Lassithi Things to Do

The mesmerizing Vai Beach has something that makes it stand out from any other beach in Crete: a stunning 62-acre palm tree forest consisting of around 5,000 Cretan date palms! This species is one of the only 3 palms that are endemic to Europe, with this particular palm tree forest being the largest one on the entire continent, constituting a significant wetland for countless native and migratory bird species. In front of this unique forest stretches a long golden-sanded beach with fairytale azure waters.
Vai Beach easily ranks among the most impressive beaches in Greece and going there for a swim is definitely the best thing to do while in Lassithi!

Discover Vai

Located in the magical Mirabello Bay, Elounda is a world-renowned tourist resort with luxury hotels that attract illustrious personalities from all over the world. Though the town itself may not look like much, it lies at the edge of a stunning lagoon created by the Spinalonga peninsula, so that it has one the most beautiful natural landscapes in the whole country.

• With services awarded over fifteen times since 2006, Blue Palace is a luxury resort and spa that is ideal for every type of traveler, be it families with children, groups of friends or romantic couples.
• Elounda Water Park Residence is a family-friendly four-star hotel that boasts stunning views and a top-notch water park including large swimming pools, a number of slides, and a kids’ pool with a water playground.
• If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, the Traditional Homes of Crete is just the place for you. Situated in the peaceful Mavrikiano village, just a 5-minute walk from the center of Elounda, these traditionally-built villas combine rustic features with luxury and lend themselves for a more authentic Cretan experience.

See the best hotels in Lassithi

One of the best things to do while in Lassithi is to visit the tiny islet of Spinalonga, a timeless source of inspiration for authors, film directors, artists and musicians that became widely known after Victoria Hislop’s 2005 bestselling novel The Island. Lying in the mouth of Elounda harbor, this barren islet was fortified by the Venetians towards the end of the 16th century, with its remarkably well-preserved defenses being a masterpiece of human ingenuity for their time. Between 1904 and 1957, Spinalonga functioned as a leper colony for sufferers not only from Crete, but from the whole country as well.
Thanks to the architectural remains of different historical periods that harmoniously coexist and converge, Spinalonga is a landmark of outstanding universal value, while its use as a leper colony makes it a monument to human pain and a tribute to the human spirit that does not give up despite adversity.

The best way to explore this historic island is by participating in an organized tour. Water taxis operated by local cooperatives depart for Spinalonga from Elounda, Plaka and Agios Nikolaos on a daily basis too.

Discover Spinalonga

Visiting the gorgeous beaches of Lassithi is, without a doubt, one of the very best things to do in eastern Crete. Besides the renowned Vai Beach, a plethora of magnificent beaches can be found along the coasts of Lassithi and the charming islets that surround it. Most of the organized ones lie in the north, while those on the southern side remain more pristine and secluded.
- The beaches around Istron village are among the loveliest ones you will find in Lassithi. In that area, Mirabello Bay forms three sheltered coves with white sand and crystalline azure waters. The first one is the secluded Karavostasi, while the other two are the well-organized Agios Panteleimonas and Voulisma.
- For something completely different, you can visit the remote area of Xerokampos on the southeastern edge of the island. Characterized by bare rocks and rugged mountains, the landscape is arid and truly eerie, and, within a relatively small area, you will find all types of beaches, from rocky and pebbly to sandy ones. All of them boast amazing turquoise waters, while one of them called Argilos even has clay that lends itself to a natural spa!
- Almiros is located within just 3 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos. Due to its proximity to the capital town of Lassithi, this sandy beach is highly popular with tourists, and it is also a great spot for water sports.

Explore the beaches

Lassithi has always been renowned for its top-quality products, such as its exquisite wines, dairy products, honey, fruit, vegetables and olive oil. The traditional cuisine of Lassithi has developed on the basis of these prime materials, which is why your Cretan experience would be incomplete without tasting the mouthwatering local recipes. These include a variety of meat and fish recipes, as well as the sofegada, a vegetable stew that is typical of Lassithi. Of course, like the rest of the island, Lassithi also has a rich tradition in sweet or salty pastries, like the famous mizithra pies, kalitsounia, kserotigana and marzipan.

Around Lassithi, and especially in the traditional villages of the Lassithi Plateau, you will find great restaurants and taverns in which to sample delectable dishes accompanied by excellent wine or raki. Some of our favorite restaurants are To Rakadiko tou Kamari and Ergospasio in Elounda, Migomis and Karnagio in Agios Nikolaos, as well as The River in Agia Fotia.

The best restaurants in Lassithi

Even if you’re not into history, a visit to the Minoan Palace of Knossos is a must! Though the island is strewn with ancient ruins, no archaeological site is as majestic as this one, which is why it is easily ranks high among the best things to do. Covering an area of over 20,000 square meters, this is the oldest and largest of all Minoan palatial centers and affords a unique opportunity to marvel at the advanced art and architecture of ancient Crete, as it has been successfully restored to a large extent.

Visiting Knossos is very easy, as it lies just an hour’s drive away from Agios Nikolaos. If you’d rather avoid the hustle of arranging your own transport, make sure to book one of the many organized tours that take visitors to the legendary Knossos.

Book the tour

Located in the northernmost point of Mirabello Bay, the largest bay in Crete, the cosmopolitan Agios Nikolaos is amphitheatrically built on five hills overlooking the magnificent Lake Voulismeni. Take the time to stroll around its winding alleys and marvel at its nice squares and neoclassical buildings. The landmark of the town is definitely Lake Voulismeni, a small lagoon that is connected to the port via a canal that was opened in 1870. Voulismeni is a great spot for a walk, as is a lovely park overlooking the lagoon and affording panoramic views of the whole town. Around the seafront of Agios Nikolaos, you will find a number of cafes and restaurants, where you can pause and rest after your sightseeing expeditions, while a handful of nice lounge bars guarantee that you can have a great night out.

Discover Agios Nikolaos

Along the coast of Mirabello Bay and in other locations around Lassithi, visitors will find numerous watersports centers where they can try their hand at such exhilarating activities as jet skiing, paddle boarding (SUP), wakeboarding, banana boat riding or speedboat adventures! Since there are plenty of options, finding something that suits you regardless of your experience and familiarity with such sports is fairly easy! This is one of the best things to do not only for water sports lovers but also for families, as everyone is sure to have the time of their lives! Moreover, if you’re into snorkeling or scuba diving, Lassithi won’t disappoint you either. The highlight is probably the sunken city of Olous, whose ruins can still be spotted under the water in the bay of Elounda.

See the best clubs

In the heart of the Lassithi Plateau lies an impressive cave, which was, according to one version of the myth, the birthplace of Zeus, the father of the gods. Known as the Dikteon (or Psychro) Cave, it is richly adorned with stalactites and stalagmites and is a great place to immerse yourself in Greek mythology, as it is surrounded by a great many myths and legends. For an unforgettable day in Lassithi, you can combine the Diktaean Cave with a tour of the Lassithi Plateau. Enclosed by the imposing Dikti mountain range, it stretches at an altitude of around 800-850 meters and is dotted with picturesque windmills and traditional villages that remain untouched by mass tourism.

For a more insightful experience, book a tour of the Zeus Cave and the Lassithi Plateau, and end your day at a traditional tavern where you can reward yourself with delicious Cretan mezes.

Learn more about the plateau of Lassithi

With thousands of years of history, Lassithi has a plethora of sights that you can explore, from Minoan ruins and peak sanctuaries nestled among its beautiful natural landscape to Byzantine monasteries and interesting museums. Some of the top sights to explore comprise the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos, the medieval Kazarma Fortress in Sitia and the Venetian Kales Fortress in Ierapetra, the historic Monastery of Toplou and the Monastery of Vidiani, as well as the Minoan Palace of Zakros and the Doric city of Lato. History enthusiasts can also pay a visit to the Archaeological Collection of Ierapetra and the Archaeological Museum of Sitia, while Agios Nikolaos also boasts a great Folklore Museum.

See all the sights in Lassithi

Around the coasts of Lassithi lie numerous islets of dazzling natural beauty. Thus, one of the top things to do is to take a water taxi and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience on their fairytale golden-sanded beaches, swimming in crystalline turquoise waters. Water taxis are a fast and unique way to get to such destinations as Chrissi, a volcanic islet with a protected cedar forest, the enchanting Koufonisi (or Lefki) and the islet of Agioi Pantes, which has been converted into a wildlife refuge for the famous kri kri Cretan wild goat. Depending on the destination, boats leave from Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, and Makrigialos.

About the water taxis

As in the rest of Crete, the terrain of Lassithi is mostly mountainous, abounding in stunning gorges and green plateaus. One of the most popular routes will take you through the Richtis Gorge, a 3-kilometer-long verdant oasis with a spectacular waterfall that forms a nice pool, while other great choices include the Sarakina Gorge and the Havgas Gorge. The list would be incomplete without the rugged Ha Gorge, which requires special canyoning equipment, the Gorge of the Butterflies and the eerie Gorge of the Dead, which owes its name to the Minoan tombs that have been discovered in its caves. Lassithi offers a variety of routes that are accessible to experienced and beginner trekkers alike, passing through picturesque villages, ancient ruins and landscapes of stunning natural beauty that can satisfy even the most demanding traveler. If a total immersion in nature sounds like fun, consider adding hiking to your list of the best things to do in Lassithi.

Discover the hiking routes

Watching a nice movie under the starry sky is a unique experience that has become an integral part of Greek summer. In Agios Nikolaos, the place to go is the Christina municipal open-air cinema, a neat venue whose walls are covered with honeysuckle plants that engulf you with their enticing aroma.

Book the Land Rover Safari Tour

In order to see some of the other highlights of this beautiful island, we recommend taking part in an organized tour that offers the opportunity to explore the northwestern part of Crete. During this tour, you will learn more about Crete’s history and admire the wonderful countryside, including the seascapes. In addition, you will visit two other major cities, Chania and Rethymno, and have some free time to stroll around the historic center of the towns, spot listed buildings and discover hidden gems in the local market. The excursion includes a visit to the natural park of Kournas Lake, one of the most significant places on the island in terms of biodiversity. 

Lassithi counts on various religious and cultural events that take place in the villages and the beautiful coastal towns on the feast days of saints. The greatest of them is on the 15th of August, when almost every village organizes its own panigiri. Visitors are more than welcome to attend and take part, so this is a unique chance to sample mouthwatering delicacies to the accompaniment of excellent wine or raki, and get a first-hand experience of the lively traditional music and dancing.

Discover the local festivals

But that's not all! There are a lot more things to do, from trying horseback riding to enjoying a coffee in one of the local cafes!
We invite you to explore even more options that the island has to offer: