Lasithi
The Prefecture of Lasithi is the easternmost part of Crete. It is a place of great beauty and many contrasts, with some of the most developed tourist spots of the island, alongside some of the most authentic places that stand unscathed from over tourism. The capital of the Prefecture is Agios Nikolaos, known for its picturesque lake, which connects to the sea through a narrow channel, and for its coastal road, which is brimming with shops, bars and hotels.
However, the most famous part of the area is neighbouring Elounda, with hotels boasting many stars, famous guests, and an aura of opulence and luxury. Opposite the village of Plaka in Elounda is the islet of Spinalonga, with its rich dark history. I was a fortress during Venetian and Turkish rule, while after the liberation it was used as a leper colony until the mid-20th century. Today Spinalonga is a very popular destination, visited by thousands by boat. Also very nearby is Neapoli, the historic seat of the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos, and picturesque Sisi.
Lasithi is home to many important centres of Minoan civilization, such as the palaces of Zakros, the Minoan cities of Palekastro and Gournia, while Diktaion Andron, where myth would have it Rhea gave birth to Zeus, is located on Lasithi Plateau.
Ierapetra is the southernmost city of Crete and is often referred to as Nymph of the Lybian Sea. The picturesque alleys of Kato Mera have the aura eras past, while the entrance of the port is guarded by Kales fortress, a fortification dating back to early Venetian rule (13th-15th century). It is surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches of Crete, opposite it is the protected island of Chrissi or Gaidouronisi, and further east is Koufonisi with its golden beaches and unique natural beauty.
In the north is Sitia, amphitheatricallly laid out, Kazarma fortress, and the picturesque old town. Most of the broader region is part of the Sitia Geopark, part of the UNESCO network of European and World Geoparks since 2015. The easternmost edge of Crete is home to the famous palm forest Vai, one of the most popular sights of the island, thanks to the unique landscape created by the numerous Cretan date palms (Phoenix theophrastii), which cannot be found anywhere else in such density
Archaeological Sites
Museums
