Sitia

Sitia is located on the northeastern coast of the island of Crete, almost at the tip. Not far from the Gulf of Mirabello and St. Nicholas, like the latter Sitia is distinguished by still remaining outside the big flows of Cretan tourism. Despite excellent sea and air links, directly with Athens and Piraeus; perhaps the reason is also to be found in the fact that the airport serving the town still does not do international service.

In any case, Sitia is a pleasant town to visit and experience, even for a quick stop ashore, clean and populated by friendly, warm people. It is located on a rather rugged and in places rocky stretch of coastline; however, there is no shortage of beautiful and also discreetly long sandy beaches, these of course a destination for tourists in large numbers. This is the case of Vai beach, not far away, very famous in Crete and not only for the presence of palm trees, which give it an almost… Caribbean appearance! The atmosphere of paradise on earth is somewhat marred by the massive presence of people, cars and buses during peak season.

Little Sitia, however, offers some good attractions in itself. The first pleasure, first of all, is to wander around its streets, which still retain a traditional atmosphere, and browse its fine stores or look for a place to eat some excellent traditional Greek cuisine.
There is also no shortage in the city of the archaeological museum, rich in artifacts from the Minoan era; and how can one forget the long Venetian domination, traces of which remain in the fortress that dominates the port, the Kazarma.
A relatively short distance from Sitia is then the aercheological site of Kato Zakro, also opsitante important artifacts of the Minoan civilization including what remains of a large palace.

Returning to more purely yachting matters, Sitia does not offer much but at least…it does – considering the average level of Greek offerings, it is something to know that you can count on the possibility of a berth. Sitia has a commercial port, for ferries shuttling in from Piraeus (and beyond), but in between it manages to offer something like a dozen berths.
Getting to Sitia is no problem. Remember that the northern coast of Crete, in general, is an area of strong meltemas, which increase their intensity just near the western and eastern ends. Watch also, in these cases, for the rather confusing currents that are created.

In any case, the entrance to the ports is large and easy. And the port itself, inside, is large and spacious; too bad that for transiting boats there is very little space reserved. Specifically, it is the last section of the inner part of the northern breakwater. Here the depth is good, about 7 meters, and there are bollards along the dock that facilitate mooring (strictly sideways). Beware that the outermost part of this area, convenient for large boats, is also the one most exposed to south winds, which when they blow arrive here with some intensity. In case of strong winds the mooring is at risk.

Nothing can be found at the dock… except a good deal of dust. There is no electricity and no water; the only chance to get water is at the beginning of the breakwater. No toilets, no fuel (there is, however, a station in town: bring your own jerry cans, no Internet connection, which you can get, however, at the many cafes and taverns along the waterfront.

As mentioned, Sitia is a medium-sized town, and you will certainly find everything you may need on land (except from a nautical point of view: very well stocked but only for fishing items). Fruits and vegetables, supermarkets, banks, taverns, and restaurants are not lacking; note that in town, fairly close to the ports, you can also get gas for cooking.