Two areas of the Sitia province are integrated to the "NATURA 2000" network (EU guide 92/43/ AIE), which are of great interest, in terms of natural environment. One of is by Toplou - Cavo Sidero - Vai region:

North East End of Crete Dionysades, Elasa & the Peninsula of Sidero (Akra Mayrovouni - Vai - Akra Plaka)

The enchanting gorge and waterfall of Richtis (or Rihtis gorge) can be “discovered” in Eastern Crete by a distance of 32km from Palekastro and 50 from Zakros. It starts from the traditional village “Exo Mouliana”, which is located on the national road between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia and ends at the secluded Richtis beach, just east of the village Kalavros.

The mountainous areas of Sitia, in comparison with other mountainous areas of Crete, do not have intense formations. However, due to the limestone composition of its rocks, the rain and river water has created an extended surface carst. In some places, the carst is quite impressive and has formed hundreds of limestone tips that look like a meteorite rain with uneven shapes.

The Endemic Plants of Sitia - Itanos region

The Cretan endemic plants in the region of Sitia usually grow in high altitudes, in gorges and isolated areas. Some of these plants are extremely rare or in danger of extinction. Most of the endemic plants grow in rock cracks and steep cliffs, where humans and animals cannot reach them.

Α trip in Eastern Crete, in a land of unprecedented contradictions and dazzling beauty the predominant impression is that of a nature which is marked by all those features that human intelligence and sensuality should long for and the artistic expression should imitate.

Xerokambos beach and village is located 10 km south from Zakros village and 28km from Palekastro. In Xerokampos the landscape is arid and truly eerie, characterized by bare rocks and steep mountains. The vegetation is limited to bushes and there are some places with a few olive groves. A small tourist destination has started developing during the last years, especially after the roads were paved with asphalt.

 This gorge is located on the route from Zakros to Xerokambos. After the region of "Agrilia", where its many branches meet, an impressive landscape appears. From this point of entry to its exit to the sea the distance is about 1,5 km. At the beach of "Katsounaki", on its beautiful sand dunes grow the famous lilies of the Minoan frescos. The altitude difference is about 100 meters. There is no marked path and its crossing is a bit difficult, but still accessible.