia” and “Itanos” with the support of Toplou Monastery and the village Council.
In 1989 an old, dilapidated, traditional Cretan house was bought and immediately started its full renovation. In 1995 with the support of Sitia Development Organization the renovation was completed and right away started the collection of old things of everyday life from the greater province.

▶ Phone: (GR)6987414206 // (GR)6938350906 // (GR)6979091887 // (GR)6937381446 // email: polit.sillogos.itanos@hotmail.com
▶ Ticket Price 2,00 €

Traditional summer feasts (panigiria) in the villages of Sitia

Experience the Cretan Art of Celebration in #SitiaCrete – an art rooted not only in the traditions of the past but also in a timeless appreciation of joy that forms a part of the eternal Cretan soul.
The Sitia villages are legendary for their “panigiria” or “glendia”, a feast of live traditional music, dances & culinary delights, providing an opportunity to have a drink, socialize with locals, and experience unique moments and experiences that will never be forgotten. They retain their authenticity, liveliness, and the soul of the Sitia region, as well as the genuine “love” for tradition. The pulse, the mood, the passion, and the traditional foods classify the village festivals of our region among the most authentic and beloved in Crete.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CueIJLOwWV1tpxWwCVI813qVo6OxD_aN/view

For more information visit: https://tours.nhmc.uoc.gr/geo/sitia/ & www.visitsitia.gr