Lasithi, Crete
Lasithi is the easternmost region in Crete, a place where life runs at a different place and where unique landscapes and places to see will not stop surprising you. The main touristic city in the region is Agios Nikolaos, nestled in the Mirabello Gulf, on the Cretan Sea. Agios Nikolaos is also the capital city of the region. The region hosts the most important highlands on the island, the Lasithi Plateau, surrounded by the Dikti Mountains. There are several archaeological sites to visit, including the sunken city of Olous, the mysterious Minoan Palace of Kato Zakros, and the Valley of the Dead.
Welcome to Lasithi, Crete
What is Lasithi of Crete best known for
Sitia, Crete
A charming picturesque town built in amphitheatrical shape on the north-eastern edge of Lasithi Crete with a population of slightly more than 9000 people. Sitia has an airport and a port, making it very accessible even for a short visit. Around the port, there are many tavernas, coffee shops, and traditional pastry shops, as well as some relaxing beach bars that offer sunbeds, refreshment drinks, and snacks to help you enjoy your day at the beach.
Palm Tree forest Vai, Crete
Vai’s palm tree forest in Lasithi of Crete, which surrounds a beautiful sandy beach, is only 25 kilometers east of Sitia. The palm tree forest of Vai is Europe’s largest, with approximately 5,000 palm trees spread across an area of 250 square kilometers. During the summer, the beach is organized with sunbeds, watersports, a café shop, a souvenir shop, and a restaurant, making it an ideal place to visit and spend the day if you are in Sitia.
Xerokambos, Crete
In Lasithi of Crete you will find a beautiful area rewarded with a collection of beaches clothed in pristine white sand and crystal clear waters, just 44km Southeast of Sitia. There you will also find Argilos beach, which is a beach surrounded with argillaceous soil. You can use the healing clay to bath and enjoy a natural beauty treatment! The beaches of Xerokambos are unorganized so make sure to bring your own snacks, water and beach equipment.
Agios Nikolaos, Crete
The town of Agios Nikolaos is located on the northern tip of Mirabello, which is Crete’s largest bay. The most well-known attraction is undoubtedly the Voulismeni lake, which is said to be bottomless. This charming and picturesque lake in the town center serves as a small harbor for fishing boats. The most luxurious and elegant resorts on Crete can be found in the area surrounding Agios Nikolaos, particularly near the villages of Elounda and Plaka.
Spinalonga island of Crete
In Lasithi of Crete you will find Spinalonga, also known as “the island of the living dead,” housed one of Europe’s last active leper colonies. It all began in 1903, when the Cretan government decided to isolate people suffering from leprosy by sending them to the island. As a result, Spinalonga was chosen as the colony’s location, and it grew to a population of about 400 people. When the cure for the disease was discovered in 1957, the island was abandoned. The story of Spinalonga became well-known after the British author Victoria Hislop published a book titled “The Island” in 2005. A day trip to Spinalonga should definitely be on your itinerary if you’re in Agios Nikolaos!