Place of interest

Eloúnda: north of the town was a former fishing village, now a busy tourist resort. Just south of the town are the remains of the Ventian saltpans, and the site of the ancient city-state of Oloús. Boat trips from the town take you to Spinalónga/Kalidón, where you can see the sunken city of Oloús . In 1903, this was a leper colony and the infected had to live in caves or ramshackle huts. Later houses and were built and they received medicine and food from the mainland, the colony closed down in 1954.

Lasithi Plateau: surrounded by the Dikti Mountains , this plateau is 900m above sea level. Covered with orchards, almond trees and a patchwork of fields, hundreds of windmills stand as sentinels over the landscape. Some of these windmills pump water up for irrigation, sad to say, modern pumps are taking over. This remote plateau, during the invasions of Venations and Turks, became a base for revolutionaries. In the 13 th century, the Venetians came, destroyed the crops, and forced the villages out. The plateau lay desolate for two hundred years. Later in 1886, the Turks came and destroyed the land in retaliation against the revolutionaries. They are numerous villages scattered around the plateau and are very popular with tourists.

Tzermiádo: is the main town on the plateau, tourists pass through here on their way to the Dikteon Cave . There are a number of souvenir shops selling woven and embroidered items.

Psyhro: nearest village to the Dikteon Cave , and is the terminus for tourist buses. The usual array of souvenir shops selling goods to tempt the tourists. There are numerous tavernas and rooms to rent for the tired traveller.

Dikteon Cave : according to legend is the hiding place of the god Zeus. His mother Rhea hid her newborn child here to protect him from her husband Cronas, his parents told that he would lose his powers to one of his children. Cronas solved this problem, by eating his first four children. Rhea fled to Crete where she hid the child in the cave, and Zeus grew up to be the greatest god of the mythical world. There are two sections in the cave, the upper and the lower, the upper is rock strewn, the lower is more interesting, with stalagmites and water pools. Entrance to the cave is by walking up a rough track or by donkey.

Agios Georgios: this pleasant village on the south of the plateau is a good base for those who wish explore the area by bicycle. The Folklore Museum is in the house of Katsapakis family. The Eleftherios Museum is dedicated to the former Greek statesman.

Kritsá: southwest of Agios Nikólaos is the village of Kritsá ; this village is a popular destination for tourists. In the summer, the residents stage feasts and local dances. The main street is awash with souvenir shops, the side streets with their charming houses tempt you to take stroll. The Church of Panagia Kera has striking frescoes from the 14th century, depicting scenes from the bible. Parts of the church date from the 13 th century.

Lato: the ancient city-state of Lato, founded in the 7 th century BC became one of the most prominent cities on the island. Destroyed in 200 BC; around the site are the ruins of a temple, agora and theatre.

Gournia: is one of the important Minoan sites on Crete , the ruins date from 1500 BC to 1450 BC. The site gives you an insight into the daily lives of the Minoans, with foundations walls of the houses along the hillside. The downstairs rooms were workshops and upstairs were the living quarters. At the top of the narrow street are the remains of the Governors Palace , to the south is there is a stone slab, thought to be where they sacrificed bulls.

Sitia: driving to Sitia is an experience, up and over the mountains with glimpses of the sea in the distance. The town built around the bay, offers a good place to relax and a good place to explore the district. The area is rich in archaeological sites, more than any other area on Crete . Both the Archaeological and History Museums are worth a visit. During the summer months, you can visit the local wine cooperative, see the production of wine, and of course taste the product. In the last week of August the Sultana Festival takes place, here you can enjoy a glass of wine or two and watch the locals dance. Followed by the Kornari Festival, were concerts and cultural events tale place.

Moni Toplou: this monastery east of Sitia, looks like a castle than a monastery. Built in the 15 th century, a time of piracy and conflicts, the monks fought of invaders with cannons and boiling oil. Pirates looted the monastery in 1498, followed by the Crusaders in 1530 followed by the Turks in 1646 and 1821. A beautiful icon called the “Lord Thou Art Great”, in the church has 61 small scenes taken from prayers in the Orthodox Bible. During the Second World War, resistance fighters ran a clandestine radio here; this resulted in the execution of the Abbot by the Germans.

Vai Beach : 24km from Sitia, palm trees line the beach; these trees are the source of speculation as to their origins. Many believe they grew from palm pits spat out by the Romans who rested here. The beach is very popular and therefore is busy in the summer months with watersports and sun worshippers.

Zakros: 45km southeast of Sitia, Zakros is primarily an agricultural centre where profusion of vegetables and fruit grow. The tourists that pass through here are on their way to the Zakros Gorge or to the archaeological site of Zakros Palace .

Zakros Palace : this site is one of the last Minoan sites excavated, artefacts include a stunning rock crystal vase and stone bulls head now on display at the museum in Iraklio. The palace contained royal apartments and other buildings around a central courtyard. Parts of the site are now submerged and the ruins are in a sorry state.

Ierapetra: this laid-back village is stimulating; with little tourism, it has a decent beach and a decent nightlife. Offshore is the sandy island of Gaϊdouronisi , where Lebanon Cedars grow the only place in Europe . There are good beaches in the area; they are also popular and crowded. The Kryvia Festival in August features concerts and exhibitions.

Myrtos: is a charming village, typically Cretan with whitewashed, flower covered houses. The village has some good tavernas along the seafront. Here you can relax away from the hustle and bustle of the busier resorts.