Sitia Ferries

Unlock your adventure to Greece at the incredible port of Sitia! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Sitia boasts an impressive 23 ferry routes operated by 10 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Sitia, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Sitia offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Rhodes - Sitia, Piraeus - Sitia, Karpathos - Sitia. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Sitia. You'll find companies like Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries, SeaJets ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Sitia.

Sitia is accessible via multiple transportation options, with the town's ferry port providing essential maritime connections. Travelers can reach Sitia by car from Heraklion in approximately 2.5 hours along the northern coastal road, while regular KTEL buses connect major Cretan cities to Sitia's central station. The small domestic Sitia Airport offers limited seasonal flights from Athens and other Greek islands. For those arriving by car, ample parking is available near the ferry terminal, though spaces fill quickly during summer months. The port area is conveniently located within walking distance of the town center, eliminating the need for additional transport once you've arrived.

Nestled on the easternmost edge of Crete, Sitia offers visitors a genuine Greek experience away from the island's more crowded tourist centers. This charming port town blends traditional Cretan culture with stunning Mediterranean landscapes, creating an authentic coastal haven. As a key ferry destination in Eastern Crete, Sitia serves as both a peaceful retreat and a gateway to exploring the rugged Lasithi region with its pristine beaches, historic sites, and renowned olive groves.

Sitia enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination. The prime visiting period runs from May through October when temperatures average 25-30°C (77-86°F) and sea conditions are optimal for ferry crossings. July and August bring the warmest weather and liveliest atmosphere but also larger crowds and higher prices. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer perfect conditions with pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and the bonus of local events like the Sultana Raisin Festival in August and the Kornaria cultural festival in July. Ferry services operate throughout the year but increase in frequency during the summer season.

Sitia's strategic location makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the eastern Mediterranean by ferry. Regular services connect to Karpathos, with journeys taking approximately 3-4 hours across stunning blue waters. Rhodes is also accessible via a scenic 5-6 hour ferry ride, offering travelers access to its medieval Old Town and beautiful beaches. For those interested in island-hopping, connections to smaller Dodecanese islands provide opportunities to experience less-traveled Greek destinations. The route between Sitia and Kasos is particularly beautiful, passing by uninhabited islets and the dramatic coastlines of eastern Crete.

Sitia offers visitors a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration within easy reach of the port. The impressive Kazarma Fortress overlooks the harbor, providing panoramic views and a glimpse into the town's Venetian history. Just 15 minutes east, Vai Beach features Europe's largest natural palm forest alongside crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming. Food enthusiasts should sample local specialties at waterfront tavernas, particularly the region's award-winning olive oil, honey-drenched xerotigana pastries, and fresh seafood caught daily. The pedestrian-friendly promenade along the harbor makes for a pleasant evening stroll, with numerous cafés perfect for watching fishing boats return with the day's catch.

Sitia harbors fascinating secrets beneath its tranquil exterior. The area surrounding Sitia contains some of Europe's oldest known human settlements, with the nearby Palaikastro archaeological site dating back over 4,000 years to Minoan times. Wine enthusiasts might be surprised to learn that Sitia has been producing exceptional wines since ancient times, with the local sweet red Liatiko variety being mentioned in texts dating back to the 13th century. The region is home to the rare Cretan wildcat, an endangered species occasionally spotted in the hills above the town. Sitia also lays claim to being one of the sunniest locations in Europe, averaging over 300 days of sunshine annually.