Is it Sisi or Sissi? You will see both names are used on road signs and on maps. Why not make it fun when you give a name to a village? Sisi is a small and very attractive village on the north coast of Crete between Heraklion (40 km) and Agios Nikolaos (25 km), just a little of the main road. To reach it you have to drive over a curvy road through the olive groves and the nature. The port of Sisi is charming and long stretched, and it looks like there is a river running through it. From here several boat ecursions are organized (with small boats) to beaches and villages in the surrounding of Sisi. Around this small "river" there are several tavernas where you can have a great meal and have a wonderful view at the same time. Downstairs at the tavernas you can feed the leftover bread from your meal directly to the many ducks that are swimming here.

Compared to Chersonissos and the less charming (in my point of view, sorry...) village of Malia, Sisi is a little gem, which is surprisingly still in sort of an original state, with no enormous buildings, McDonalds, giant hotels, or ugly promenades, like in the other two villages I mentioned. It's reasonably quiet, and it's pleasant to walk over the boulevard with its terraces and restaurants or through the backstreets with all kinds of shops, including a bakery, a special shop for plants and seeds (you can for instance buy young courgette or tomato seedlings here) and a couple of supermarkets. You can have a drink in the harbour and look at the sea, or explore the surroundings.

There's a path along the coast from Sisi to the nearby village of Milatos that will lead you to three other beaches that are better than the beaches you can find in Sisi itself. It might seen like a shame that there is a lack of good beaches inside the village of Sisi itself, but I see it as a blessing in disguise, because if there would have been an awesome sandy beach here I am sure Sisi would not be what it is today and would be like Malia and Chersonissos instead. I am happy that it is not. Besides this Sisi has all the modern amenities like a bank, cash-machines and several car rentals. In the street behind the boulevard a new and very large new church has just been buillt. What tiny village could do without it?

There is a small town beach in Sisi, but for the better beaches you have to make a short walk towards the direction of Milatos where there are three to choose from. The first beach you will run into is I believe commonly referred to as "Sisi Beach" but it has a different name. All the three beaches you will find here have a name that has nothing to do with either the village of Milatos or Sisi. I have seen the names on a sign once but didn't take the time to write them down. All three beaches have facilities and you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds when you are there. The last beach of the three has a large hotel complex on it. This beach is called Papatheodorou and the hotel is the Castello Village Resort (see below).

Thalassinos Kosmos Taverna, which is situated on the "river" at Sisi is brightly decorated with Greek wall paintings. Working there is funny and friendly Adriaan (on the picture with my friends). The menu is very extensive. We always come here for their sliced fried zucchinies with parmezan cheese, which are very delicious. Last time we also tried the tzaziki, the tuna salad and some other dishes. No real complaints, only one: the bread that was served was not in one piece (so maybe a collection from other people that were served again and again??) and it was also not fresh.

Our verdict, I would have given them a higher rate but because of the bread: a 7,5 out of 10

Apostolos Taverna is downstairs at the "river" and it is the place where you can feed the ducks. You can have breakfast here as well. The menu is etensive. There are several appetizers, salads, ommelettes, grilled fish or meat. We tried the octopus salad, tzaziki, herb pies, the hamburger and the yoghurt with honey. They didn't serve bread but warm buns with butter instead.

Our verdict: an 8 out of 10

Pyramida Cocktail Bar is located on the corner of the sea towards the "river". There are comfortable seats and a nice view of the sea. We have often had a drink here. You are always served very quickly and your order usually also arrives quite fast but if you want to pay the bill that seems to always cost a lot of time. Nobody seems to notice you and eventually you will walk to the cash register in the hope that someone will see you there. The cappuccino the last time came with a big fat dot of whipped cream on top of it and it was also much more expensive than average. Moreover, it didn't taste really good. For us this was the last time in Pyramida.

Our verdict, okay for the old memories: a 6 out of 10

There is plenty of choice for accommodation in Sisi and the nearby village of Milatos, from simple rooms to luxury boutique hotels and villas, so there should be something for everybody. Below is a small selection of what is on offer. If you want to see all than click on the link.

For all studios, apartments, villas and hotels in the village of Sisi / Sissi - click here.

Built in a traditional Cretan village style, this hotel is situated in the picturesque seaside village of Sissi with its numerous bars, coffee shops, taverns, restaurants, souvenir shops, and boutiques. Near the lively shopping street, yet peacefully located with rich gardens, panoramic sea views, and imposing mountain backdrop, it is an ideal destination for a relaxing family holiday. Children will love the outdoor pools and activities, while you can sit back and unwind. Walk to the sandy beach, or opt for some seaside water sports. The hotel's buildings are laid out like a village, with each studio and apartment self-contained for privacy and comfort. With personal service from a modern management team and fully-trained staff, you can be assured of the highest standards of comfort, relaxation and enjoyment at this popular holiday destination.

Check availability and prices & book Castello Villa Resort in Sisi - click here.

Nautilus Apartments is a couple of spacious apartments in a beautiful waterfront position, in the small village of Sissi. This family run business provides a high standard accommodation in a relaing and friendly environment suitable for families, couples and friends. Sissi is situated 6 kilometer from Neapoli, is a small fishing village with a very picturesque port. The village is known for its local products and the crystal waters of its beaches. For those who love walking and riding the bicycle, there exist natural paths that lead the visitor to virgin natural landscapes. Here you get to know the traditional Cretan way of life.

Check availability and prices & book Nautilus Apartments in Sisi - click here.

Built in a traditional Cretan village style, this hotel is situated in the picturesque seaside village of Sissi with its numerous bars, coffee shops, taverns, restaurants, souvenir shops, and boutiques. Near the lively shopping street, yet peacefully located with rich gardens, panoramic sea views, and imposing mountain backdrop, it is an ideal destination for a relaxing family holiday. Children will love the outdoor pools and activities, while you can sit back and unwind. Walk to the sandy beach, or opt for some seaside water sports. The hotel's buildings are laid out like a village, with each studio and apartment self-contained for privacy and comfort. With personal service from a modern management team and fully-trained staff, you can be assured of the highest standards of comfort, relaxation and enjoyment at this popular holiday destination.

Check availability and prices & book Castello Village Resort in Sisi - click here.