Staying in sitia offers a lot that Cretan travelers may miss if they stay west - the siteian harbor with surprisingly lively nightlife, excellent food and scenic views; beautiful, largely unbusy beaches (not just world famous Vai); gorges to explore; great monastery wine. Mainly, though, you should stay here simply for great accommodations and to meet nektarios- he is a force of nature. Tireless father of four, every evening he meets his guests poolside to commiserate about their day and to draft programs for all of their days over wine or his own coffee (he's also a gourmet barista!)