Lassithi Villages

Lassithi is the least-affected region in Crete in terms of tourism. Apart from some tourist resorts, the rest of the villages have a more tranquil flair and follow a more traditional way of life, which is apparent no matter the season.

In brief, even though Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lassithi, the busiest villages are Elounda, Sissi, Ierapetra and Sitia. The majority of luxurious accommodation options are located in these areas.
The rest of the villages present a way different profile, much closer to the typical Greek islands' one.

Below, you will find a list of 16 Lassithi villages sorted by popularity.
After exploring them, don't skip checking out All Things to Do in Lassithi (best sights, beaches, restaurants, and more).

Location: On the northern side of Lassithi Crete
Description: Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lassithi Crete. It has a lovely lake and a picturesque port, which serves mostly close destinations.

Location: 50 km west of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Tzermiado is the main village of the Lassithi Plateau. It is a traditional village surrounded by lush vegetation and many windmills, while in the vicinity lies the Trapeza Cave, which is well worth a visit.

Location: 35 km south of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Ierapetra is a beautiful seaside town in the south of Crete. It has many historical sights and charming beaches.

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Location: 26 km north west of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Sissi is a lovely village between Lassithi and Heraklion. Over the last years, Sissi has developed in tourism and its small port hosts many yachts and boats in summer.

Location: 70 km east of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Sitia has both a port and an airport. Mainly a tourist resort, Sitia serves as a nice base for excursions.

Location: 11 km north of Agios Nikolaos
Description: The small village of Elounda becomes one of the busiest tourist villages in summer. It has lovely beaches in the area and is also famous for the Spinalonga islet, at the entrance of its port.

Location: 15 km northwest of Agios Nikolaos
Description: This is a lovely village amidst a valley of olive groves and fruit trees. Neapolis has spacious architecture and beautiful churches.

Location: 10 km west of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Located in an area of stunning natural beauty, Kritsa is a small, mountainous village that stands out for its traditional architecture. Within the village itself, visitors will find two interesting museums, while in the vicinity lie the ruins of the Doric town Lato.

Location: 16 km north of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Plaka is a traditional settlement close to Elounda. Its development is connected with the closure of the leper colony on the nearby Spinalonga.

Location: 106 km east of Agios Nikolaos
Description: This is a small, traditional village on the eastern coast of Lassithi. Within a short distance, visitors will find the Minoan Palace of Zakros and the Gorge of the Dead.

Location: 30 km northwest of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Milatos lies close to the tourist resorts of Sissi and Malia, yet it has remained untouched by mass tourism. It is a picturesque fishing village with nice seaside taverns. Close to Milatos, there is a historic cave with a chapel inside.

Location: 35 km east of Agios Nikolaos
Description:One of the most lovely and relaxing villages in northern Lassithi, Mochlos lies on the way from Agios Nikolaos to Sitia.

Location: 83 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos
Description: A small and traditional village surrounded by high mountains and a verdant plateau. It is located on the southeastern side of Lassithi, and the narrow, winding road that leads to the beaches of the Xerokampos area starts from there.

Location: 25 km south of Agios Nikolaos
Description: With a landscape composed of hanging rocks, pine trees, abundant streams, rugged gorges and a river that runs through the settlement, Kalamafka is one of the prettiest villages of the Cretan inland and constitutes a nice base for trekking excursions.

Location: 45 km far from Agios Nikolaos
Description: Tourloti is a small village on the way from Agios Nikolaos to Sitia. It is a quiet village, untouched by mass tourism, where time seems to have stood still, as its inhabitants are still engaged in traditional professions that tend to disappear.

Location: 58km south of Agios Nikolaos
Description: Makrigialos is one of the most popular villages in the area of Sitia, attracting numerous visitors each year. The crystal-clear waters of its beaches, along with the various tourist facilities make it an excellent choice for the summer holidays.