Category Archives: Lassithi
Explore East Crete with Rental Center Crete and a rental car. Check what to do in Lassithi major cities like Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, Elounda & Ierapetra
September 19, 2026
Areas of Crete: A Complete Guide to the 4 Regions and Their Cities
Crete is divided into four main areas, officially called regional units: Chania (west), Rethymno (central-west), Heraklion (centre-east), and Lassithi (east). Each area has its own character: Chania is the most scenic, Rethymno the most balanced, Heraklion the most historically significant, and Lassithi the most diverse, from luxury resorts (Elounda) to Europe's southernmost city (Ierapetra). The cities of Crete are organised below by region, so travellers can choose a base and plan day trips within each area efficiently. Read article
September 12, 2026
Kritsa, Crete: Village Guide, Attractions, History and How to Visit
Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Kritsa and the surrounding area. Car rental prices in Kritsa start at [amount euro="30"] per day for a compact car. A small-to-medium vehicle, such as a hatchback or compact, suits the narrow, winding roads best, because it is easier to maneuver and park in the village's tight spaces. The roads in Kritsa are steep and narrow, so a compact car with good handling makes the drive safer and more comfortable, while also using less fuel when you visit nearby attractions. Read article
September 5, 2026
Elounda, Crete: What to See and Do (Complete Travel Guide)
The town grew from an ancient site (Olous) into a fishing harbour and, from the mid-20th century, into one of Crete's most famous luxury resort areas. Most visitors use Elounda as a relaxed base and pick up a rental car to reach Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos and the beaches along Mirabello Bay. Read article
August 26, 2026
Archaeological Site of Olous, Crete: The Sunken City and How to Visit
Olous is a sunken ancient Dorian city on the isthmus that links the Spinalonga peninsula to the mainland, at present-day Elounda in the Lasithi region of eastern Crete. Today only scattered wall bases survive, submerged in the shallow water of Elounda Bay, and you can see them by snorkelling or swimming on a calm day. The site is free and open, with no gate and no entrance fee.
Olous flourished across the Minoan, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. The city minted its own coins, ran its own harbour, and traded across the Mediterranean, linking Crete with the Aegean islands and civilisations beyond. Its ruins reveal the daily life, culture and architecture of the people who lived on this coast for centuries. Read article
August 23, 2026
Toplou Monastery: History, Winery, Attractions and Car Rental
Toplou Monastery is a fortified Greek Orthodox monastery in northeastern Crete, near the town of Sitia in the Lasithi region. It sits in a remote landscape most easily reached by rental car, about [distance km="142"] and 2.5 hours east of Heraklion. The monastery is active today, runs a historic winery that still uses medieval methods, and blends Byzantine, Venetian and Renaissance architecture behind high defensive walls built against pirate raids. Its main church is dedicated to the Apostle John the Theologian and its katholikon to the Virgin Mary. Read article
August 23, 2026
Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, Crete: History, Visiting and How to Get There by Car
Kera Kardiotissa Monastery is located near Kera village in the Heraklion regional unit of Crete, Greece. Kera Kardiotissa Monastery sits on the north slopes of Mount Dikti, roughly [distance km="50"] east of Heraklion, next to the main road that leads up to the Lasithi Plateau. Its elevated hillside position gives it wide views and places it inland from the coast, between the resort town of Malia to the north and the mountain plateau to the south. This location makes Kera Kardiotissa an easy stop for travellers driving between Heraklion, Malia and the Lasithi Plateau. Read article
August 19, 2026
Dikteon Cave (Psychro Cave): Known For, Myths, and How to Get There?
The cave draws visitors with its impressive stalagmite and stalactite formations, which create a captivating underground landscape. Visitors travel to the village of Psychro to reach the cave, located on the Lassithi Plateau in East Crete. People who visit the cave pay [amount euro="6"] for the Psychro Cave tickets, then follow the marked path leading to the entrance, where they explore the mythical birthplace of Zeus and marvel at the natural wonders within its chambers. Read article
August 19, 2026
14 Best Mountain Villages of Crete
The 14 best mountain villages of Crete are Archanes, Zaros, Anogia, Zoniana, Krousonas, Kapetaniana, Asites, Milia, Therisso, Argyroupolis, Elos, Kritsa, Krasi and Males. Kapetaniana, in the Asterousia range at an altitude of 800 metres, is the highest-altitude village in this guide. Each village below carries its own altitude, distance from the nearest city and parent mountain range, so you can pick the right stop for a day trip or an overnight stay. Read article
July 26, 2026
Best Boat Trips in Crete: By Destination, Port & Trip Type
Crete offers day boat cruises from a dozen departure ports - from the iconic Balos lagoon cruise from Kissamos (shared ferry from [amount euro="37"] pp) to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos, Chrissi Island from Ierapetra, and even a high-speed ferry day trip to Santorini from Heraklion (from ~[amount euro="80"] pp return). Trip types run from budget group ferries to private yachts, glass-bottom and snorkelling boats, sunset catamarans, and self-drive boat rentals (no licence needed for engines under 30 HP). Below you'll find every route by departure port, with durations, price ranges, what's included, and how to book - plus how to reach each port by car. Read article
July 22, 2026
Best Beaches in East Crete 🏖️: 20+ Top-Rated Lasithi Beaches by Category (2026)
East Crete's Lasithi region is home to some of Greece's finest and least-crowded beaches. Vai Beach (the largest natural palm forest in Europe), Chrissi Island (reachable only by boat from Ierapetra), and Elounda (overlooking Spinalonga) are the standout destinations - but the region has 20+ beaches covering every style from family-friendly bays around Agios Nikolaos to isolated snorkelling coves on the southern coast. This guide is organised by traveller type, with a quick-reference table, an East-vs-West comparison, distances and parking notes per beach, and practical tips for getting there by car. Read article
July 5, 2026
East Crete: Things to do, Landmarks, Travel Guide and Car Rental
East Crete is prominent in the economy due to its rich archaeological heritage, natural landscapes, and thriving tourism industry. The region has numerous archaeological sites, including the Minoan palace of Zakros, the ancient town of Gournia, and the Minoan settlement of Palaikastro, which attract history lovers and archaeologists worldwide. East Crete is known for its beautiful beaches, such as the famous palm beach of Vai, and its traditional villages, like Sitia and Kato Zakros, which offer visitors an authentic taste of Cretan life. The climate in East Crete is predominantly Mediterranean, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The geography of East Crete is diverse, with rugged mountains, arid terrain, and limited freshwater sources, except for a few springs and the Aposelemis reservoir near Sitia.
East Crete offers a variety of tours and activities for visitors, including archaeological site visits, hiking in gorges like the Richtis Gorge and the Zakros Gorge, exploring traditional villages, and enjoying water sports and beach activities. The region has a well-developed tourism infrastructure catering to various interests and preferences. East Crete has numerous historical structures, including ancient palaces, monasteries, churches, and traditional Cretan houses. East Crete attracts many visitors annually, drawn by its historical significance, natural beauty, and unique cultural experiences.
Read article
June 19, 2026
The Ports of Crete ⚓: What Do You Need to Know?
Crete has 6 main passenger ferry ports: Heraklion (the largest), Chania (Souda Bay), Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, and Kissamos. Heraklion is Crete's major port, with daily overnight ferries to Piraeus (Athens) taking approximately 9 hours. The island also has smaller coastal ports - Ierapetra, Makry Gialos, Tympaki, Sfakia (Chora Sfakion), and Paleochora - used mainly for fishing and day-trip excursions, bringing the total to 11 well-known ports. Read article
June 19, 2026
Transportation Guide in Crete: Every Way to Get Around the Island!
Crete offers six main ways to get around: KTEL buses on the north-coast corridor, taxis for door-to-door trips, rental cars for rural exploration, south-coast Anendyk ferries between coastal villages, cycling in towns, and organised transfers from the airports. Each mode suits a different budget, itinerary and comfort level - and you do not necessarily need a rental car to have a complete Crete holiday.
Read article
June 18, 2026
Sitia Airport (JSH) ✈️: Complete Guide for Visitors to Eastern Crete
Sitia Airport (IATA: JSH, ICAO: LGST), officially Sitia Public Airport "Vitsentzos Kornaros", is a small domestic airport on the crest of Bonda hill, about [distance km="1"] north-northwest of Sitia town in eastern Crete. It serves only Greek domestic routes - mainly via SKY express to Athens and a few regional islands - so UK and other international visitors must connect through Athens, or fly to Heraklion/Chania and drive east. This guide covers the airport's facts, airlines and destinations, how to reach Sitia from the UK, services, transport, car hire, and what to do in the area. Read article
June 18, 2026
Crete Airports: Heraklion vs Chania – Which One Should You Choose?
Crete has two international airports: Heraklion (HER), about [distance km="5"] from the capital, and Chania (CHQ), [distance km="14"] east of Chania city. They are [distance km="150"] apart. The simple rule: fly into Heraklion for central or eastern Crete; fly into Chania for the west. A third airport, Sitia (JSH), handles only domestic routes. Direct flights from the UK run approximately April to November; outside that window, most routes connect through Athens.
Read article
February 12, 2026
Mochlos Beach: A Hidden Gem Beach in Eastern Crete!
Mochlos Beach is a small pebbly coastline in the village of Mochlos, located in eastern Crete’s Lasithi region. The beach has calm, shallow waters that are safe for swimming but lacks lifeguards. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available in summer at [amount euro="6"]–[amount euro="10"] per set. The beach is situated [distance km="35.7"] east of Agios Nikolaos, [distance km="32.4"] west of Sitia, and [distance km="123.8"] from Heraklion. Access is easiest by car via the coastal road linking Agios Nikolaos and Sitia, though public buses connect only to nearby villages, requiring a taxi for the final stretch. The setting is semi-organized, with tavernas and cafés offering seafood and Cretan dishes nearby. Read article
August 28, 2025
Richtis Gorge Crete: Waterfall, Hike, Map, Attractions and Crete Rent Cars
Richtis Gorge in Crete is a [distance km="4"] long gorge in Lasithi Prefecture, Crete. Richtis Gorge stretches from Exo Mouliana to Richtis Beach. Richtis Gorge was formed through tectonic uplift and water erosion. The gorge has a [distance km="0.35"] elevation change and features a [distance km="0.02"] waterfall, ancient infrastructure like Lachanas Bridge, and remnants of Minoan, Greek, and Roman settlements. Olive trees over 3,000 years old confirm its agricultural history. Richtis Gorge includes archaeological layers with tools, pottery, and irrigation systems. Read article
August 15, 2025
14 Best Bars in Agios Nikolaos Crete: Rooftop, Pubs, Sports & Cocktail Spots
Bars in Agios Nikolaos are defined as licensed establishments that serve alcoholic beverages and often provide entertainment, contributing significantly to the town’s tourism-driven economy. According to the Hellenic Tourism Organization, nightlife venues in Crete, particularly in coastal towns like Agios Nikolaos, attract over 30% of the island’s annual visitors. These bars are classified into several types, including beachfront lounges, traditional Greek tavern-style bars, craft cocktail venues, and music-focused pubs. Read article
August 14, 2025
15 Best Restaurants in Agios Nikolaos Crete for Traditional & Waterfront Dining
Agios Nikolaos is a seaside town in eastern Crete renowned for its gastronomic diversity, traditional tavernas, and waterfront dining venues that reflect the island’s deep-rooted culinary heritage. A restaurant, by definition, is a commercial establishment where food and beverages are prepared and served to customers. According to the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, over 70% of visitors to Crete prioritize food experiences as a key part of their trip, highlighting the importance of restaurant quality and authenticity in travel planning. Read article
August 14, 2025
12 Top Restaurants in Sitia Crete: Where to Eat by the Sea this summer!
Sitia’s culinary landscape is defined by its diverse range of dining establishments that cater to every financial plan, from budget-conscious travelers to those seeking gourmet indulgence. A restaurant, by definition, is a commercial establishment that prepares and serves food and drinks to customers, often reflecting local culture and ingredients. Over 70% of visitors to Crete in 2023 rated local food experiences as the highlight of their trip, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority, underlining the island’s reputation as a culinary destination. Read article
