Everything about a day trip by car to Lasithi plateau
Lasithi Plateau is the largest plateau in Crete. A fertile inland plain at an elevation of 800 to 850m, bordered by the imposing Dikti Mountains, the plateau of Lasithi is home to more than a dozen villages.
The Lasithi Plateau in eastern Crete, a fertile agricultural area bounded by the Dicti Mountains and Lasithi Prefecture, has been known for centuries for its abundance of fresh produce.
The plains are strewn with white-sailed windmills for miles and miles as far as the eye can see.
At 850 meters above sea level and 44 km from Agios Nikolaos, the plateau is big enough to stay and explore for a while. Explore a small and prosperous rural village
Famous for its rich agricultural production, windmills and historic caves, but above all its autonomy and amazing tranquility amaze East Crete's guests and visitors.
The Lassithi Plateau is one of the most interesting places in East Crete, formed by the Dikti Mountains and itself a world. The plateau's gentle, slow mountain pace sets it apart from the rest of the tourist-heavy and cosmopolitan Lassithi province. With an average altitude of 850 m, it is located west of Lasithi, near the border with Heraklion prefecture.
At the heart of the plateau are cornfields and the famous windmills. Nevertheless, the plateau has villages built in a circle and very close to each other.
Tzermiado, Avrakontes, Lagu, Kasteli and Agios Georgios are the most famous settlements.
Restaurants are located in Argurías, Lascintos and of course the touristy Diktaio Andro.
Agios Georgios has a very well-developed district with his four museums (Ethnographic, Ecclesiastical Museum, Neoclassical and Eleftherios Venizelos) that add color and vibrancy to the village.
If you enjoy visiting churches, the Monastery of Panagia Kultarenias (between Agios Constantinos and Mesa Hislasithi) and the Monastery of Vidiani (between Pinakiano and Kato His Metochi) are worth a visit.
Here in Lasithi Prefecture is Crete's new international airport. The new airport will be his second busiest airport in Greece as it will continue the operation of the existing Heraklion National Airport 'Nikos Kazantzakis'.
Is just a 25-minute drive via the Northern Road Axis (BOAK) from Heraklion, the island's largest administrative and financial centre, including the port and less than 20 minutes from Hersonissos and with the completion of the BOAK tender section, the new airport will provide faster traffic security for travellers from Chania, Rethymno and Sitia.
How to go to Lasithi plateau?
Hiring a car is the best way to explore Crete, for travellers who prefer to make their own itinerary. Many interesting villages and settlements, Cretan beaches, monuments, archaeological places, picturesque villages, breathtaking views, cosmopolitan cities and reveal the magnificence of Crete. Might be more tired but also more rewarded too.Our local car rental agency offers affordable car rental rates for all types of vehicles.
You can collect the car directly at Chania airport or at Heraklion airport ( HER) so you can get on the road at once. Alternatively, if you are arriving by boat, your rented car can be brought to you when you disembark in Souda Port or Heraklion Port. Also, you can collect the car directly outside of your hotel or apartment.
Choose from luxury or economical cars and enjoy a car from our quality car fleet, all protected by fully comprehensive insurance policies to help make your trip more comfortable.

You can arrive to Lasithi from Heraklion capital by car. Driving Eastwards towards Lassithi plateau and Ag. Nikolaos in about 45 min, you will reach Lasithi. From Heraklion international airport (HER)) is 42 km distance. Renting a car is the best option to visit this authentic village and wander the surrounding area, to feel the Cretan atmosfair and enjoy the greek hospitality.
What to visit at Lasithi plateau
Lassithi plateau is famous for its windmills with white cloths, a trademark of the area. These were water- and flour mills, made mostly by the Peloponnese settlers that arrived here in the late 19th century, to irrigate the plateau. Unfortunately, today young people have abandoned their homeland because the Greek state does not provide incentives, and the villages look deserted, with the elderly population. Thus, the landscapes of 12000 white windmills, which once pumped water from wells to irrigate crops, can be now seen on old card postal. But still, you can see several windmills, since many of them have been restored in the last years. Moreover, at the entrance of the plateau, at position Ambelos, we still see the largest stone windmill park in Greece.
Another attraction of the plateau are lines, ie the linear drainage channels that were opened by the Venetians to transport water across the plateau. Indeed, when the Venetians conquered Crete, they turned Lassithi into the largest “garden” of Crete, which still supplies Crete with excellent quality potatoes and vegetables. On a walk at any point of the plateau, you will find lines, the. long ditches carrying water.
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Psychro Diktaion cave
Psychro is associated with the Diktaean Cave (Greek: Δικταῖον Ἄντρον Diktaion Antron), one of the putative sites of the birth of Zeus. Other legends place Zeus' birthplace as the Ideon Cave on Mount Ida. According to Hesiod, Theogony (477-484), Rhea gave birth to Zeus in Lyctus and hid him in a cave of Mount Aegaeon. Since the late nineteenth century the Diktaean Cave, which is above the modern village of Psychro, has been identified with this sanctuary.
Jump into the myth !! Next to Ideon Andron, you find the Greek mythology thematic park, It's worth it!!
Krasi village is a traditional mountainous village at an altitude of 600 m, 46 km from Heraklion and is situated northwest of the foot of Mount Selena (1559 m). It is located above Stalida and is just 8km after Mochos, on the road to the Lassithi Plateau. The visitor, while ascending the uphill and the winding road in the direction of Krasi, has the opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the north coastline of the Municipality of Hersonissos.
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Krasi
Krasi village is also known that Nikos Kazantzakis spent several summers with his friends during the decade of 1910-1920 in which is his wife’s, named Galateia Alexiou, birthplace. In Krasi, he was calm and felt inspired which was reflected in his works. For instance, in “Kapetan Michalis” there are many scenes that were set in the shade of the old plane tree in Selena. People of the Spirit chose Krasi in order to get rest and it was a place of inspiration and creation for them. For this reason, “The House of Literature” was created in the village in 2009 in a building of 1882.
The settlement of Krasi belongs to a protected natural area (NATURA 2000) while the monumental plane tree was proclaimed with the Presidential Decree 29/8/2011 as a preserved monument of Nature.
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Monastery Kera
Kera is a traditional village, 50 km southeast of the city of Heraklion and 25 km of Hersonissos village, in the hinterland of the Municipality of Chersonissos.
The village consists of two small settlements, Kato Kera and Apano Kera and was named after the monastery of Panagia Kera or Kardiotissa, located to the north of the settlement. The Monastery of Kera (9th century) is a historical and ecclesiastical monument with remarkable frescoes inside it, a place of worship and the centre of the revolutionaries of eastern Crete against all its conquerors.
Hiring a car is not only the easiest way to get to Lasithi plateau, it’s also the best way to explore the region. Crete is full of stunning drives. Having a car gives you plenty of flexibility. Rent your car here
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Village of Kritsa, Lasithi
Tucked away in the Lassithi region of Crete, the charming village of Kritsa offers a captivating mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its quaint stone-paved streets, traditional buildings, and panoramic views of olive groves and surrounding mountains make it one of the island's oldest and most scenic villages. Kritsa is not just a feast for the eyes; it is also a cultural treasure, offering visitors a unique insight into Crete's rich heritage and timeless traditions.
The Lasithi Plateau, a fertile plain nestled in the Dikti Mountains of Crete, is not only a cultural gem but also an ideal destination for travelers seeking authentic Cretan experiences. With its picturesque windmills, charming villages, and historic sites like the Dikteon Cave, this plateau offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you're exploring by car or joining a guided tour, you'll be captivated by the region's breathtaking beauty and rich history.
Book Your Adventure Today!
Plan your visit to the Lasithi Plateau with ease by reserving a rental car or joining one of the many guided tours available. Booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out on popular attractions, including the famous Zeus Cave and traditional Cretan taverns. Ready to experience the charm of Crete? Explore our recommended travel packages and secure your spot for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the island.
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