Lassithi Region

Travel Guide to Lassithi Region

The Lassithi region is a treasure tucked away in eastern Crete, famed for its vibrant tapestry of landscapes, from secluded villages to ancient monasteries. It’s a realm where the roads less travelled lead to wonders wild and untouched. Agios Nikolaos, the region’s bustling hub, lies on the beautiful Mirabello Gulf. While the opulent Elounda beckons luxury seekers, the essence of Lassithi is also in its tranquil spots and historic landmarks, including the charming windmills of the Lassithi Plateau.

In Lassithi, the allure of pristine beaches, the mythical Dikti and Thrypti mountains, and the largest palm forest in Europe at Vai paint a picture of diversity and natural splendour. Though quieter than its western neighbours, Lassithi’s blend of serenity, adventure, and history creates an enchanting retreat for the discerning traveller.

Towns and Villages in Lassithi Region

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Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos City (GR: Αγιος Νικόλαος) is the capital of the Lasithi Region of Crete. It is built around a picturesque lake on the north-western side of Mirabello Bay, the biggest bay in Crete. Major administrative, cultural and communications centre, Agios Nikolaos is one of the most developed tourist areas, not only in Crete but […]

Ierapetra

Ierapetra, is situated in the southernmost part of Crete, 30km south of Agios Nikolaos. It is a popular tourist destination due to its rich history, thriving economy, and warm climate. It is also a favoured spot for travellers seeking accommodation conveniently located for day trips to Chrissi Island. It serves as the ideal starting point […]

Sitia

Situated on the easternmost point of Crete, the charming coastal town of Sitia is a popular tourist destination known for its tranquil Mediterranean port and picturesque scenery. The town is located in a semicircle on the western side of the Bay of Sitia and serves as the capital of the county with the same name. […]

Elounda town

Elounda is a small town located on the northeastern coast of Crete, Greece, that has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The town is situated on the beautiful Mirabello Bay and is surrounded by several secluded beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling. Visitors can also enjoy water sports such […]

Makry Gialos town

Located on the southeast coast of Crete, Makry Gialos is a charming beach resort that offers visitors a range of activities and attractions. The resort is conveniently situated approximately 60km from Agios Nikolaos, 25km from Ierapetra, and 33km from Sitia. Makry Gialos boasts a small fishing harbour and a beautiful 1km long sandy beach that […]

Istron

Sissi

Sissi, an idyllic coastal village located 45 kilometres east of Heraklion in Eastern Crete, unfolds as a delightful surprise to visitors. Upon your arrival at Sissi, you will immediately grasp the unique charm of this serene village. A stark contrast to neighbouring Malia or nearby Hersonissos, Sissi trades bustling tourist crowds and numerous bars for […]

Mochlos village

Mochlos, a charming village situated on the coast of Crete, boasts breathtaking natural scenery and a friendly community of locals who enjoy playful banter. Positioned in the north of Lasithi prefecture, Mochlos is equidistant from three major cities – Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, and Ierapetra – making it an ideal destination for a holiday or weekend […]

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Explore the best beaches in Lassithi Region

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Schisma Elountas (Elounda) Beach

Elounda’s Skisma Beach is a picturesque sandy enclave, perfect for families. Its cleanliness and organization make it especially welcoming. Little ones delight in its flat sandy terrain and the playground, while older kids gravitate towards the available water sports. Occasional winds result in bigger waves, offering simple surfing opportunities. With convenient facilities like restrooms and […]

Beti Beach

Beti beach is nestled just a kilometre away from the bustling city of Agios Nikolaos, and a mere five-minute stroll from Almyros beach. This small slice of paradise often remains undiscovered by the typical crowd, providing an idyllic retreat for those in search of tranquillity. This diminutive yet delightful beach, embraced by the natural landscape, […]

Kimzu Sea Lounge Beach

The charming Kimzu Sea Lounge isn’t just a fantastic bar, but also hosts an enchanting beach with shimmering white pebbles and sand, lapped by crystal-clear waters. The beach is located just 1 km away from Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos. The beach offers full amenities, including an ample supply of sunbeds and umbrellas. Unique to […]

Agii Pantes Beach

Agii Pantes island is home to a quaint sandy beach situated just across the port of Agios Nikolaos. The beach, as well as the whole island, is accessible only by boat or via kayak or SUP departing from Ammoudi beach. It stands adjacent to the little islet Mikronisi, both acting as natural barriers safeguarding Agios […]

Voulisma beach

Voulisma Beach, one of Crete’s most celebrated coastal destinations, is a favoured stop for those journeying to this gorgeous island. Nestled in a shielded cove south of Agios Nikolaos and north of Ierapetra, Voulisma’s accessibility from Heraklion makes it a convenient beach spot. Distinguished by its clear, shallow turquoise waters, smooth sand intermingled with pebbles, […]

Vai beach

Vai beach is located 94km east of Agios Nikolaos and 24km east of Sitia. It is the most famous beach in east Crete, as its main feature is the large palm grove with the Cretan Date Palm (Phoenix theophrasti). Its name derives from the word vai, meaning palm in Greek. The palm grove is the […]

Almyros beach

Almyros beach (Almiros) is located 2.5km south of Agios Nikolaos and 12 km from Elounda. It is shaped near the exit of Almiros River, which empties on the south part of the beach. Next to the beach, the protected wetland of Almiros hosts several rare birds, towering eucalyptus trees, reed and some palm trees. The beach […]

Agia Fotia beach

The beach of Agia Fotia is situated 45km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 12km east from Ierapetra. It’s a small bay nestling at the outlet of a stream flowing down from the Thripti mountain. The name of the settlement is derived from the local Church of Agia Fotini, also known as Agia Fotia. The stream […]

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Find the best accommodations in Lassithi Region

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Elounda

Villa Katy

From
€721 /night

Κρήτης

Villa Agapi

Εβανς 14 κιτροπλατεια 14

Kitro apartment

8.5 of 10

Oμηρου Σφακιανάκη και 28ης Οκτωβρίου 19

Byraki apartment 1

From
€152 /night

28 Erithrou Stavrou

The Holiday Choice 1

9 of 10

54 Akti Papa Nikolaou Pagalou

Asteria

9 of 10

ΑΜΜΟΥΔΙ Η ΚΑΜΠΑΝΑ

Amare Studios

10 of 10

Konstantinou Paleologou 1

Lake Spirit Apartment

From
€175 /night
10 of 10

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Explore things to do in Lassithi Region

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Lychnostatis Open Air Museum: Entry Ticket with Add-Ons

4.8 of 5 (22)

Price from
€8

Lychnostatis Open Air Museum : Grape-Feast every Wednesday

5.0 of 5 (3)

Price from
€15

Chersonissos: Mini-Train City Highlights Tour

3.8 of 5 (96)

Price from
€16

Agios Nikolaos: Semi-Submarine Cruise

4.1 of 5 (461)

Price from
€16

Crete: Palace of Knossos E-Ticket and Optional Audio Guide

3.6 of 5 (899)

Price from
€18

Heraklion Airport: Shared Transfer To/From Rethymno

3.9 of 5 (63)

Price from
€18

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Explore Archaeological Sites in Lassithi Region

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Explore Archaeological Sites

Dikteon Cave (Cave of Zeus, Psychro Cave)

The Dikteon Cave, a sanctuary hidden by the Titaness Rhea to safeguard her son, Zeus, from his father Cronus’s grim propensity to devour his offspring, also serves as the backdrop for the amorous tale of Zeus and Princess Europa. Nestled on the craggy northern flanks of Mount Dikti at an elevation of 1025 meters, near […]

Ancient Trypitos at Sitia

The archaeological site of Trypitos can be found on a small peninsula, 3km east of Sitia, close to the beach Karavopetra, which boasts a breathtaking view of Sitia city and its port. It is believed to be the ancient city of Sitia, Itia, which was initially one of the ports of Praesus. The city thrived […]

Archaeological Site of Leuke

The thin yet often wavy stretch of sea dividing the islands of Koufonissi from the opposite coasts of Crete did not hinder the continuous presence of humans in ancient times. The ancient name Lefki (meaning white) was inspired by the shimmer of white limestone and marl in the sunlight. Koufonissi was an economic and cultural […]

Vothoni Roman Fish Tanks

Located at Vothoni of Kakia Skala, in the province of Ierapetra, you can find the Roman fish tanks carved by the Romans into the soft sandstone, featuring a small opening to the sea to allow fresh water to flow in. There are also some steps in one corner. It is not difficult to envision a […]

Pressos Archaeological Site

Praesus (now known as Pressos) stood atop three hills, approximately 13km south of Sitia and a mere 2km from today’s Nea Pressos, formerly Vaveli. Established by the Eteocretans, who fled the Minoan cities after the Dorian invasion around 1100 BC, they settled in Crete’s secluded regions. Two ports served Praesus, one near Sitia (Etea) and […]

Makrigialos Roman Villa

The sheltered harbor and verdant valley of Makrigialos made it a prime spot for settlements over the years. A testament to this is the Roman villa discovered at Katovigli in 1977 by archaeologist N. Papadakis, located above today’s Makrigialos port. Before this, the site had revealed plundered graves and a 4th-century AD headstone. This grand […]

Temple of Venus Lenika

The quaint, age-old Sanctuary of Afrodision Iero, also known as the Aphrodite Temple, can be found close to the village of Lenika and has a history that stretches back to the 10th century BC. Interestingly, this very location was utilized in the 2nd century BC to construct a more expansive, two-aisled temple dedicated to Ares […]

Ancient Naxos at Oxa

The ancient city of Itanos was a powerful city in Crete, particularly during the Hellenistic and Greco-Roman periods. The name Itanos comes from its founder, who originated from Phoenicia. At its peak, the city’s territory extended from Cape Samonio (now known as Cape Sidero) to Cape Erythrae (present-day Cape Goudouras). The city prospered due to […]

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