The
prefecture of Lasithi located on the eastern part of the island,
covering an area of about 1.900 square metres. The landscape is
a mixture of rocky hills, fertile plains and coastal beaches. Tourism
and agriculture are the main sources of revenue. People have lived
in the region since the Stone Age. The region, as most of Greece
has been under occupation by the Venetians and the Turks. Lasithi
offers the visitor a variety of sights, charming villages to the
popular tourist resorts.
Agios
Nikólaos: is
the regional capital of Lasithi, this former fishing village,
is now one of the regions main tourist areas. Agios Nikólaos
situated on the shoreline of Mirabello Bay , with the ruins of
a Ventian castle overlooking the town, and the Voulismeni Lake
in the centre. The lake, reputed to be bottomless, in fact, it
is 64m deep, and a small canal connects it to the sea. There
are a wide range of restaurants and tavernas, catering mainly
for the tourists. There are also many shops, selling gifts for
the tourist to more expensive goods. Nightlife in the town varies
from small reasonably quiet bars to bars catering for the younger
tourist.
The Archaeological Museum : houses
a fine display of artefacts from the region, artefacts from the
Stone Age to Roman period. One of the star attractions is the “Goddess
of Myrtos”, a clay jug from 2500BC. Fine displays of pottery,
glass and gold jewellery, one of the strangest is a skull, crowned
with gold leaf, from the 1 st century AD.
The Folklore Museum : Has
a display of local crafts, photographs and local costumes.
The
Aquarium: on show are, as one would expect,
fish. Information on diving and snorkelling is available. Note
all diving must be under the supervision of a diving club.
The Church of Agios
Nikólaos : is the towns oldest,
under restoration in the 60s, frescoes from the 10 th and 14
th century were discovered.
Beaches: the beaches
in the town are pebbly and filled to capacity; the beach at
Alymyros is better.
Events
and Activities: the Lato Cultural Festival
takes place in July and August, with Cretan and international
music, dances and competitions. Marine Week, takes place in the
last week of June with boat races and swimming competitions also
a firework display. Fishing trips, cycling and guided tours are
also available.
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