TRAVEL GUIDE TO LASSITHI

As one of the least touristy regions to visit in Crete, Lassithi combines it all: from picturesque villages, to exotic beaches and intriguing archeological sites, this place is full of amazing locations to explore!
Although some popular places, such as Elounda, Sissi, Sitia, and Ierapetra are located there, tourism has yet to gasp itself upon this region.

Find out everything about your holidays in our travel guide! Discover the top hotels & restaurants, things to do, exciting tours & activities, fantastic beaches, as well as a wide selection of breathtaking photos!

You can get to Lassithi by plane from Athens (the airport is in Sitia). Alternatively, you can get a ferry from Athens (Piraeus port), although it is far more convenient to travel from Athens to Heraklion by ferry and then reach Lassithi by car or bus.

OUR TRAVEL SERVICES IN LASSITHI

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MORE ABOUT LASSITHI GREECE

Lassithi in Greece , the easternmost region of Crete, is one of the best places for complete immersion in nature and relaxation.
This prefecture consists of many little towns, cosmopolitan coastal resorts and picturesque mountainous villages.
Except for some popular villages, like Elounda and Sissi, the rest of the region remains a destination off the beaten tourist trail.

The postcard-like coastline is fringed with some of the finest beaches in Crete. The most popular one is unarguably Vai beach, an exotic golden-sand beach, surrounded by a palm tree forest.

Numerous seaside settlements, such as Ierapetra, Sitia and Agios Nikolaos are not located far from the seashores. These villages manage to keep their traditional charm and authenticity, despite being touristically developed.

However, this side of Crete is famous not only for its coastal locations but also for its rural villages. Lassithi Plateau, one of the most picturesque areas in the region, is the best place to introduce yourself to local tradition and adapt to the slow rhythm of the island.

A tour around the region will bring you to impressive gorges, traditional monasteries and several landmarks, such as the Medieval Castles of Sitia and Ierapetra and many historical sites, such as Zakros Minoan Palace and Spinalonga island. If you are in a mood for a road trip, you can combine your trip with a visit to the nearby Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno regions.

In Lassithi you’ll forget the sounds of the city!

• Map • Weather • History • Geography

PHOTOS OF LASSITHI / SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

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HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

Certain areas in the region of Lassithi are considered popular beach resorts and offer large building complexes of all-inclusive hotels, such as Elounda, Sitia and Sissi.
These hotels provide multiple kinds of accommodation facilities with a modern style, as well as swimming pools, restaurants and other additional facilities on site. A few villas and traditional apartments are also among the options.

Some of the most popular hotels are Daios Cove Luxury Resort, Candia Park Village and Elounda Bay Palace.

HOW TO GET THERE & MOVE AROUND?

Agios Nikolaos and Sitia are the main ports of Lassithi and they receive mainly some local routes from Heraklion. Only a few ferries come from Piraeus port in Athens. In general, it is more convenient to get first by plane or ferry to Heraklion or Chania and then reach Lassithi by car or bus.
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HIGHLIGHTS: BEST OF LASSITHI

Discover the highlights of Lassithi to experience during your holiday! From sightseeing to activities and from tours to restaurants, here are the best suggestions for the ultimate experience!
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  • Vai palm beach
    Located on the north eastern side of Lassithi, the beach of Vai is famous for its amazing palm forest. Although in the past this was a hippies place, today the beach is protected as a natural reserve.
  • Ha Gorges
    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. Crossing this gorge is very dangerous due to the abrupt rocky landscape.
  • Drive through the plateau
    The Lassithi Plateau is a region of wild beauty, dotted with mountainous villages, old windmills, small chapels and underground caves. This is an interesting region to explore by car.
  • Spinalonga islet
    The small island of Spinalonga is located just opposite the village of Plaka. During the first half of the 20th century, this is a leper colony. A strong Venetian castle stands today on this tiny place.
  • Agios Nikolaos
    Agios Nikolaos is the largest town in Lassithi. This is a picturesque town constructed around a sea lake. Many beautiful beaches are found in a short drive from there.
  • Istro beach
    Istro is one of the most beautiful beaches in Lassithi, with exotic waters and wild landscape. There are many such beautiful beaches in eastern Crete.
  • Kazarma Fortress
    Kazarma Fortress was built by the Venetians in the Medieval times to protect the town from enemies. Today many cultural events are organized there in summer.
  • Ierapetra village
    On the south eastern side of Crete is the beautiful town of Ierapetra. This place is used as a base for excursions in the region, as it is close to nice beaches and picturesque villages.
  • Paleokastro beach
    Paleokastro is a secluded beach on the eastern side of Crete. Over the last years, it is developing as a windsurf destination in Crete. The other beaches in the region are also secluded.