There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Sitia into a quick city adventure. From JSH, the local transport can get you into town in around 30 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of JSH:
- Can you legally enter Greece? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 30-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Things to Do During Your Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Sitia:
Start with Kazarma Fortress. History buffs will appreciate this, and it doesn’t take long to explore the grounds. Then, if time allows, make your way to Sitia Archaeological Museum. You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
If you’d rather stay inside JSH — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Sitia Airport Departure Lounge
- Sitia Airport Souvenir Shop
Eating Well on a Sitia Layover
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Sitia: Taverna The Balcony and To Limani. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Sitia Airport Cafe & Snack Bar or . Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
How to Get Into Sitia
From JSH, the local transport gets you to Sitia in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Sitia might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$20 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$40 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Sitia, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at JSH aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Sitia itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at JSH, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Sitia itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Greece that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Sleep & Lounge Options at JSH
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at JSH, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Sitia doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 30 minutes from JSH, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.