Places to visit
Αξιοθέατα
Spinalonga is a small island located at the entrance of Elounda lagoon and north of the Gulf of Mirabello.
The history of the island still inspires awe. It has been a Venetian fortress, a castle colony, a rebel refuge, a place of exile for lepers, a communication link with Cairo during the Second World War. From structural and architectural point of view and from an aesthetic view of the whole landscape, the island still retains an unsurpassed beauty.
129 locals recommend
Spinalonga
Spinalonga is a small island located at the entrance of Elounda lagoon and north of the Gulf of Mirabello.
The history of the island still inspires awe. It has been a Venetian fortress, a castle colony, a rebel refuge, a place of exile for lepers, a communication link with Cairo during the Second World War. From structural and architectural point of view and from an aesthetic view of the whole landscape, the island still retains an unsurpassed beauty.
One of the most popular Byzantine monuments in Crete (13th- 14th A.D.) is located in Logari, one kilometre east of Kritsa. This triple-nave Byzantine church is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, to Saint Anthony and Saint Anna. It is adorned with superb wall paintings on particular themes like the representation of Saint Anna, other icons of the saints, and the fourteen scenes depicting the secret life of the Virgin Mary.
26 locals recommend
Panagias Keras Church
One of the most popular Byzantine monuments in Crete (13th- 14th A.D.) is located in Logari, one kilometre east of Kritsa. This triple-nave Byzantine church is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, to Saint Anthony and Saint Anna. It is adorned with superb wall paintings on particular themes like the representation of Saint Anna, other icons of the saints, and the fourteen scenes depicting the secret life of the Virgin Mary.
The ruins of ancient Lato are located approximately 3km north of Kritsa, scattered between two hills at an altitude of 380m. This site has stunning views over the bay of Mirabello. The name Lato is taken after the Dorian pronunciation of the goddess Leto, who probably was worshiped here. However, the patron of the city was the goddess of childbirth, Eileithyia, who is depicted on the coins of Lato.
The town existed in the Minoan period, but actually flourished after the Dorian invasion.
11 locals recommend
Ancient City Of Lato
The ruins of ancient Lato are located approximately 3km north of Kritsa, scattered between two hills at an altitude of 380m. This site has stunning views over the bay of Mirabello. The name Lato is taken after the Dorian pronunciation of the goddess Leto, who probably was worshiped here. However, the patron of the city was the goddess of childbirth, Eileithyia, who is depicted on the coins of Lato.
The town existed in the Minoan period, but actually flourished after the Dorian invasion.
Toplou Monastery is located in the northeastern tip of Crete, at the base of Sidero Cape, 10km east of Sitia and 6km north of Palekastro. The monastery is one of the most historic monasteries of Crete and is known for its vast real property. In religious circles it is known as the Monastery of Panagia Akrotiriani, while the locals just call it the Great Monastery.
61 locals recommend
Toplou Monastery
Toplou Monastery is located in the northeastern tip of Crete, at the base of Sidero Cape, 10km east of Sitia and 6km north of Palekastro. The monastery is one of the most historic monasteries of Crete and is known for its vast real property. In religious circles it is known as the Monastery of Panagia Akrotiriani, while the locals just call it the Great Monastery.
The impressive cave of Zeus, the Diktaean Cave, is located above the village Psychro in Lassithi Plateau at an altitude of 1025m. Most researchers identify the cave of Psychro as the mythical Dictaean Cave, as reported by Hesiod. Zeus was born and raised here, with the help of the Nymphs and the Kouretes.
63 locals recommend
Cave of Zeus
The impressive cave of Zeus, the Diktaean Cave, is located above the village Psychro in Lassithi Plateau at an altitude of 1025m. Most researchers identify the cave of Psychro as the mythical Dictaean Cave, as reported by Hesiod. Zeus was born and raised here, with the help of the Nymphs and the Kouretes.
Take a walk by the sea to enjoy the blue of the see and the little treasure spots of Agios Nikolaos. Start your walk from Marina of Agios Nikolaos, pass through Kitroplateia beach and continue from the “Kerato”, a sculpture of a local sculptor and finish you promenade at the port.
9 locals recommend
Paralia Kitroplatias
Take a walk by the sea to enjoy the blue of the see and the little treasure spots of Agios Nikolaos. Start your walk from Marina of Agios Nikolaos, pass through Kitroplateia beach and continue from the “Kerato”, a sculpture of a local sculptor and finish you promenade at the port.
Villages to visit
Kritsa is a small town of Eastern Crete, built at an altitude of 350m below the Kastellos Hill, very close to Agios Nikolaos city. What makes Kritsa special is the preservation of the traditional Cretan lifestyle that attracts dozens of visitors. The scenic narrow streets, the blooming yards, the textile shops, the traditional coffee shops, the folklore collections and the Byzantine temples can easily give the settlement the characterization of an open folklore and historical museum about Crete.
42 locals recommend
Kritsa
Kritsa is a small town of Eastern Crete, built at an altitude of 350m below the Kastellos Hill, very close to Agios Nikolaos city. What makes Kritsa special is the preservation of the traditional Cretan lifestyle that attracts dozens of visitors. The scenic narrow streets, the blooming yards, the textile shops, the traditional coffee shops, the folklore collections and the Byzantine temples can easily give the settlement the characterization of an open folklore and historical museum about Crete.
Take a short trip to Elounda and Plaka. Visit Elounda Salt pans and drive to Plaka village to enjoy the view to Spinalonga and taste traditional Cretan fish and more.
72 locals recommend
Elounda
Take a short trip to Elounda and Plaka. Visit Elounda Salt pans and drive to Plaka village to enjoy the view to Spinalonga and taste traditional Cretan fish and more.
Traveler advice
Don't miss
Οπωσδήποτε να ακούσετε ζωντανά παραδοσιακή κρητική μουσική
Τα παραδοσιακά γλέντια και τα μέρη όπου μπορεί κάποιος να ακούσει κρητική παραδοσιακή μουσική το καλοκαίρι είναι πολλά! Μη διστάσετε να μας ρωτήσετε και θα σας πούμε προτάσεις για τις συγκεκριμένες μέρες που θα είστε στην Κρήτη!
What to pack
Μην ξεχάσετε καπέλο και αντιηλιακό.
Είναι απαραίτητο να φέρετε ή να προμηθευτείτε από εδώ αντιηλιακό και καπέλο. Ο ήλιος τις μεσημεριανές ώρες είναι πάρα πολύ έντονος.