By the ancient town of Itanos stretch three exquisite beaches, in an area excellent for relaxation and diving alike. When here, it is certainly worth inspecting the ruins of the city, which was a colony founded by the Phoenicians according to legend and eventually prospered to become a city-state mighty and wealthy, one of the most important in east Crete.
If you are a diving enthusiast, then it is equally worth your while to tarry here: you will find the most part of the ancient city on the amazing sea-bed!
To get here, take the road east from Siteia to Palaikastro, and then branch off north to Vai and Itanos. At the archaeological site, park your car and take one of the small paths that fan out from it, and before long you will arrive at one of the three beaches.
South Beach
The most southerly of them, it is quiet and without any organization – with fine sand, very clear waters and a few palm trees dotted about.
After leaving your car, take the small path that passes in front of a small fortress there – the beach is south of the fort.
Main/Central Beach
This is right in front of the parking area for the archaeological site: quiet, with sand, clear waters and a number of tamarisks about. Not organized, it is open to the strong winds.
North Beach
This is the largest and most attractive: still a quiet spot and lacking development, it has sand and green waters. Having left the car in the same parking lot, take the footpath that goes northwards. 10 minutes on foot will bring you to the beach.
