Getting around Lasithi
In the heart of the central plain, east of Heraklion lies the
small town of Neapoli in the Lasithi prefecture. This
traditional Cretan town is surrounded by mountains abundant with
native olive trees and almond trees. This attractive town has
narrow cobbled streets with a large central square fringed by
neo-classical buildings.
Located on the square is the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary where,
on 15th August, a holy festival takes place with singing and
dancing. Sights to see in the area include the chapel of Ayios
Georgios Selinari and the Milatos cave which has a small chapel
inside that is dedicated to St. Thomas. Inside the cave is very
dark so make sure you have a torch. The cave itself is very
large ( 73m long and 63m at its widest point) with eight
entrances. The church was built in 1935 and houses the bones of
locals who were murdered by the Turks in 1823.
It was here that the residents of the surrounding villages hid
from the Turkish invaders, fighting went on for two weeks in
February of that year culminating in the slaughter of the Cretan
rebels.
Heading southeast around the cape you come to Agios Nikolaos.
Other places around the plateau to see is the Kroustallenia
monastery close to the village of Agios Georgio. The monastery,
which is built on a verdant hill, was probably founded sometime
in the C13th and is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin
Mary. Look out for an old oak tree that grows out of a large
rock. This tree has 18 trunks, each one symbolizing the villages
that encircle the Lassithi plateau.
The coastal region lying to the north of Agios Nikolaos is one
of the most touristic on the island with major holiday resorts
such as Skhisma, Elounda and Plake receiving a busy trade every
summer. Heading southwards from Vai is the village of Zakros and
around 8km from the village is wonderful village of Kato Zakros
with its superb pebble beach and dazzling sea that is well
protected from the wind.
Although the village itself is quiet, especially in the mornings
and evenings, Kato Zakros is a popular destination for day
trippers who come to see the remains of ancient Zakros. This
comprises the fourth largest of all the Minoan palace, some
houses from the Late Minoan period, two further building
complexes and some first-rate artefacts from the Mycenaean
period.
Right in the heart of east Crete is the ancient settlement of
Praisos, the capital city of the Eteocretans who settled here in
1000 BC following the Dorian invasion. The ancient town was
built on three hills and enclosed by walls. Traces of these
fortified walls can still be seen on the highest of the hills
and also the remains of a temple and some houses.
If you are looking for a busy, organised resort with plenty of
nightlife then Lerapetra is a good choice. It is the most
southerly town in Europe and, as such, has a mild climate and
very little rain. An excellent choice if you are considering a
winter break in Greece. . From the small harbour, boat trips are
available to the beautiful Chrisi Island with its turquoise sea
and white sandy beaches.
Travelling further westward along the coast road are more
traditional villages fringing the Libyan ocean. Close by, on the
Amari plain, is the Potami Lake shaped by the Potami dam. Built
in 2008 its capacity is around 23 million cubic metres and is
already attracting an abundance of birds and animals, as well as
visitors who enjoy the beautiful, natural scenery. .