Lassithi is the fourth prefecture of Crete, on the east part of the island. It is filled with long sandy beaches, small isles scattered around the blue waters and green valleys with small villages and warm colours. There are orange and lemon groves, which are particularly productive because of the frequent days of sunshine and the warm and ideal climate.

The Lassithi Plateau is one of the highpoints of Crete, both in altitude and atmosphere, for it is unique: a green carpet hemmed in on all sides by the Díktean Mountains, snowcapped into April and irrigated in summer by windmills. The picturesque windmills work regularly to water the fertile plain.

The capital is Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque harbour built on the Mirabello Bay. This cosmopolitan port gathers all the elements a visitor may come across Lassithi. The wonderful atmosphere of the harbour, with its fishing boats and traditional cafes, the developed tourism, the hospitable people and the vivid rhythm of the everyday events are all an indication of the varicolored texture of this special place. It is a lovely city, which has been built on the northernmost point of Mirabello Bay. The picturesque port of the town with its fishing boats, the cosmopolitan atmosphere, the beautiful beaches and the good quality and choice of tourist facilities and accommodations are the reasons of the high popularity of Agios Nikolaos.

Lassithi has beautiful, small towns with cosmopolitan character, nightlife at bars and clubs as well as open-air cinemas. It offers many shops where you can purchase jewelry, silverware, furs and works of art, along with local markets, which offer fruits, spices, honey and famous cheeses; the tastes and fragrances of which are unforgettable.

For history buffs there are the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Sitia, Archaeological Collection of Neapolis, several archaeological sites, the Venetian fortresses of Ierapetra and Spinalonga, Ha gorge, many monasteries and churches, the Museum of the Monastery of Toplou and the Folklore Museums of Agios Nikolaos, Vainia, Sitia, Neapoli, Lassithi Plateau, Mylopetra, Palekastro and Hamezi, the Dikteon Andro Cave and the remains of the Doric city of “Lato Hetera”. 

The coasts Lassithi are full of enchanting coves and idyllic beaches with crystalline waters, some secluded, others organized and social and ideal for outdoor adventure and sports lovers. It offers hang-gliding, paragliding, hiking, climbing, caving, cycling, mountain bike, fishing, water skiing, underwater diving, parasailing, sailing, windsurfing, private charter, canoeing, jet-skiing, snorkeling, underwater fishing, tennis, beach tennis, beach volley ball, jogging, swimming and walking, from sunrise to sunset.

The magnificent Vai Beach, with its blue waters and golden sand also offers an incredible palm forest of 5000 trees. More wonderful beaches are available - Makrigialos, Istros, Pahia Ammos or the superb white sandy beaches on the islet of Hrissi. Also not to be missed is the Selakano Pine Forest.

From the numerous varieties of eating places to the many types of lodging accommodations, Lassithi has got you covered.

So whether you’re planning a fun-in-the-sun vacation with the kids or a fanciful, romantic, honeymoon-style get-away, choose Lassithi for the time of your life and memories that will last just as long. Come and experience the island of playful windmills, exotic caves, lush mountains and luxurious beaches today and you won’t be disappointed in the least.