Sissi lies on the north coast of Crete about forty-five kilometres east of the capital, Heraklion. It is a peaceful village tucked away from the main highway and approached by narrow winding roads. Accommodation is mainly small family-run hotels and apartments and there are a good number of restaurants and traditional tavernas. The harbour lies in a deep inlet, and is sheltered from the sea by a long breakwater so that the clear water barely ripples.
A Sissi holiday offers relaxation in the picturesque surroundings of this charming area. With guaranteed sunshine, clear blue waters, friendly locals and good food, you will return home feeling refreshed and with your batteries recharged.
If you are looking for a holiday without an abundance of tourists, you need look no further than Sissi. Off the beaten track, it is a backwater of peace and tranquillity. Lie back and enjoy the traditional atmosphere where life is lived at a relaxed pace. Apart from swimming, diving and snorkelling, hiking and cycling are popular pursuits in this rugged area. There are plenty of bars and tavernas where you can enjoy refreshments during the day and a pleasant meal in the evening.
A Sissi holiday is popular with those looking for peace and relaxation in a picturesque environment. Families are attracted by the sandy beach and clear blue sea. Couples of all ages flock to Sissi in order to experience its traditional charms and to explore the surrounding countryside.
The most popular time to visit Sissi is in the summer. The season extends from Easter to October when the temperature range is from twenty to thirty degrees.
Sissi is a traditional village in the north of Crete located some distance from the more populous resorts. It is a haven of peace and tranquillity where it is impossible not to relax. Its small white houses cluster around the sheltered harbour, itslong narrow bay protecting it from the elements. The pier is home to the local fishing boats that land their catch which is then delivered to local restaurants.
Opposite the pier there is a sandy beach which dips into crystal clear waters. Beyond the beach there is a very pretty garden. It is not a public garden as it belongs to a hotel but it gives pleasure to all who pass by.
Although there are few shops there is the usual supply of gift and souvenir shops where you can purchase your holiday mementoes.
There are a good number of restaurants and tavernas serving a fairly broad menu and some excellent fish restaurants near to the harbour and beaches.
There are many interesting archaeological sights in the area, including those at Malia. There are also the caves in nearby Milatos and Saint George’s Monastery.
Sissi is a haven of tranquillity during the day and little changes in the evening. There are bars, tavernas and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal overlooking the sea. If you are looking for lively evenings, take a taxi ride to Malia where you will find discos and night clubs that remain open until the early hours of the morning.
Sissi shopping can only be described as limited as it caters for holiday essentials and little else. There are small supermarkets providing for your needs as well as gift and souvenir shops. Those wanting a wider variety of shops can take a day trip to Heraklion or Rethymnon where they will find many high quality specialist shops.
Sissi has a variety of restaurants and tavernas catering for most tastes. In the village and along the sea front you will find many tavernas serving traditional food. Fish features widely on menus. If you feel peckish between lunch and dinner try a plate of meze, a Greek equivalent of the Spanish tapas, with such things as deep fried fish, stuffed vine leaves, pickles, olives and halloumi.
Eating out in Greece is a pleasure that should be enjoyed in a leisurely fashion. Don’t mistake the lack of haste for tardy service as you are simply being given the time to fully enjoy each course. Children are warmly welcomed in restaurants and their tastes and portion size are usually accommodated.
