Where to Stay in Sitia , Sitia, Palekastro/Vai, Makry Gialos & Zakros

If you're looking for where to stay in Sitia, the short answer is that it depends on your itinerary: Sitia town offers convenience, gastronomy, and routes in all directions; Palekastro and Vai suit those seeking close access to the palm forest and quiet beaches; Makry Gialos is ideal for families wanting an organised beach, while Kato Zakros appeals to those looking for tranquillity and a connection with history, next to the Minoan palace. In this guide, we analyse the four areas, suggest specific accommodations with verified Booking.com links, and answer the most frequently asked questions from those planning their trip to eastern Crete.

Geography, access and what to see in Sitia

Sitia is located at the northeastern tip of Crete, in the Lasithi regional unit, approximately 70 km from Agios Nikolaos and about 130 km from Heraklion. Access is either by road via the national road network Heraklion–Agios Nikolaos–Sitia (approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from Heraklion), by air via the local “Vitsentzos Kornaros” airport, which primarily serves seasonal domestic flights, or by ferry from Piraeus with routes terminating at the town's port. Sitia is one of the less touristy towns in Crete, which gives it a more authentic character compared to Chania or Heraklion; its seafront is full of tavernas and cafes, and every August it hosts the well-known Kintergiatiko, the local wine festival (sultana).

Historically, the area has deep roots reaching back to the Minoan era, with the most important monument being the Palace of Zakros, the fourth largest Minoan palace after Knossos, Phaistos, and Malia, built near Kato Zakros beach. In the same area, it's worth seeing the Gorge of the Dead, a small but impressive hiking trail that ends at the palace. To the east, Palekastro and nearby Vai host Europe's largest natural palm forest, with a species of palm (Phoenix theophrasti) found almost exclusively in Crete. To the south, Makry Gialos and nearby Koutsounara feature sandy beaches with shallow waters, ideal for families. Sitia town itself also boasts an archaeological museum, a Venetian fortress (Kazarma), and a small but charming old town with narrow streets. Overall, the area combines nature, history, and gastronomy (olive oil, wine, honey) without the mass tourism of other island destinations, which has brought it increasingly into the spotlight in recent years.

Sitia (town): the most practical base

Staying in Sitia town itself is the most convenient option for those who want to explore the entire area without relocating. It has supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, all types of restaurants, and easy access to Vai (about 25 minutes), Makry Gialos (about 30 minutes), and Kato Zakros (about 45 minutes). It is also the best base for those arriving via the airport or port, as it is located in the town itself.

1. Sitia Beach City Resort & Spa
Located on the beachfront, a few minutes from the town centre; suitable for couples and families looking for hotel amenities, a swimming pool, and a spa without losing touch with the centre.

• Average cost: 110-180€ per night

2. Elysee Hotel
Located in Sitia with an excellent location rating; suitable for travellers who want a comfortable hotel close to the centre and the beach, with access to buses.

• Average cost: 90-140€ per night

3. Seaside Breeze Apartment
An apartment on Sitia beach; ideal for couples or small families who prefer independence with a kitchen and their own space.

• Average cost: 70-110€ per night

4. Sitia Oceanides
An apartment in the Trypitos area, a few minutes from the centre; a quiet option with very good reviews, suitable for those looking for more economical accommodation without sacrificing quality.

• Average cost: 60-95€ per night

Palekastro & Vai: close to the palm forest

Palekastro is located approximately 18-20 km east of Sitia and serves as the gateway to Vai, the beach with the legendary palm forest. It is an ideal base for those who want to avoid the morning traffic towards Vai in summer and also enjoy the nearby beaches of Kouremenos and Hiona, popular with windsurfing enthusiasts.

5. Thalia Hotel
A small hotel in Palekastro with excellent location reviews; suitable for couples who want a quiet stay with easy access to Vai and the area's beaches.

• Average cost: 75-115€ per night

6. Vai Rent Rooms
Located on the provincial road to Vai, just a few minutes from the beach with the palm forest; a simple, economical option for those who want to be as close as possible to Vai.

• Average cost: 55-85€ per night

7. Exclusive Seaside Retreat with Shared Pool & Private Beach Access
An apartment in the Pantanamous/Palekastro area with a shared pool and beach access; suitable for couples or small groups looking for a more upgraded stay.

• Average cost: 100-160€ per night

Makry Gialos: beaches and family atmosphere

Makry Gialos is located approximately 25 km south of Sitia, on the southern coast of the region, and is one of the most popular resorts in the area thanks to its sandy, organised beaches. It is a small settlement with tavernas, cafes, and rooms for rent, ideal for families and couples who want a peaceful holiday away from nightlife.

8. Afroditi Apartments
Apartments on Makry Gialos beach with a very high rating; suitable for families who want independence and direct access to the sea.

• Average cost: 80-130€ per night

9. White Pearl
A modern apartment in Makry Gialos, on the beachfront, with excellent reviews; suitable for couples seeking quality, quiet accommodation.

• Average cost: 85-135€ per night

10. South Coast Hotel
Located in nearby Koutsounari, next to the beach; a simple, economical base with easy access to the beach and local tavernas.

• Average cost: 65-100€ per night

11. The White Houses
Newly built apartments in Makry Gialos, near the beach, with a very high guest rating; suitable for families wanting modern amenities.

• Average cost: 90-140€ per night

Kato Zakros: history and tranquillity

Kato Zakros is approximately 45 km southeast of Sitia and is the most remote of the four areas, which also places it on the quieter side of the trip. Here you'll find the Minoan Palace of Zakros and the starting point of the Gorge of the Dead, a popular hiking route. Staying here suits those who want a few days of retreat, without many entertainment options, but with direct access to nature and archaeological interest.

12. Terra Minoika Boutique Resort
Apartments with a Mediterranean aesthetic in Kato Zakros, with a very high location rating; suitable for couples who want a peaceful holiday by the sea and the palace.

• Average cost: 95-150€ per night

13. Kato Zakros Palace Apartments
Apartments next to Kato Zakros beach with excellent ratings from hundreds of reviews; a good choice for families who want independence and tranquillity.

• Average cost: 85-130€ per night

Which area to choose depending on your trip

If you're arriving by plane or ferry and want immediate access to facilities, Sitia town is the safest choice. If your main interest is Vai and windsurfing beaches, Palekastro saves you time and travel. Families with young children usually prefer Makry Gialos due to its shallow, organised beaches, while those who want to combine holidays with history and a quiet lifestyle will find Kato Zakros an ideal base. Many visitors ultimately choose to split their stay between two locations, e.g., a few days in Sitia and a few in Makry Gialos or Kato Zakros, to enjoy all aspects of the area.

If you are planning a wider tour of eastern Crete, it's worth checking out accommodation options in other parts of the Lasithi regional unit. See our guide Where to stay in Agios Nikolaos for a more cosmopolitan base, as well as the guide Where to stay in Elounda if you are looking for luxury resorts. For those who want to combine their trip with destinations further west on the island, our guides Where to stay in Rethymno and Where to stay in Chania are also useful, while those seeking a base near Heraklion airport can consult relevant travelo.gr articles for the surrounding area.

Practical information for your stay

The best period to visit is from mid-May to mid-October, with July and August being peak season, so early booking is recommended, especially for accommodation near Vai and Makry Gialos. Accommodation prices in Sitia generally remain lower compared to more touristy areas of Crete, such as Chania or Rethymno, making it an attractive option for travellers with a mid-range budget. Car rental is almost essential, as distances between areas are considerable and public transport is limited, especially towards Kato Zakros.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I stay in Sitia if I don't have a car?

The best option is Sitia town itself, as it has the most services, restaurants, and easy access via local buses or taxis to nearby beaches.

How far is Vai from Sitia?

Vai is approximately 25-27 km from Sitia, which is about 30-35 minutes by car, depending on traffic in the summer.

Is it worth staying in Kato Zakros, or is it too isolated?

Kato Zakros is indeed more remote, but it's worth 2-3 nights if you're interested in visiting the Minoan palace and the Gorge of the Dead, as well as finding peace away from tourism.

Which area is best for families with children?

Makry Gialos is considered the most suitable option for families, thanks to its sandy beaches with shallow waters and organised facilities.

How many days are needed to see the entire Sitia area?

At least 4-5 days are recommended to experience Sitia town, Vai, Makry Gialos, and Kato Zakros without rushing.

Are there luxury hotels in Sitia, or is it mainly rooms for rent?

The area mainly features small to medium-sized accommodations, with Sitia Beach City Resort & Spa standing out as the most comprehensive hotel option; the majority of others are apartments and boutique accommodations.