Sissi (Sisi), Crete: A Local’s Guide

Sissi is a small fishing village on the north coast of Crete, between Malia and Agios Nikolaos. Its heart is a narrow natural harbour that looks like a small lagoon, surrounded by fish tavernas and cafes. It lies close to busier resorts but keeps a laid-back, traditional feel, and it is a good base for exploring the area.

Quick facts

• Distance from Agios Nikolaos: about 25-29 km, roughly half an hour by car

• Best for: a harbour lunch, quiet beaches, a relaxed base, short excursions

• Suggested time: half a day

Why visit Sissi

• A picturesque natural harbour, well protected and scenic

• Fresh fish at tavernas in a village with relatively little tourist development

• Beaches within reach just east of the village

• A quieter alternative to nearby Malia

• Easy access to the Monastery of Agios Georgios Selinari, the archaeological site of Malia and the cave of Milatos

What to see and do

In the village

• Walk around the harbour. The village life centres on the small fishing harbour, narrow and scenic, with tavernas and cafes around it.

• Eat fresh fish. Sissi has many tavernas serving fresh fish, as well as kafenia and bars. It is a good place to sit down for a long lunch.

• Swim in the harbour. The village waterfront is rocky, so the only place to swim in the village itself is the small harbour, also called Limani beach. Other swimming spots lie to the east.

• Browse the village shops. You will find souvenir and jewellery shops, mini markets, bakeries, pubs and snack bars.

Beaches east of the village

• Boufos Beach. A sandy, organised beach on the eastern side of the village.

• Avlaki Beach. Further east, in a small bay, with a calmer setting for people who want to relax.

• Kalimera Kriti beach. The last beach, at the easternmost end of the bay.

These beaches are open to northerly winds and can have large waves.

Around Sissi

• Visit Epano Sisi. The traditional upper village is only a few minutes away.

• Stop at the Monastery of Agios Georgios Selinari. The monastery sits among the wild rocks of the Selinari gorge, overlooking the bay of Malia, about 3.5 km from Sissi. Its icon of Saint George is said to be miraculous.

• See the Palace of Malia. The archaeological site of Malia is about 4-5 km west of Sissi, a drive of around 10 minutes.

• Drive east to Milatos. The village and its historic cave are a short drive away. See our Milatos Guide.

Suggested routes

Half-day route: village and coast

1. Morning: walk up to Epano Sisi, then visit the Monastery of Agios Georgios Selinari.

2. Lunch: fish at a taverna by the harbour.

3. Afternoon: a swim at Boufos or Avlaki beach.

Half-day route: history and sea

1. Morning: the archaeological site of Malia.

2. Lunch: a taverna in Sissi.

3. Afternoon: the cave of Milatos, then a swim at the harbour beach on the way back.

Eat and drink

Sissi is known for its fish tavernas by the harbour, along with traditional kafenia and bars. For supplies, there are mini markets and bakeries in the village.

Local tips

• The beaches east of the village are open to northerly winds, so waves can be large. Check the sea before you swim.

• The village waterfront is rocky, so use the harbour or the beaches to the east for swimming.

• Sissi has little nightlife and is much quieter than nearby Malia.

• A camping site lies about 500 metres west of the harbour.

Getting there

• By car: Sissi lies about 25-29 km west of Agios Nikolaos and about 40 km from Heraklion. The drive from Agios Nikolaos takes about half an hour.

• By bus: the KTEL bus service connects Sissi with Agios Nikolaos, Malia, Ierapetra and Stalis. The ride from Agios Nikolaos follows the coast.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Sissi from Agios Nikolaos?
About 25-29 km, or roughly half an hour by car.

Is there a beach in Sissi?
The village waterfront is rocky, so people swim in the small harbour. Boufos, Avlaki and Kalimera Kriti beaches lie east of the village.

Can I reach Sissi by bus?
Yes. KTEL buses run between Sissi and Agios Nikolaos, Malia and other towns.

What can I visit nearby?
The Monastery of Agios Georgios Selinari, the archaeological site of Malia and the cave of Milatos.

Is Sissi quiet?
Yes. It is much quieter than nearby Malia, with relatively little tourist development.

Nearby: build your day

• Milatos, a short drive east, with its cave and fish tavernas

• Malia, about 7 km west, with its sandy beach and archaeological site

• Tzermiado and the Kera Kardiotissa monastery, for a scenic drive into the mountains

• Agios Nikolaos, about half an hour east

• Explore more of the area in our guide to the Villages around Agios Nikolaos.