Explore Lasithi

The district of Lasithi lies on the eastern side of the island, and has seen some major developments in the tourist industry, small villages have grown into centres for the tourists, with hotels, cafés and bars. Despite this the area has some of the best landscape on the island.

Away from the holiday centres you enter another world, small villages on the Lastithou Plateau and high mountains with wonderful views.

A drive along the coastal road is not to be missed as leads you to wonderfull beaches where you can sunbathe to your hearts content.

Panagia Kera

One of the highlights of the area if not the whole island, is the beautiful church of Panagia Kera, a small white painted building, famous for it,s frescoes from the 13th. Century which cover nearly all the interior of the church. Scenes describing what happens to sinners on there way to hell is overpowering and fantastic.

Sitia

A drive to Sitia is experience up and over the mountains with glimpses of the sea in the distance, when you arrive you come to a town built up around a bay, a relaxing place and a good starting point for further travels in the area.

The area is rich in archaeological sites, probably more than any other area on the island. Sitia has both a Archaeological and a History Museum which are worth visiting. In the summer you can visit the local wine cooperative, here can you see the process of making wine and of course taste the end product.

Gournia

Gournia is a as yet a undisturbed archaeological site, not far from Agia Nikolaos, and gives the visitors a insight into the daily life’s of the Minions. The ruins seen today are from 1500bc. When the town was at its high. The town was destroyed circa 1450bc. Then rebuilt, and finally left deserted about 1200bc.

Walking around the site you will notice how well it is stood the test of time, Hundreds of foundation walls to the houses spread up the hillside. The downstairs rooms where used as workshops and storerooms, but the upstairs living quarters have long since gone. If you walk up the narrow streets, at the top you will see the remains of the Governors Palace. to the south is the market place, at the top of the steps, a large stone block is said to be a alter for offerings.

Looking from the top down over the town, you have to envisage it 3 –4 times larger than it is today. When visiting Gournia take refreshments with you as there are no cafes near by, at it can be extremely hot here.

Myrtos

The small size of this village without any sights to see is worth taking time out of a busy schedule to visit, for the reason it is a typical Cretan village with the locals going about their daily lives. Stay a say or two and relax in one of the tavernas on the shoreline. A perfect place to recharge your batteries.

Vai Beach

A magnificent beach surrounded by palm trees, a walk through the palm trees whose seeds are said to be from either Date eating pirates or Egyptian soldiers who spat them out as they were passing. The beach can is very popular, so you have to be early to get a good place.

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