Sitía (ancient Eteia) is a picturesquely situated little port in eastern Crete, dominated by a Venetian fort. The town, which was destroyed by an earthquake and bombarded by a Turkish fleet commanded by Khaireddin Barbarossa in 1538, is mainly modern; it has a good beach.
It was the home of Vintzentinos Kornaros (d. 1677), author of an epic romance, the "Erotokritos", which is still popular. There is an attractive promenade along the harbor (restaurants).
In Arkadion Street (parallel to the harbor) is an interesting folk museum.
The Sitía Archaeological Museum contains Minoan-era finds from Sitía, Zakros, Petra and Palekastro. The collection includes statues, vessels, jars, and tablets.
Always opened on: Assumption Day - Christian (August 15), Óhi Day - Greece & Cyprus (October 28)
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Greek National Day (March 25), May Day / Labor Day (May 1), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Easter - Christian, 15th of Shaaban - 12th Iman's Birthday - Muslim, Good Friday - Christian
Tips: Admission is free on Sundays from November to March.
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
16km/10mi east of Ayía Fotiá is the fortified monastery of Toploú (17th C.), which was a center of resistance to the Turks and a place of refuge during the German occupation of 1941-44. It has an interesting collection of Bibles and icons.
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Toplou Monastery, Sitia
