Lasithi Crete stands out for its natural landscape and beautiful beaches! Lasithi beaches have clear waters and an exotic Caribbean vibe. The best beach in Lasithi is Vai, a gorgeous beach with crystal clear waters, which is insulated by a palm tree forest! It’s the perfect place to relax without the hustle and bustle of tourism.
But, Lasithi is famous not only for its beaches but also for its rural villages. Lasithi Plateau, one of the most picturesque areas in Lasithi, is the best place to introduce yourself to local tradition and adapt to the slow rhythm of the island.
Where is Lasithi
Lasithi is a region on the eastern side of Crete. Still untouched by mass tourism, Lasithi boasts an unspoiled natural setting. Although some popular places, such as Elounda, Sissi, Sitia, and Ierapetra lie in Lasithi, tourism has yet to gasp itself upon this region.
How to get to Lasithi
Travel to Lasithi, Greece: Lasithi is definitely a more tranquil version of Crete, since it is not affected by mass tourism. On this page, you will find out in which ways you can reach and explore this unique place!
Ferries to Lasithi
Agios Nikolaos and Sitia are the main ports of Lasithi prefecture and they receive mainly some local routes from Heraklion. There are only a few ferries that connect Athens (Piraeus port) with Lasithi and they are not really frequent. In general, it is more convenient to reach Lasithi from Heraklion.
You can easily reach Heraklion from Athens by ferry, since there is a daily connection with Piraeus port, all year round. The trip lasts from 6 to 8 hours. During summer, you can also reach Heraklion from some islands of Cyclades and Dodecanese, like Santorini, with which Heraklion is connected on a daily basis. Once per week, Heraklion is linked by ferry with Mykonos, Paros and Milos, while three times per week Heraklion is connected with Karpathos, Kassos and Rhodes.
Upon your arrival, you can reach Lasithi by taxi, by KTEL bus or by car. About itineraries of KTEL buses, you can find out more on www.e-ktel.com.
Flights to Lasithi
Sitia Public Airport receives flights mainly from Athens and a few seasonal flights from European countries. It is located just 1 km away from Sitia.
It might be more convenient for you to travel to Heraklion by plane and then reach Lasithi.
Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” is the second busiest airport in Greece. It receives flights from Athens, Thessaloniki and Larnaka all year round, while during summer it receives flights from many countries around Europe, too.
The flight time from Athens to Heraklion is about 45 minutes. Upon your arrival, you can reach Lasithi by taxi, by KTEL bus or by car. About itineraries of KTEL buses, you can find out more on www.e-ktel.com.
Things to do Lasithi
Not as open to tourism as the rest of Crete, there are many chances for alternative things to do Lasithi. Diving is a popular activity, particularly in places of northern Lasithi, where there are organized centers that offer diving trips and courses of all levels. The seabed of Lasithi has interesting flora, fauna and some wrecks to explore.
The eastern side of Lasithi is great for windsurfing. Wind sports are practiced in Xerokampos and the other beaches of Palekastro, but not in organized level. The inland of Lasithi is great for hiking. Many hiking trails cross impressive gorges, authentic villages and the famous Plateau of Lasithi.
Sightseeing Lasithi
The area of Lasithi Greece is known for its mountainous landscape, the long sandy beaches, and the interesting sightseeing. Although this is the less tourist developed region of Crete, it is yet charming in its own unique way. Vai, Xerokampos, Agia Fotia, Kouremenos, Istron, and Palekastro are among the most beautiful beaches of Lasithi, although a drive around will bring visitors to many secluded beaches. The Lasithi Plateau is a fantastic region to explore by car, while not to miss is the boat trip from Ierapetra to the stunning island of Chrissi. A very interesting excursion is also to the Island of Spinalonga, on the northern side of Lasithi, which was a former leper colony.
Eat & Drink in Lasithi
Places to eat and drink in Lasithi are numerous. As this is a region with both tourist and secluded places, visitors will find all range of entertainment venues, from seaside taverns and upscale restaurants too loud bars and clubs. Most of these venues are found in Sitia, Agios Nikolaos, and Elounda, the busiest tourist resorts in Lasithi. The less touristic resorts have only restaurants, cafe and bars, not large clubs, and keep a more family atmosphere. Most authentic places to eat an drink in Lasithi are found in traditional villages and secluded beaches, such as villages in Lasithi Plateau.
Lasithi Beaches
Magnificent beaches can be found along the coasts of Lasithi Greece, such as the unique Vai Beach with the incredible palm forest, Istro with the picturesque surrounding, Elounda beach with a view to Spinalonga islet and the exotic beaches on Chrissi islet. Lasithi beaches are magnificent, with crystal water and a relaxing atmosphere. Most organized beaches in Lasithi are found on the northern coasts, while the southern side remains more secluded. You will find below a list of the best beaches in Lasithi Crete.
Beaches of Lasithi
Where to stay in Lasithi
You will find below our selection with the best hotels in Lasithi.Want to see more? View all hotels in Lasithi.
Lasithi is a region with both developed and undeveloped places. Hotels in Lasithi vary from upscale resorts to family apartments. The most popular places to stay are found on the northern side of Lasithi, particularly in Elounda, Sissi, Agios Nikolaos, and Sitia. These places, particularly Elounda, have many luxurious spa resorts as well as studios and family apartments. They are also convenient bases for excursions in the region.
Lasithi Accommodation
The rest of Lasithi remains undeveloped giving a true insight into local culture. Lasithi hotels in these regions are mostly family places with simple facilities. Ierapetra and Makrigialos, in the southern side of the region, have nice places to stay but they are less developed than places in the northern coasts.
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