things to do in lasithi, crete

Take A Day Trip to Chrissi island from Ierapetra, 7. One more Minoan settlement you can discover on the island is located very near the magnificent village of Myrtos, not far from Ierapetra. Popular things to do. To Visit Lasithi Plateau Types of activities Lasithi Plateau Travel Guide Lasithi Plateau Attractions If you're ready to hit the streets of Lasithi Plateau, join one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a friendly expert show you some of the most popular attractions. The hotel is located in Mirabello Bay, near the village of Gargadoros. Enjoy Wine Tasting at the Toplou Monastery, 9. The area of Lassithi Greece is known for its mountainous landscape, the long sandy beaches, and the interesting sites. TOURS: For adventures and cultural experiences book throughGet Your Guide. Over here, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas or visit the beach bar above for lunch or a drink Or even better, head to the nearby Kalo Chorio village and enjoy some of the best tavernas in Lasithi. One of the most spectacular places you can discover on the Libyan Sea is Chrissi Island, so dont miss a day trip! The Holy Monastery of Toplou is nestled in the northeastern tip of Crete, the Holy Monastery of Toplou is home to an impressive church and an interesting museum that displays objects belonging to the German occupation of the island, a time when the monastery was a vital shelter for resistance fighters. The canyon is not as long as other Cretan gorges, but it features imposing high walls, climbing up to 150 meters while there are narrow passages (from 10 to 3 meters wide). However, the southern city of Ierapetra and the coastal Sitia are two other lively settlements with remarkable economic importance for the region. This fee is paid on the island.Boats: The first boat of the day departs from Plaka at around 9.00 am. Click here to book a day trip to Chrissi island from Ierapetra. 453 reviews. Located on an elevated position in the Dikti Mountains (over 600 meters asl), the church dedicated to the Holy Virgin houses some of the oldest Byzantine frescoes on the island. Surrounded by the imposing peaks of the Dikti range, the Lasithi Plateau is a fertile highland where visitors can witness the authentic rural character of inland Crete. Thanks for visiting! In the past, windmills were key to irrigating the fields and providing water for animals and plants, however, theyve been replaced by more modern technologies. The southern coast of Lasithi enjoys dry weather, seeing less rain in winter and warmer temperatures than the rest of the island. The cave stands at 1025 meters above sea level, and it covers an area of more than 2200 meters. Lake Voulismeni is located right in the heart of Agios, its a sweetwater lake connected to the sea and surrounded by bars and restaurants which make the place pretty animated at night. On the way from Sissi to Agios Nikolaos, close to the village of Vrahassi, there is the monastery of Agios Georgios of Selinari. Covering the easternmost section of the island, Crete's quietest and most unspoiled region is full of palm-fringed beaches, woodland waterfalls, sun-baked vineyards, and remote archeological sites. The hiking path is relatively easy and the gorge is even recommended for beginners. Located on the remote easternmost coast of Crete, right before the peninsula leading to the solitary Cape Sideros and about 23 km from the city of Sitia, this particular place is home to one of the most beautiful and exotic beaches in Crete and a fantastic place to discover. The village has not yet been hit by massive tourism, making it an ideal place for a tranquil vacation. During the Second World War, it helped people to get into submarines and leave for Egypt. The plateau stands surrounded by the imposing heights of the Dikti Mountains over 850 meters asl. The windmills are located to the northern entrance of the plateau and they use groundwater to irrigate the crops. In this article, I share everything you need to know to spend a magnificent time exploring the Lasithi region. A geopark is a site of extreme geological importance. The place features well-preserved ruins surrounded by a truly spectacular landscape. All are equipped with verandahs and shaded seating areas as well as spacious bedrooms and bathrooms. Home to some of the most exclusive seaside resorts on the northern coast of the island, Elounda is a village of contrasts, featuring incredible hotels as well as an ancient settlement worth a visit, Pano Elounda (or Epano Elounda) where one of the most famous series ever made in Greece, The Island, was filmed. Pesonton Ethnikon Agonon. Quite easy to reach from the center of Agios, even with public transport, Almyros is a gorgeous wide golden sand beach located no more than 2,5 km east of the city center. 2. These stairs have been included in a contemporary art project called The Spirit of the Stairs which makes the city even more appealing through the decoration of stairs and steps with murals and fascinating street art. Geologic Formations. They also constructed new fortifications at the top of the hill, making the island an impenetrable fortress. For those who love the farm to table dining concept, Perfect for those seeking an all-inclusive option on Crete, the. Visitors to the island can explore the white sandy beaches, lounge on a rented sunbed (take cash! One of the many monasteries that shaped the history of the island, taking part in the resistance against the Turkish and the subsequent Nazi occupation during WWII. Although staying in Agios Nikolaos can be the obvious (and most comfortable choice), there are plenty of interesting villages and towns in Lasithi offering accommodation, either by the sea or in the mountains. Opening Hours: From April 1st until October 31st, 8.30 am 8.30 pm, daily According to the official website, Spinalonga is closed in winter (from Nov. 1st to Mar. Today many cultural events are organized there in summer. For more information check my post on Kato Zakros. It also gives you the opportunity to participate in activities that will connect you with nature and the local species. Full-Day Private Tour to Falassarna-Elafonisi-Kedrodasos . The property boasts hammocks perfect for lazily reading in the shade, beach access, and traditional Cretan dances. Where to eat? THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Crete - UPDATED 2023 - Tripadvisor THE 10 BEST Lasithi Prefecture Rainy-Day Activities Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Lasithi Prefecture Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Transportation Types of Attractions Nightlife Spas & Wellness Museums The olive oil comes from local producers, as does the entire wine list. 1. You can also find out about the best restaurants in Agios here.Lets now see what else to do in the rest of the region. The sea lake of Agios Nikolaos is the main feature of the town. Aboard the pirate ship (as they call it), guests can participate in themed activities or sightseeing from the decks as you cruise toward the island. Most of the gorge is accessible even if youre not a highly experienced climber, however, some experience and equipment will be needed to pass certain points. Overall, the atmosphere is relaxed and it combines the views of the mountains with the turquoise waters of the Mirabello Gulf. This charming old village a few minutes from Kritsa is located on a hill about 520 meters asl. This single-naved church is one of the few remaining Early Byzantine churches in Crete, probably dating back to the pre-Arab conquest of the island in 827. AIRPORT PICKUP: Book your airport transfer here. The Lassithi Plateau is a fantastic region to explore by car, while not to miss is the boat trip from Ierapetra to the stunning island of Chrissi. This impressive tree has a trunk with a diameter of 4,9 meters while its circumference is 14,20 meters. The place showcases authentic objects, part of the Cretan way of life including furniture, work utensils, textiles, and pottery. more details on this dedicated page of AllTrails. The monastery offered secure protection thanks to the impressive fortified 10-meter-high walls that surround the structure. Another popular activity to enjoy in the area is fishing on the calm waters of the Mirabello Gulf facing Agios Nikolaos. Things to Do in Lasithi Prefecture - Tripadvisor Ancient Pressos was continually inhabited from the Neolithic till the Hellenic times. Greeka? If youre staying close to Agios Nikolaos or Elounda, it is a good idea to visit theSunken City of Olous. Your email address will not be published. Upon your arrival, you can reach Lasithi by taxi, by KTEL bus or by car. Lasithi Region: A Guide to the Wonders of Eastern Crete (Map Included!) The monastery celebrates on August 29th. The Best Day Trips from Agios Nikolaos - The Tiny Book Sisi is home to several popular beaches that receive visitors from all over Europe every summer. Lassithi Greece: Travel Guide 2023 | Greeka If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Explore a remote ecological and wildlife preserve on Koufonisi Island south of Crete on a day trip from Makrys Gialos. Ierapetra is located on the south coast of eastern Crete; it is the most populous town in the Lasithi region. 10 Fun Things to Do in Lasithi Plateau June 2023 | Expedia 1.4 miles from Akti Villas. The house (probably a farmhouse in Minoan times) features an original oval shape that arguably follows the shape of the hill where it stands. TRANSFER: Welcome Pickups offers local English-speaking drivers, flight monitoring, and convenient pre-paid fees. Lasithi Windmills: Only a few of them are still standing but they can still be rightfully included among the most typical sights of the plateau. The ancient settlement, thats not far from Kritsa, is believed to have been in continuous conflict for its borders with the neighboring city of Olous (now a sunken city near Elounda). 1. An interesting experience for adults and kids alike, this incredible boat trip will allow you to discover the incredible bottom of the Cretan Sea along the Mirabello Gulf. If you're planning to spend some time exploring the region, then this post is right for you, keep reading to discover all the things to do in the region of Lasithi! Palekastro is one of the most important villages on the Eastern Coast of Crete while the gorgeous beaches of Chiona and Kouremenos are just a few minutes from the settlement. Yet, some coastal towns boats incredible restaurants that serve fish and seafood where you can enjoy the freshest catch of the day. Nature & adventure Entry tickets Day trips Water activities Guided tours Food & drinks Transfers Our most recommended things to do in Lasithi Regional Unit 1. from . Virtually unknown by most tourists (and often confused with Koufonisia, part of the Small Cyclades group), Koufonisi is a very small paradisiac island, completely uninhabited, located off the southern coast of Crete. We took a sumptuous picnic and about 4 . Opposite the coast, there is an islet hosting an ancient Minoan site worth exploring. It is a very popular spot for a good reason. VAI A Slice of the Tropics Lasithi meets Thailand at Vai (Greek for "palm frond"), 24km northeast of Sitia. This tour of the area includes a stop at the archaeological site. eSIM: Stay always connected with affordable roaming fees. Remember that if you visit in the period that goes from June to August, the Kornaria Festival is a must-attend cultural event that celebrates the life and work of Vitsentzos Kornaros, a remarkable Cretan poet and author of the romantic epic poem Erotokritos as well as one of the most important figures of the so-called Cretan Renaissance. Entrance Fee: Full ticket 8.00, reduced 4.00. Therefore, most tourists seek the calm waters of the port for a pleasant afternoon by the sea. The flight time from Athens to Heraklion is about 45 minutes. Also known as Golden Beach due to the color of the sand, is located on a very wide and shallow bay, with fine sand and every facility you need. Once youre in town, one of the most important places to visit is the Venetian fortress located facing the bay of Sitia, very close to the waterfront promenade, the Kazarma (a word that clearly comes from Casa dArma Italian for barracks). _ Thus, the finds in Kato Zakros are more significant in number and quality than any other Minoan site. THE 10 BEST Lasithi Prefecture Rainy-Day Activities - Tripadvisor Overall, Sitia is an unspoiled, quiet, and provincial town, with life revolving mostly around agricultural activities rather than tourism where its still possible to experience the authentic lifestyle of the island. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Crete - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Candia Park is a great hotel for families. Top Things to Do in Crete, Greece - Crete Attractions. I might earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost. ACCOMMODATION: Look for hotels and rental homes onBooking.com. Im Chrysoula, born and raised in Athens, Greece. The history of Lake Voulismeni is surrounded by several legends. About itineraries of KTEL buses, you can find out more on www.e-ktel.com. Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The gorge leads from Zakros to Kato Zakros. THE 10 BEST Restaurants Near Akti Villas (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor This small island is about 5 square km big and it features a unique landscape made of fine sand beaches as limestone caves. 1. A very interesting excursion is also to the Island of Spinalonga, on the northern side of Lassithi, which was a former leper colony. Weve many times said that food in Crete is mostly made of dishes that find ingredients in the mountains, including lamb and goat, but also wild greens, and different cheeses. 31st) but opens on weekends with good weather conditions. Today, the remains of the city lie under the sea, and parts of them are visible from the surface on a clear day, some local companies also organize immersions to explore the ancient settlement, check out in town for more information. The beautifulchurch of Agios Nikolaos(Saint Nicholas) is truly worth a visit. Easy walking with undulating pathways, some araas with rocks steps and narrow pathways but loads of space and lovely seeing dogs enjoying the walk. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "aac88917015f71577b4ec919d343cc2e" );document.getElementById("if34fc3a20").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. >> Find more details to explore the highlands in this full guide to the Lasithi Plateau. It is between two beaches where guests can enjoy water sports, and is a short walk from Agios Nikolaos town. The Archaeological Museum of Sitia was established in 1984. Many of the herbs and produce come from nearby farms, while the fish is from local fishermen. 23 Unique Things to Do in Crete Greece | The Planet D We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Or check out all my posts about Lasithi! Although objects are now on display in theArchaeological Museum of Heraklion, you still have plenty to see when visiting the ruins of the former palace. Eastern Crete Guide: Things to Do in Lasithi - Greece Travel Ideas You can join a fishing trip like this one and try different fishing techniques, swim, and even snorkel while enjoying the beautiful surroundings and calm waters that are the highlight of this coastal area. Lasithi remains an undiscovered part of Crete, and one of my favourites. All rights reserved. A comfortable staircase leads you down inside the cave while the whole paths and chambers have nice, suggestive lights that allow visitors to appreciate every detail inside the cave. Some of the highlights of Lasithi include Spinalonga Island, Richtis Gorge, the Toplou Monastery, and the Sitia Geopark. BEST TOURS: Find the best local experiences. Click here to book a boat cruise and guided tour to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos. Koufonisiis an uninhabited tiny islet 3 nautical miles from the south of Lasithi reached often by boats that leave from Makrigialos, a small village not far from Ierapetra. It houses exhibits from the region of Sitia and the wider region of Lassithi, dating from the Minoan till the Roman times. The largest town is Agios Nikolaos; other towns in the region include Ierapetra, Sitia, and Neapoli. Through the pages of this blog, I want to help you make the very most of your visit to Greece and the Greek Islands and show you how to plan your trip to Greece like an insider. Her name was Rodanthi, and she was a village resident who killed a Turk politician during the Greek uprising in 1817 and joined the rebel group of Lasithi Plateau dressed as a man. Lato was an ancient Minoan town built between two hills. Today visitors can see the remains of a fortress, a temple, and an ancient theatre. In general, but not exclusively, the more organised beaches (with tavernas, chairs, umbrellas, etc) are on the northern end of the region while the southern beaches tend to be a little more remote. Kritsas-Katharou rode for about 16 km more to reach Katharo. TheArchaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaoshosts ancient finds discovered around the region of Lasithi belonging to different periods in history with a prevalent collection of Minoan artifacts. The palace, which was believed to operate as a commercial outlet to the East, also had access to a port through its main gate at the northeastern side. Although it is quite a safe hiking trail, it can be truly rewarding to join a group to hike Richtis and make new friends that also share the passion for Crete and for walks in nature. The coast of Sisi (also written Sissi), is usually affected by the northern winds, making the sea quite wavy. The private observatory Sasteria is located in Agios Stefanos, a mountainous village north of Makrigialos, souther Lassithi. Spinalonga remained in Venetian hands until the 18th century, when the Ottomans finally sacked it. Due to its strategic harbour, the town has enjoyed millennia of settlement, but today is predominantly a tourist town. Crete Wine and Olive Oil Tour. Shopping Trip Moments Lasithi Travel Guide Lasithi is a city in Crete, Greece. A highlight in the area is the rest of a shrine that honored Diktaean Zeus and that was probably destroyed back in the fourth century. " Best choice in town " 07/21/2022. The Sitia Geopark, a UNESCO World Geopark, is in one of the most ecologically and geologically diverse areas of Crete, where the Zakros mountains dominate. All these details make it a perfect place for a vacation any time of the year. There are also religious icons and other crafts on display. Itanos Beach is only a few minutes from the more famous Palm Tree Beach of Vai. Agios Nikolaos: Boat Trip to Spinalonga with Swim Stop Spinalonga is a magnificent island with fortresses dating from the Venetian period. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Crete - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor The cave was an ancient Minoan site of worship that was discovered at the end of the 1800s. Located near the beach or Ormos, about 5 minutes by car from the center of Agios, this Byzantine church is the one that gives name to the city. Other interesting highlights that tell about an advanced Minoan society include a drain and footpaths. Zeus Cave, Psychro Cave, and Dikteon Andron are three names given to this stunning cave located in the village of Psychro on the Lasithi Plateau. For instance, a local legend described the lake to be bottomless, as it was believed that it was a passage to communicate with evil spirits. In close distance to Ierapetra, on the 24th km from Agios Nikolaos to Ierapetra and close to the village of Vassiliki, is the impressive Gorge of Ha. Day Trips. It was constructed by the Venetians in the 13th century but not much of the castle remains today. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Agios Nikolaos - Tripadvisor This is a fantastic pebbled shore with shallow, safe waters, and unique rocky formations. The date of its foundation is unknown, but it is estimated around the 15th century. When visiting the area of Zakros, other than exploring the imposing ruins of an important Minoan Palace (see below), you can spend some time discovering the wild local landscape while hiking through the incredible Gorge of Zakros. Cape Sidero (also Sideros) is one of the least visited places on the island as well as one of the most interesting ones especially if youre a language nerd just like me! The museum of Agios Georgios in the Lasithi Plateau consists of four different sections, the Cretan Folklore Museum, the Neoclassical Museum, the Ecclesiastical Museum and the museum of Eleftherios Venizelos. You can join a fishing trip like this one. Here, a 2000-year-old forest of palm trees, the largest in Europe with around 5000 trees, provides an exotic backdrop to one of Crete's most beautiful bays. And no visit to the area can be considered complete without a stop for a drink right by the lakeside. Choose one of the many affordable fish taverns located on the waterfront and enjoy fresh calamari, octopus, sea beam, and other local delicacies from the Libyan Sea during your time in Ierapetra. The seabed of Lassithi has interesting flora, fauna and some wrecks to explore. Historical Tours from 54.75 per adult Crete Yacht Cruises 8-Hour Guided Tour in Agios Nikolaos 13 Beer & Brewery Tours from 1,390.36 per group (up to 8) Luxury Elafonisi Beach Escape & Private Picnic by Sunset
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