Sitia Panoramic Penthouse - Close to sandy beach

Summary:
A newly renovated penthouse apartent with lift, large balcony and private parking. Make the best of your time in Sitia region by choosing to stay in the town with all its amenities. The apartment is located 10 min walk from Sitia's organised sandy beach and 5 min walk from the old port, where you will find an extensive selection of restaurants and bars.

The Space:
The apartment is spacious and well appointed for short or longer stays and is suitable for both couples/friends or families up to 4 persons. A packable cot and high chair is available on request.

Living room: The open space features a large sofa with unobstracted views to the sea and the valley. A large smart TV is available for film nights. The elegant lighting options can be adjusted to your mood.

Dining area: The dinner table offers ample space for 4 persons.

Kitchen: The spacious and fully equipped kitchen has all the utensils and equipment for short or longer stays. For your breakfast there is filter and nespresso coffee machines as well as kettle and toaster. The large fridge freezer will allow you to stock the house for the duration of your stay.

Balcony: There is comfortable sitting for 4 persons and a spacious gas BBQ for your stay-at-home evenings.

Bathroom: spacious, fully equippped bathroom with shower and bathtub

Main bedroom: Queen bed and ample storage and full blackout windows

Second bedroom: A bed that can be converted to single or double with a practical mechanism. Ample storage and full blackout windows.

Utility room: Washing machine and cleaning equipment.

Guest Access:
The guest will have access to the apartment and a private parking spot.

The Area:
The house is situated in Sitia's town centre, 5 minutes drive from the local airport and port, 5 minutes walk from the sea and 10 mintues walk from the local organised sandy beach. Other magnificent beaches are situated 20-40 minutes drive.

***A few words about the region***
Sitia is a town situated in the far east of Crete, in the prefecture of Lasithi. It lies to the east of Aghios Nikolaos and to the northeast of Ierapetra. It lies in a region unspoiled by mass tourism. Even during the busy summer peak, Sitia retains a certain charm and laid-back style. In the town but especially in the region's villages you will enjoy authentic Cretan cuisine made with quality local olive oil and other local produce. During the day you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing in Sitia beach or in the numerous untouched beaches lying towards the Eastern tip of the island.

***What to do in Sitia***
For history and archaeology enthusiasts, Sitia's archaeological museum display's exhibits dating back to the Neolithic era in 3,500 BC while the medieval fortress of Kazarma, situated at the top of Sitia is a reminder of the town's medieval past. Furthermore, the folklore museum exhibits items from the past century such as weavings, woodcuts and other everyday life items. During the evening you can visit one of the numerous small restaurants ("Rakadika") situated along the town's fishing port, which serve delicious variety plates along with Cretan spirit "Raki". And if you are up to it you can continue your night out until the early morning hours in one of the local bars and clubs.

***What to do in the region***
*Archaeology / History / Religion*
On your way to Vai and Erimoupoli you will pass from the monastery of Toplou. Here you can visit the monastery's museum with items dating back to the Ottoman empire period up to the Second World War. In Erimoupoli bay you can visit the ruins of the ancient town of Itanos. Further to the south east, Zakros is one of the four major Minoan palaces unearthed in Crete. The ruins of the palace await you at the lower entrance of the Zakros gorge.

***Beaches***
To the east of Sitia lies Europe's only natural palm forest of Vai. In a short distance from Vai lies the bay of Erimoupoli with the ruins of the ancient town of Itanos. To the south east of the region lie the long sandy beaches and warm waters of Kserokambos . There are numerous other deserted beaches we can help you discover.

***Sports***
For windsurfing enthusiasts the world renowned Kouremenos beach is a must visit. The club offers equipment hire and lessons. For the hardcore athletes, the Faneromeni bay offers excellent wave conditions (depending on the weather). Here you will need to bring your own kit. Mountain bikes are a fun way to explore the region's endless olive groves. Spring and autumn is the best period for this since the weather is cooler during the day.

***Hiking***
The areas rugged terrain offers numerous gorges that are walkable with no special equipment. First and foremost the 4km Richti gorge, near the village of Mesa Mouliana will dazzle you with the year-round waterfalls and dense vegetation all the way down to a deserted beach. The 4.5km gorge of Zakros starts at the village of Ano Zakros and meets the sea next to the archaeological site of Kato Zakros. It is one of the most impressive gorges in Crete with steep sides and dramatic rock formations. It is also known as the Gorge of the Dead because ancient Minoans buried their dead in caves high up on the gorge's sides. The 3.5km Chochlakies or Karoumes gorge ends in the magnificent and isolated bay of Karoumes.

***Culinary Delights***
In Sitia's "Rakadika" and small taverns scattered in villages throughout the region you can try, apart from local meats, also some delicacies of the region cooked in locally produced olive oil, like "chochlious" (snails cooked either with tomato or vinegar and rosemary), "omaties" (stuffed pig intestines), "anthous" (stuffed courgettes) and other. When you visit Toplou don't forget to grab a bite in the monastery's small tavern and purchase organic products from the monastery's extensive agricultural produce (honey, olive oil etc).

Getting Around:
How to reach Sitia : Direct charter and scheduled flights to Heraklion: A number of companies operate direct flights to Heraklion from various major European cities, especially from April until October. Flights through Athens: Aegean Airlines operate frequent daily flights between Athens and Heraklion. There is also I direct flight to Sitia airport (not on a daily basis). Ferry boat from Piraeus port (Athens) to Heraklion or Sitia: Daily high speed ferries to Heraklion. There is also a slow ferry leaving from Piraeus directly stopping at a number of other ports before arriving in Sitia. Car hire: All major international car hire companies operate in Heraklion airport. There are several car hire firms in Sitia.

Interaction with Guests:
An assistant will welcome you and hand over the key. We remain available for advice throughout your stay by phone or email.