Sissi Things to Do

For those who wish to truly escape from it all and seek a peaceful, slow-paced holiday break in a picturesque location, Sissi is undoubtedly the place to head for. A charming little fishing village built around an attractive harbour, Sissi is about as laid-back as it gets!

Sissi has a pleasant bay with a couple of beaches attractively set on the rocky coastline. And if you fancy a gentle paddle in the sea, or even a leisurely swim, Sissi has two stretches of soft sandy beach which are safe for swimming and equipped with modest facilities. Again, in true Sissi tradition, there is no water sports-mad high-octane beach vibe going on here, but simply the option of a stroll down to the port or the seashore for a quiet few hours spent topping up your tan, or a cool drink in the shade and a good read.

Sissi has a few quiet cafes where you can enjoy a tasty light meal and wile away the afternoon chatting to other holidaymakers or local villagers. As evening falls, enjoy a pleasant dinner in one of the tavernas or fish restaurants, and then take a lovely evening stroll around the bay before retiring home to bed for a restful night’s sleep.

Sissi is ideally located for trips to the longer beach at Malia (the youth party resort where, if it’s a bit of nightlife you’re after, there are countless clubs where music throbs into the small hours!). And for daytime trips, as well as regular buses to neighbouring towns and cities, such as Heraklion and Hersonissos, why not catch the boat to the unoccupied island of Spinalonga, known for its small pebble beaches and also for being the setting for Victoria Hislop’s bestselling novel ‘The Island’.

For history-lovers, the ancient Minoan Palaces at Knossos and Malia offer an entrancing journey back in time, as does the archaeology museum at Heraklion.

No holiday in Sissi would be complete without setting aside an afternoon to explore the wonderful Lassithi Plateau. As well as being the birthplace of Zeus, there are several charming Crete villages where a warm welcome is always waiting. What’s more, the landscape, wildlife and numerous beautifully painted windmills make the Lassithi Plateau a photographer’s dream.