Car & Van Hire - Sitia

Sitia is one of the quieter towns on the island of Crete, ideal for travellers who want to get off the beaten track. This ancient port town is packed with interesting surprises and places to explore. Start with Kazarma, the fortress erected by the Venetians when they held Sitia. This was one of the few buildings to survive two deadly 16th-century earthquakes. Its yellow stone walls are beautiful, and it has the best views in town. If you're coming in summer, you might be lucky enough to catch a concert, show or another event within the walls.

Prefer your history a little older? Then, visit the Archaeological Museum of Sitia. There are exhibits here stretching all the way back to the Bronze Age, showing how the town has evolved since the classical era. The equally fascinating Folklore Museum is nearby. This focuses on the culture and traditions of Crete, with clothing, weaving, embroidery, wood carving and more. It offers a wonderful glimpse into the life of Cretan villagers in centuries gone by.

Use car hire in Sitia to get around and see some incredible places nearby. The Zakros archaeological site dates back to around 1900 BC and was once a Minoan palace. There are freshwater wells dotted around the ruins. Be sure to take a peek inside, as some of them are home to cute little turtles - an unexpected bonus in this spooky, evocative ruin. You can also take a hike through the eerily-named Gorge of the Dead, which the Minoans used for burials.

Of course, no trip to a Greek island would be complete without a day at the beach! With car or van hire in Sitia, you can visit Vai Beach, about 20 km away. You'll be forgiven for thinking you've taken a wrong turn and ended up in the Caribbean. Fringed by palm trees, this white sand beach has an exotic feel. It's the ideal place to spend a day, with the warm, perfectly swimmable waters of the Aegean Sea lapping at the shore.

Can't decide between history and seaside fun? There's no need to choose if you go to Itanos Beach! This is an excellent family beach, as the water is shallow. Right beside the sand, you'll discover the ruins of a Dorian settlement, with the remains of ancient temples. A large part of the ruins are underwater, so bring your snorkelling gear and get exploring!

The city streets of Sitia are very narrow and not great for driving. You'll probably find it easier to park your car and visit the old town on foot. There are several areas to park around Sitia, including a free car park close to the port. In summer, you might want to get there early to ensure you have a spot. Although Sitia is not as visited as other parts of Crete, it is still a town that depends largely on tourism. This means you'll see far more cars on the roads in July and August.

If you are using paid parking, ensure you are carrying coins to pay for the meter. You'll also need to carry cash to pay for petrol. Rural Greek petrol stations often do not have the facilities for card payment.

Like most Greek islands, Crete is very mountainous. You can expect a lot of winding roads. They are sometimes very narrow. Driving here is not necessarily difficult, but you'll need to stay alert. In summer, coach trips can be a hazard, as you may find yourself sharing a narrow mountain road with a large vehicle. Always drive slowly in Crete. Allow yourself more time than you usually would to reach your destination. At all times of the year, watch out for mopeds and motorbikes, a popular form of transport for local youths.

The most common problem you'll find driving in Crete is getting stuck behind animals. Stray dogs are, sadly, a frequent sight. They often run up and down the road and may move nervously, suddenly darting in front of you. It's also common to find herds of goats, particularly high in the mountains. These animals do not seem to have any fear of cars. If you honk your horn at them, they may respond by attacking your vehicle! Instead of trying to hurry them along, just slow down and let them pass. It may add some time to your journey, but it's all part of the Greek island experience.

Sitia is a port with a few different car ferry routes, including crossings to Athens, Rhodes and the Dodecanese Islands. Check with your Enterprise Rent-a-Car agent before boarding a car ferry, as there may be implications for your insurance. If you plan to travel by ferry, make sure you book in advance. This is particularly important if you're visiting in the busy summer months.