Palekastro is a village in the nort east of Crete with around 1100 inhabitants. The village is situated at 17 kilometers distance from Sitia and 7 kilometer from the palm beach of Vai. It was named after a Venetian "kastro" or fortress that once topped the flat hill on the east side of the village. The stones were removed and used to build new houses, so there's nothing left. Now it's alive, not so much with tourists that stay there, but with people going through the village on their way to Vai, Ithanos and Kato Zakros. In Palekastro there is a folklore museum and there are many excavations nearby. Palekastro was a harbour in Minoan times. Next to the nearby beach of Hiona a large Minoan harbour has been excavated. There is a good choice in small hotels an apartments, and there are supermarkets and taverna's. Palekastro has a lot of very nice beaches in the area.

Exodos Cafe is located opposite the big yellow church on the village square of Palekastro. The serve Illy coffee and you can get sandwiches and ham and cheese toast. The cappuccino with is served with milk and a glass of cold water. It is perfect: very tasty and also cheap, like the snacks that you can order here. The toilets are lovely. A good place to take a break on your way to one of the beaches or to Kato Zakros.