On the island of Crete in the Lassithi region, the small village of Palekastro is located on the eastern end. The location has a long history as a trade center and port. In fact, the ancient port of Itlanos is several feet under the current water line. The nearby Minoan settlement of Roussolakkos was excavated near Chiona beach and proves just how long the region has been an important center of commerce and trade in this part of the world.

Part of the commerce today in Palekastro is tourism, though not as much as in other parts of the island. Although the major source of income in Palekastro is agriculture, you can still find a number of lovely budget hotels in Palekastro. Ask the staff at your discount Palekastro hotel to point you towards the Kastri hill. The flat top of the hill was once the site of a fortress but the stones were scavenged over the centuries as building materials for other structures. Still, you can enjoy some fantastic views across the village, the beaches, and the mountains from the hilltop.