24 Activities
Lasithi: the ‘Undiscovered’ Crete
Starts from
Heraklion
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
24
Duration
3 days
Length
252 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Heraklion
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
3 days
Length
252 mi
Wendy Moore
Travel Expert
- Visit the ‘Bethlehem of the Ancient World’.
- Drink the nectar of the Gods, made by monks.
- Follow trails through Europe’s largest palm tree forest.
- Take a boat trip to historic Spinalonga.
- Explore a ruined Venetian fortress.
Lasithi is one of four regions in Crete, and is often overlooked by visitors in favor of the more well-known North and West coast. This 3-day trip is designed to uncover the ‘hidden’ attractions of this lovely region and celebrate its unique beauty.
The trip incorporates some beautiful drives around the mountain villages of the Lasithi Plateau, with its ancient windmills, and along the windy coastal roads. Along the way there are ancient myths and fables, and you’ll visit the cave where the Greek god Zeus hid from his people-eating father, and Agios Nikolaos’ mysterious lake that is supposed to lead to the underworld.
There’s a beautiful walk in a large palm tree grove overlooking Vai Beach, a boat trip to visit the island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony (not as creepy as it sounds!) and an old Venetian fortress to explore.
You’ll also visit an olive farm and learn about the health benefits of the Cretan diet, and taste some fabulous wines and raki in Toplou Monastery. There’s lots of other traditional Cretan delights to try too, in casual beach bars, and traditional tavernas.
Note, this road trip is best done between April and the end of October, as some of the attractions aren’t open in the winter and the beach resorts are mostly closed.
The trip incorporates some beautiful drives around the mountain villages of the Lasithi Plateau, with its ancient windmills, and along the windy coastal roads. Along the way there are ancient myths and fables, and you’ll visit the cave where the Greek god Zeus hid from his people-eating father, and Agios Nikolaos’ mysterious lake that is supposed to lead to the underworld.
There’s a beautiful walk in a large palm tree grove overlooking Vai Beach, a boat trip to visit the island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony (not as creepy as it sounds!) and an old Venetian fortress to explore.
You’ll also visit an olive farm and learn about the health benefits of the Cretan diet, and taste some fabulous wines and raki in Toplou Monastery. There’s lots of other traditional Cretan delights to try too, in casual beach bars, and traditional tavernas.
Note, this road trip is best done between April and the end of October, as some of the attractions aren’t open in the winter and the beach resorts are mostly closed.
Lasithi is one of four regions in Crete, and is often overlooked by visitors in favor of the more well-known North and West coast. This 3-day trip is designed to uncover the ‘hidden’ attractions of this lovely region and celebrate its unique beauty.
The trip incorporates some beautiful drives around the mountain villages of the Lasithi Plateau, with its ancient windmills, and along the windy coastal roads. Along the way there are ancient myths and fables, and you’ll visit the cave where the Greek god Zeus hid from his people-eating father, and Agios Nikolaos’ mysterious lake that is supposed to lead to the underworld.
There’s a beautiful walk in a large palm tree grove overlooking Vai Beach, a boat trip to visit the island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony (not as creepy as it sounds!) and an old Venetian fortress to explore.
You’ll also visit an olive farm and learn about the health benefits of the Cretan diet, and taste some fabulous wines and raki in Toplou Monastery. There’s lots of other traditional Cretan delights to try too, in casual beach bars, and traditional tavernas.
Note, this road trip is best done between April and the end of October, as some of the attractions aren’t open in the winter and the beach resorts are mostly closed.
The trip incorporates some beautiful drives around the mountain villages of the Lasithi Plateau, with its ancient windmills, and along the windy coastal roads. Along the way there are ancient myths and fables, and you’ll visit the cave where the Greek god Zeus hid from his people-eating father, and Agios Nikolaos’ mysterious lake that is supposed to lead to the underworld.
There’s a beautiful walk in a large palm tree grove overlooking Vai Beach, a boat trip to visit the island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony (not as creepy as it sounds!) and an old Venetian fortress to explore.
You’ll also visit an olive farm and learn about the health benefits of the Cretan diet, and taste some fabulous wines and raki in Toplou Monastery. There’s lots of other traditional Cretan delights to try too, in casual beach bars, and traditional tavernas.
Note, this road trip is best done between April and the end of October, as some of the attractions aren’t open in the winter and the beach resorts are mostly closed.
Wendy Moore
Travel Expert
- Visit the ‘Bethlehem of the Ancient World’.
- Drink the nectar of the Gods, made by monks.
- Follow trails through Europe’s largest palm tree forest.
- Take a boat trip to historic Spinalonga.
- Explore a ruined Venetian fortress.
Travel itinerary
6 Activities
Day 1
72 mi0.2 mi
Greek Gods, Windmills & Olive Oil
Today starts with a scenic drive around the villages and windmills on Lasithi plateau, followed by a visit to Zeus’ cave. You’ll have lunch in a traditional taverna then spend the afternoon at an olive oil farm before overnighting in the pretty beach town of Elounda.
17:30
8 Activities
Day 2
63 mi2 mi
Lepers, Lace & Raki
Today begins with a short boat trip to Spinalonga to explore this former leper colony and learn about the lives of its residents, followed by a visit to a small lace-making village where you will have lunch in a traditional taverna. In the afternoon, there’s a lovely walk out to a headland before overnighting in Sitia. This is a real foodie day too with a chance to try some local fare including snails, goat and raki.
18:45
10 Activities
Day 3
117 mi2 mi
A Palm Forest, Winery and a Venetian Fortress
Today begins with a walk around Sitia’s old Venetian fortress before driving East to sample a range of wines and raki produced in a 15th century monastery. Lunch is in a fabulous beachfront restaurant followed by a walk through Europe’s largest palm grove, before heading back along the coast to beautiful Agios Nikolaos town for supper.
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