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There may have been a few raised eyebrows from our regular clients when they saw that Crete had been re-introduced to our programme after so many years. Surely, such a destination does not fit our profile. Certainly, pick up any of the large tour operators’ brochures and their destinations in Crete are the last places we would consider. Sitia, Palekastro & Kouremenos on the other hand are far enough away from the international airports to have totally escaped the net and therefore have retained their charm and character.
Sitia is the main port and town of the eastern extremity of Crete. The frenetic lifestyle of its more famous westerly neighbours has escaped this charming, cosmopolitan town. A lively waterfront has many excellent tavernas and cafes. These, together with a long, sandy beach where water sports are offered are the mainstay of holiday life and will be more than enough to keep most holidaymakers occupied. An interesting aside are the town’s folklore and archaeological museums.
As we include car hire in our holiday arrangements, this will enable you to explore a little further afield. A short drive away is The Monastery of Toplou. Famed for its eighteenth century icon, it is the amazing cloisters festooned with beautiful flowers that most visitors remember. A little further and the renowned beach of Vai which adorns many a publicity shot of Crete, virtue of its astonishing grove of palm trees, will come into view. There are many other excursion possibilities to keep the restless happy.
19 kilometres east of Sitia lies the charming, unpretentious village of Palekastro. We fell in love with this area the moment we first visited. The village itself oozes charm and character, the main square lined with cafes, tavernas and the village church. Wedding feasts are a common sight in the square during the summer with all-comers welcome.
The coast is just a little further east from the village and can be walked in about 30 minutes. Here, a series of sandy beaches including Kouremenos and Chiona offer super swimming, a wind-surfing school and some truly excellent fish tavernas.
Twin centre and Island Hopping: Sitia & Palekastro/Kouremenos can be booked as a two centre and can also be combined with Athens, Halkidiki, Rhodes, Karpathos, Kassos, Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros & Milos.
Excursions & Activities: There is a windsurfing school at Kouremenos/Chiona. Mountain bikes can be hired in Palekastro Village and there are many walking paths in the Palekastro area. Our local agent will be happy to provide you with local maps for these two activities.
Car Hire: Included in the holiday price.
Guide Book & Map: A 130 page guide book worth £16.00 is included free of charge with your tickets if your stay includes 7 nights or more as part of a single centre holiday and is in stock. Otherwise, you can purchase the book in addition to the cost of your holiday or we will include a free map worth £5.00 if in stock.
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