During our 2023 trip to Crete, Greece we came across the ancient City of Gournia while taking a drive towards Sitia. We also enjoyed stopping in a few different places along the coast for the view and to walk around a bit. All in all, it was a lovely day.
Views Along the Sea
Shortly after breakfast we hopped in the car and started to drive along the coast towards Sitia which is in Northeast Crete. We had no agenda so just played it by ear. It wasn’t long before we decided to explore some of the beaches and views along this beautiful coast. I am not sure of the names of any of the views but we just found pulloffs and also dirt roads. We then followed paths until we found a view or couldn’t go any further. It was a lot of fun and a bit of an adventure as well as a great way to enjoy some tranquility.
We found fairly easy access down to one beach but the rest we enjoyed from above. We enjoyed hearing the waves hitting the rocks and smelling the fresh sea air.
Ancient City of Gournia
While driving along the coast of Crete, we saw a sign for the Ancient City of Gournia and decided to check it out. We were very glad we did. Ancient Gournia was an ancient Minoan complex built on a hillside which overlooks Mirabello Bay. It was also a great workout! Gournia is believed to have been settled intermittently since 3000 BCE and possibly leveled over and resettled in later times.
The ruins seen today are believed to be from the late Minoan period with the palace being built around 1700 BC. On the top of the hill is where the small palace is located and the Minoan City is below it.
There were few people visiting here so we were able to wander around at our leisure. What is really nice about the Ancient City of Gournia is you can walk around the streets, and buildings without restrictions and also enjoy beautiful views of Crete.
Sitia
After visiting Ancient Gournia we continued along the northern coast of Crete until we arrived at Sitia. It was very very hot but we were determined to see at least a few of the sites. We easily found a place to park near the port where we could walk to the areas we wanted to see.
Piano Steps
We started by walking through the town to see the Piano Steps that I had heard about. I had no expectations and didn’t know what to expect but I was curious. So the piano steps are basically steps that were once painted as a piano keyboard. I love the idea, but they did need a repaint. Although to be fair, this was September and close to the end of the season. If they had been painted prior to the season the paint very well could have worn off.
Kazarma Fortress
Our next stop was the Castle. This Castle was on top of the hill, as most Castles are, therefore we walked up a lot of steps and also another great workout. It was still very hot so the going was slow! I think we walked up two more flights of stairs after the piano stairs, maybe 3!
Once we reached the castle though, we were rewarded with being able to wander about inside the court and also some amazing views.
Kazarma Fortress of Sitia is another 13th century Venetian Fortress in Crete. Standing at the highest point in town, the fortress has a great view of the sea. Having survived earthquakes and also invasions, this fortress has undergone some restoration and is in good repair. In 1651 the Venetians left the area as the Turks invaded. Once having power, the Turks changed the interior of the fortress for their use. To read more about the history of the Kazarma Fortress in Sitia.
Lunch Time
Although we found Sitia lovely, and would have enjoyed continuing to wander, we were hot and hungry. We found a very nice taverna along the port called Da Giorgio. A table under the canopy was the perfect place to feel the breeze from the port. In addition, we had a very delicious meal and the staff was wonderful. All in all, this was a perfect lunch spot which I highly recommend Da Giorgio Restaurant.
Shopping
Since we seem to have been collecting olive oil and honey from almost every place we had been on this trip, we bought more here too. There were many lovely little shops along the port and in town. We found exactly what we were looking for at a nice shop with friendly and also helpful staff.
After shopping it was back to the car and time for the Air Conditioning. Although we had a lovely day we were ready to head back to where we were staying at Elounda Peninsula All Suites Hotel and enjoy the beach and pool there.
Locations
Conclusion
Although we had not planned this day it turned out to be another day in Crete enjoying the coast, Ancient City of Gounia, and the town of Sitia. All were definitely great spots to visit. Just more reasons why we love Crete.
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2023 Trip
Sunken City of Olous-September 2023
Elounda Peninsula Hotel-Revised 2023
Hike to Agiofarago Beach-Sept 2023
Preveli Beach, the Easy Way-Sept 2023
Swim at Kourtaliotiko Falls-Sept 2023
Boating on the South Central Sea in Crete-Sept 2023
A Challenging hike Loutro to Marmara Beach, Crete-Sept 2023
Anopolis, Arradena Bridge and Lykos Beach in Southen Crete-Sept 2023
Aptera Crete, Closed on Tuesdays Sept 2023
Return to Chania, Crete September 2023
2022 Trip
Our Favorite Restaurants, Plaka and Athens 2022
Santorini by Dune Buggy Part 3 2022
Off the Beaten Path Tour Santorini, Sept 2022
Delfino Blu Hotel, Corfu, Sept 2022
Shopping in Old Town Corfu, Sept 2022
Exploring Old Town Corfu, Sept 2022
To the Top of Angelokastro, Sept 2022
NW Coast of Corfu by boat, Sept 2022
Exploring the Beaches of NW Corfu, Sept 2022
Hike to Giali Beach, Corfu Sept 2022
E-Bike Tour of Meteora, Greece Sept 2022
Hike to Ypapanti Monastery, Greece Sept 2022
Ancient Delphi, Greece Sept 2022
Crete 2021
Ancient City of Lato, Sept 2021
Aforesmenos Lighthouse, Crete, Sept 2021
Avli Lounge Hotel, Rethymno, Sept 2021
Matala Beach Caves, Crete, Sept 2021
Hike to Martsalos Beach, Sept 2021
The Chapel at Georgioupoli, Sept 2021
Koutalas Beach and Sea Cave, Sept 2021
A Walk Through Chania, Sept 2021
Crete 2019
Elounda Peninsula Hotel, Sept 2019
Knossos Palace, Crete Sept 2019
Seitan Limania Beach, Sept 2019
Katholiko Monastery, Sept 2019
Itineraries
10 Day Greece Itinerary, Sept 2019
8 Day Greece Itinerary, Sept 2018