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)

In an altitude of 80 meters, about 500 meters northwest from the area of Rousolakkos-Palekastro and close to Chiona beach, there is the visible opening of the cave of Petsofa, which was named after the hill. It is a very small cave (about 3x5m) with a large archeological importance, as here many broken amphoras as well as a number of inscriptions have been found.  

Another important cave of the province is the cave of Peristeras. It is located 2km east from the village Karydi, in the area of Platyvolas, in an altitude of 540 meters. It has a rich rock decoration and 170 meters of explored routes. Here too, signs of human presence were discovered, dating back to the Neolithic period.

It is also called "tis sukias o Spilios" (meaning, the cave of the fig tree), as there is a fig tree in the entrance. Its official name, however, is connected to the wider region, where there were stone mines.

Visit the only palmforest in Europe with its clean waters and beautiful beach.  It is situated on the northern edge of the region on the headland of Sidero. Its beauty is unique in Crete. The palm trees grow naturally here and their fronds cover the banks of the small stream that leads to the sea, and its surrounding area.

Palekastro is a lively, unpretentious village, at the east coast of Crete 20 km away from Sitia and the seat of the Region of Itanos. It was named after an old castle. Although the village is growing, it manages tο retain its character and charm. The village square is the centre οf activities and is lined with cafes and taverns. Many pleasant hours can be passed here, watching the world go by.

For someone who desires to meet a population and live the experience of its culture, the present is not enough. The knowledge of yesterday's life plays a determinant role. That's the result of our creation of the traditional Cretan house that is part of our Cultural Museum.

The cave Okso Latsidi is located in the area of the village Sitanos and it is part of an extended cave complex that expands for more than 6,000 meters in the subsoil of mountainous Sitia. It is one of the richest carst formations in Crete.

Maridati is beautiful unknown pebbly beach at a remote green valley in the area of Palekastro (6km far from Palekastro and 24 from Zakros Village). Here you can enjoy your swimming secluded, far from crowded places.

Kouremenos is located 1,5km east of Palekastro and 21km east of Sitia and just 300m norh from Chiona beach. Around the Palekastro area, the “Meltemi” wind increases its strength through the local thermal and funneling effect that gives the surface wind an additional 2 Beaufort. This makes Kouremenos bay one of the most wind-certain spots in Europe with wind statistics of 20-28 wind days per month from April to October.