The edge of thousands of mills, palm paradise, the cradle of Zeus - all this Lassiti. You can find pagan traditions which peacefully coexist with Byzantine temples, luxury beaches - with quiet seaside villages ...
Lassiti is one of the four nomas of Crete, located in the eastern part of the island.
It is worthwhile to step on the land of this region, as a person immediately falls in love with a juicy and diverse nature, with a bright and friendly sun, with the atmosphere of tranquility. Rising at 850 m above sea level, the lands of this picturesque noma are covered with legends and stories. Local residents proudly call themselves the descendants of the first Cretans who managed to survive after the nightmarish eruption of Santorini, which buried the Cretan civilization. Everyone can feel the breath of Eternity connecting the Ancient Greece and Greece of our days right here in this place of Crete.
Everyone will find something to your preferences at Lassiti, no matter what you like.
For those who are interested in history, eager to plunge into the atmosphere of the past and explore the abandoned fortresses and temples, it is certainly worth visiting the ruins of the ancient trading city of Lato. The small island Spinalonga is also popular, cut off from the plateau in 1526 to create an additional ring of fortifications for the port of Elounda. Spinalonga has seen a lot For its centuries-long history. A fortress wall was built here, successfully reflecting the raids of pirates. A little later this island became a leprosarium - a place where people infected with leprosy, "an island without mirrors", were taken.
Cut off in the west of the main part of the island by high mountains, Lassiti is the birthplace of the Thunderer himself. The main god of the Greek pantheon - the majestic Zeus - was born and nourished in the cave of Mount Diktis. And, if earlier this place was considered sacred, now access to it is open, and tourists can enjoy the cool air of the most beautiful of the caves of the island. The road to the Dictide cave is so picturesque that it is simply breathtaking. A steep climb to the cave can be overcome by riding a donkey. The very plateau of Lassiti is known to be scattered here and there by majestic Greek mills: enterprising Greeks simply could not help using all the advantages of free winds chasing the plateau.
Lovers to luxuriate on the golden sand will find their place on one of the many beaches of the island.
Stunning Mediterranean species will open before holidaymakers on the Gulf of Mirabello in all their glory - the most beautiful in Greece, and in whole Europe. There is also a "palm paradise" here, it is Palm Beach - a beach that brings to the stupor many tourists. The fact is that palm trees do not grow anywhere in Europe, but in this bay they were adorned long-long ago. Peace and happiness will bring rest to one of the dozens of secluded beaches of the noma: for example, on the beach near the village of Chrisi, where clear water and white sand seem to be created for you alone.
The quiet streets of small Greek towns and scattered on the land of the noma of quiet villages will take a special place in the heart of every traveler who finds himself on the Lassiti. It is worthwhile to find yourself in the main city of Noma - Agios Nikolaos, received its name in honor to St. Nicholas, the church of which stands here since the Byzantine times. A subtle mixture of Christian and pagan, ancient and modern make Iyos Nikolaos a mysterious city. A light, relaxed atmosphere and Greek hospitality will make you return to Lassiti again and again.
