The Rock & The Lemon Tree

Summary:
Be one of the first to enjoy this recently listed cottage, within walking distance to Sitia's sandy beach (12min walk). The property is situated on a hillside and is built around a rock recess. The elevated position enjoys extensive views and a great sunset from the large terrace. It boasts a queen bed with en-suite bathroom, AC, satellite TV, fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, indoor dining table, outdoor furniture, deck chairs, BBQ area with outdoor sink. A BBQ under the lemon tree, watching the sun set in the west is the perfect ending to a busy day sightseeing.

The Space:
The house is located in Petras area, on the outskirts of Sitia, close to the sea and the local archaeological site.
The property consists of a spacious bedroom with a comfortable queen bed, ample storage for 2 persons and en-suite bathroom with shower, a living area with a comfortable sofa, a dinner table and a fully equipped kitchen. Next to the kitchen is the cave cellar area which doubles as a pantry built into the rock wall.
A lemon tree dominates the west facing terrace which offers uninterrupted sea and countryside view. It has a built in BBQ, wood oven, sink deck chairs and dining table. The spacious table under the lemon tree is the perfect spot for breakfast before heading out to town or the local beach.

Guest Access:
You will have full private access to the house and property

The Neighborhood:
The house is situated 10 minutes from Sitia's town and local oragnized sandy beach, 15 minutes from the local airport and port. Other magnificent beaches are situated 20-40 minutes drive.

***A few words about the region***
Sitia is a town situated in the far east of Crete, in the prefecture of Lasithi. It lies to the east of Aghios Nikolaos and to the northeast of Ierapetra. It lies in a region unspoiled by mass tourism. Even during the busy summer peak, Sitia retains a certain charm and laid-back style. In the town but especially in the region's villages you will enjoy authentic Cretan cuisine made with quality local olive oil and other local produce. During the day you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing in Sitia beach or in the numerous untouched beaches lying towards the Eastern tip of the island.

***What to do in Sitia***
For history and archaeology enthusiasts, Sitia's archeological museum display's exhibits dating back to the Neolithic era in 3,500 BC while the medieval fortress of Kazarma, situated at the top of Sitia is a reminder of the town's medieval past. Furthermore, the folklore museum exhibits items from the past century such as weavings, woodcuts and other everyday life items. During the evening you can visit one of the numerous small restaurants ("Rakadika") situated along the town's fishing port, which serve delicious variety plates along with Cretan spirit "Raki". And if you are up to it you can continue your night out until the early morning hours in one of the local bars and clubs.

***What to do in the region***
*Archaeology / History / Religion*
On your way to Vai and Erimoupoli you will pass from the monastery of Toplou. Here you can visit the monastery's museum with items dating back to the Ottoman empire period up to the Second World War. In Erimoupoli bay you can visit the ruins of the ancient town of Itanos. Further to the south east, Zakros is one of the four major Minoan palaces unearthed in Crete. The ruins of the palace await you at the lower entrance of the Zakros gorge.

***Beaches***
To the east of Sitia lies Europe's only natural palm forest of Vai. In a short distance from Vai lies the bay of Erimoupoli with the ruins of the ancient town of Itanos. To the south east of the region lie the long sandy beaches and warm waters of Kserokambos . There are numerous other deserted beaches we can help you discover.

***Sports***
For windsurfing enthusiasts the world renowned Kouremenos beach is a must visit. The club offers equipment hire and lessons. For the hardcore athletes, the Faneromeni bay offers excellent wave conditions (depending on the weather). Here you will need to bring your own kit. Mountain bikes are a fun way to explore the region's endless olive groves. Spring and autumn is the best period for this since the weather is cooler during the day.

***Hiking***
The areas rugged terrain offers numerous gorges that are walkable with no special equipment. First and foremost the 4km Richti gorge, near the village of Mesa Mouliana will dazzle you with the year-round waterfalls and dense vegetation all the way down to a deserted beach. The 4.5km gorge of Zakros starts at the village of Ano Zakros and meets the sea next to the archaeological site of Kato Zakros. It is one of the most impressive gorges in Crete with steep sides and dramatic rock formations. It is also known as the Gorge of the Dead because ancient Minoans buried their dead in caves high up on the gorge's sides. The 3.5km Chochlakies or Karoumes gorge ends in the magnificent and isolated bay of Karoumes.

***Culinary Delights***
In Sitia's "Rakadika" and small taverns scattered in villages throughout the region you can try, apart from local meats, also some delicacies of the region cooked in locally produced olive oil, like "chochlious" (snails cooked either with tomato or vinegar and rosemary), "omaties" (stuffed pig intestines), "anthous" (stuffed courgettes) and other. When you visit Toplou don't forget to grab a bite in the monastery's small tavern and purchase organic products from the monastery's extensive agricultural produce (honey, olive oil etc).

Getting Around:
How to reach Sitia : Direct charter and scheduled flights to Heraklion: A number of companies operate direct flights to Heraklion from various major European cities, especially from April until October. Flights through Athens: Aegean Airlines operate frequent daily flights between Athens and Heraklion. There is also I direct flight to Sitia airport (not on a daily basis). Ferry boat from Piraeus port (Athens) to Heraklion or Sitia: Daily high speed ferries to Heraklion. There is also a slow ferry leaving from Piraeus directly stopping at a number of other ports before arriving in Sitia. Car rental: All major international car rental companies operate in Heraklion airport. There are several car rental firms in Sitia.

Other Things to Note:
Note that the property is located on a hillside and you need to climb 35 steps to reach the house level.

Interaction with Guests:
The owner will welcome you and hand over the key. We remain available for advice throughout your stay by phone or email.