Martin M. Miles' photos

Settlement in the city area dates back to the pre-Minoan period. Architectural remains have been found from the end of the Neolithic period to the Bronze Age. The city flourished during the Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods as one of the island's most important ports. During Venetian times, the city was destroyed three times: first by an earthquake in 1508, then by Turkish pirates in 1538, and finally by the Venetians themselves in 1651. This last destruction occurred during the Cretan War. Lacking the resources to withstand a prolonged siege by the Turks, the Venetians destroyed the fortifications and relocated the garrison to Heraklion. The inhabitants migrated west, and the town remained deserted for the next 200 years of Turkish rule. The city was rebuilt after the Cretan Revolt until 1870. Today it has almost 20,000 inhabitants. The Archaeological Museum features finds from the wider area, dating back to the period between 3500 BC and 500 AD. The pyrix was found (shuttered in many pieces) on the necropolis of Itanos. It is dated to the 8th century BC, the late Geometric Period. The Geometric Period on Crete spanned roughly from the 10th century to the 8th century BC. This phase is characterized by the development of a specific art style characterized by geometric patterns in pottery and other art forms.

Settlement in the city area dates back to the pre-Minoan period. Architectural remains have been found from the end of the Neolithic period to the Bronze Age. The city flourished during the Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods as one of the island's most important ports. During Venetian times, the city was destroyed three times: first by an earthquake in 1508, then by Turkish pirates in 1538, and finally by the Venetians themselves in 1651. This last destruction occurred during the Cretan War. Lacking the resources to withstand a prolonged siege by the Turks, the Venetians destroyed the fortifications and relocated the garrison to Heraklion. The inhabitants migrated west, and the town remained deserted for the next 200 years of Turkish rule. The city was rebuilt after the Cretan Revolt until 1870. Today it has almost 20,000 inhabitants. The Archaeological Museum features finds from the wider area, dating back to the period between 3500 BC and 500 AD. Figurine of Cybele, 5th century BC The goddess is seated on a throne, wearing a chiton and a Phrygian cap.

Settlement in the city area dates back to the pre-Minoan period. Architectural remains have been found from the end of the Neolithic period to the Bronze Age. The city flourished during the Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods as one of the island's most important ports. During Venetian times, the city was destroyed three times: first by an earthquake in 1508, then by the Turkish pirate Hayreddin Barbarossa in 1538, and finally by the Venetians themselves in 1651. This last destruction occurred during the Cretan War. Lacking the resources to withstand a prolonged siege by the Turks, the Venetians destroyed the fortifications and relocated the garrison to Heraklion. The inhabitants migrated west, and the town remained deserted for the next 200 years of Turkish rule. The city was rebuilt after the Cretan Revolt until 1870. Today it has almost 20,000 inhabitants. An evening stroll along the harbor

About 5 km from Sitia lies a Minoan necropolis with a total of 252 graves. A residential complex was excavated not far from the burial ground. In contrast to the necropolis, it dates from a later period, namely around 2000 BC. The building has 37 rooms opening onto a central courtyard. It was originally surrounded by a fortification wall. It can already be interpreted as a prototype of a Minoan palace. The site was abandoned, and circular structures were built over the ruins. These structures may have been tholos tombs. Many of the grave goods here date from the Cycladic period and could indicate that Hagia Photia was a Cycladic colony.

About 5 km from Sitia lies a Minoan necropolis with a total of 252 graves. A residential complex was excavated not far from the burial ground. In contrast to the necropolis, it dates from a later period, namely around 2000 BC. The building has 37 rooms opening onto a central courtyard. It was originally surrounded by a fortification wall. It can already be interpreted as a prototype of a Minoan palace. The site was abandoned, and circular structures were built over the ruins. These structures may have been tholos tombs. Many of the grave goods here date from the Cycladic period and could indicate that Hagia Photia was a Cycladic colony.

About 5 km from Sitia lies a Minoan necropolis with a total of 252 graves. A residential complex was excavated not far from the burial ground. In contrast to the necropolis, it dates from a later period, namely around 2000 BC. The building has 37 rooms opening onto a central courtyard. It was originally surrounded by a fortification wall. It can already be interpreted as a prototype of a Minoan palace. The site was abandoned, and circular structures were built over the ruins. These structures may have been tholos tombs. Many of the grave goods here date from the Cycladic period and could indicate that Hagia Photia was a Cycladic colony.

Kritiko Spiti, meaning "Cretan House," is a large restaurant on Sitia's harbor promenade, offering beautiful views in the summer. In winter, it's already dark by dinner time, allowing guests to concentrate fully on their meal. Breaded and fried zucchini and stuffed peppers

Kritiko Spiti, meaning "Cretan House," is a large restaurant on Sitia's harbor promenade, offering beautiful views in the summer. In winter, it's already dark by dinner time, allowing guests to concentrate fully on their meal. Greek Salad

Kritiko Spiti, meaning "Cretan House," is a large restaurant on Sitia's harbor promenade, offering beautiful views in the summer. In winter, it's already dark by dinner time, allowing guests to concentrate fully on their meal. Champignons a la Crete, served on pita bread

Kritiko Spiti, meaning "Cretan House," is a large restaurant on Sitia's harbor promenade, offering beautiful views in the summer. In winter, it's already dark by dinner time, allowing guests to concentrate fully on their meal. Appetizers - tapenade, grilled paprika, seasoned yogurt

Settlement in the city area dates back to the pre-Minoan period. Architectural remains have been found from the end of the Neolithic period to the Bronze Age. The city flourished during the Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods as one of the island's most important ports. During Venetian times, the city was destroyed three times: first by an earthquake in 1508, then by the Turkish pirate Hayreddin Barbarossa in 1538, and finally by the Venetians themselves in 1651. This last destruction occurred during the Cretan War. Lacking the resources to withstand a prolonged siege by the Turks, the Venetians destroyed the fortifications and relocated the garrison to Heraklion. The inhabitants migrated west, and the town remained deserted for the next 200 years of Turkish rule. The city was rebuilt after the Cretan Revolt until 1870. Today it has almost 20,000 inhabitants. The harbour in late afternoon

Itanos was an ancient city on the northeastern tip of the island of Crete. The origins of settlement can be traced back to prehistoric times. However, Itanos's heyday as a wealthy port city was during the Doric period. In the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, Itanos was allied with Egypt. From 140 BC, Itanos was allied with Hierapytna (Ierapetra) and, together with this city, ruled all of eastern Crete. It became part of the Roman province of Crete. The lonely bay next to the excavation site

Itanos was an ancient city on the northeastern tip of the island of Crete. The origins of settlement can be traced back to prehistoric times. However, Itanos's heyday as a wealthy port city was during the Doric period. In the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, Itanos was allied with Egypt. From 140 BC, Itanos was allied with Hierapytna (Ierapetra) and, together with this city, ruled all of eastern Crete. It became part of the Roman province of Crete. In 795, Itanos was destroyed by an earthquake and subsequently rebuilt. In the 15th century, the city fell into decline after its inhabitants were expelled by pirates. Archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of a Byzantine basilica, seen here. The basilica had a nave and two aisles separated by columns. One of the sculpted stones within the ruins.

Itanos was an ancient city on the northeastern tip of the island of Crete. The origins of settlement can be traced back to prehistoric times. However, Itanos's heyday as a wealthy port city was during the Doric period. In the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, Itanos was allied with Egypt. From 140 BC, Itanos was allied with Hierapytna (Ierapetra) and, together with this city, ruled all of eastern Crete. It became part of the Roman province of Crete. In 795, Itanos was destroyed by an earthquake and subsequently rebuilt. In the 15th century, the city fell into decline after its inhabitants were expelled by pirates. Archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of a Byzantine basilica, seen here. The basilica had a nave and two aisles separated by columns.

Itanos was an ancient city on the northeastern tip of the island of Crete. The origins of settlement can be traced back to prehistoric times. However, Itanos's heyday as a wealthy port city was during the Doric period. In the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, Itanos was allied with Egypt. From 140 BC, Itanos was allied with Hierapytna (Ierapetra) and, together with this city, ruled all of eastern Crete. It became part of the Roman province of Crete. In 795, Itanos was destroyed by an earthquake and subsequently rebuilt. In the 15th century, the city fell into decline after its inhabitants were expelled by pirates. Archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of a Byzantine basilica, seen here. The basilica had a nave and two aisles separated by columns.

Itanos was an ancient city on the northeastern tip of the island of Crete. The origins of settlement can be traced back to prehistoric times. However, Itanos's heyday as a wealthy port city was during the Doric period. In the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, Itanos was allied with Egypt. From 140 BC, Itanos was allied with Hierapytna (Ierapetra) and, together with this city, ruled all of eastern Crete. It became part of the Roman province of Crete. In 795, Itanos was destroyed by an earthquake and subsequently rebuilt. In the 15th century, the city fell into decline after its inhabitants were expelled by pirates. Archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of a Byzantine basilica, seen here. The basilica had a nave and two aisles separated by columns.

Itanos was an ancient city on the northeastern tip of the island of Crete. The origins of settlement can be traced back to prehistoric times. However, Itanos's heyday as a wealthy port city was during the Doric period. In the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, Itanos was allied with Egypt. From 140 BC, Itanos was allied with Hierapytna (Ierapetra) and, together with this city, ruled all of eastern Crete. It became part of the Roman province of Crete. In 795, Itanos was destroyed by an earthquake and subsequently rebuilt. In the 15th century, the city fell into decline after its inhabitants were expelled by pirates. Archaeological excavations have uncovered, among other things, the remains of a Byzantine basilica.

Itanos was an ancient city on the northeastern tip of the island of Crete. The origins of settlement can be traced back to prehistoric times. However, Itanos's heyday as a wealthy port city was during the Doric period. In the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, Itanos was allied with Egypt. From 140 BC, Itanos was allied with Hierapytna (Ierapetra) and, together with this city, ruled all of eastern Crete. It became part of the Roman province of Crete. In 795, Itanos was destroyed by an earthquake and subsequently rebuilt. In the 15th century, the city fell into decline after its inhabitants were expelled by pirates. Archaeological excavations have uncovered, among other things, the remains of a Byzantine basilica.