Palekastro, Eastern Crete

Palekastro is a lively, unpretentious village, at the east coast of Crete 20 km away from Sitia and the seat of the Municipality of Itanos. It was named after an old castle. Although the village is growing, it manages tο retain its character and charm. The village square is the centre οf activities and is lined with cafes and taverns. Many pleasant hours can be passed here, watching the world go by.

During the summer months, weddings are often held in the village, with the huge wedding feast taking place in the square, tο which everyone is invited. Α chance to try your hand at Cretan dancing!

The town of Palekastro is an agricultural town which has opened its arms to embrace the mass tourism which has not quite arrived yet. There are plenty of working class taverns in the central part of town and plenty of working class people to fill them at night.

The town is slowly being built up as apartment buildings and hotels have sprung from the ruins of the traditional stone family dwellings which have been allowed to collapse in favour of commerce.

Palekastro with the fertile grounds, important antiquities and marvellous beaches is the liveliest and a greatly developing settlement in the Sitia district. In the town there is a folk museum and many cultural events are taking place.

Kouremenos Beach, Palekastro

Αn enjoyable 20 minute walk from Palekastro through olive groves leads to a number of beautiful, quiet beaches, one of which being at Kouremenos bay, famous for windsurfing.

Palm Beach Vai, Palekastro

Europe's largest natural palm grove, bordering the beautiful beach of Vai is just 8km from Palekastro and is well-worth a visit.