About
Lasithi is the eastern region of Crete, in Greece, and it offers a visit that mixes highland scenery with coastal towns. Its best-known feature is the Lasithi Plateau, a fertile upland area set among mountains, where fields and orchards give the landscape a quiet, rural character.
The plateau and its windmills
The plateau is known for its traditional windmills, which stand across the flat farmland and are a distinctive sight for visitors. Walking or driving through the plateau suits a slower kind of trip, with time for photographs and for stopping at small villages along the way.
The coast and the towns
Lasithi also includes some of Crete's popular holiday destinations. Agios Nikolaos is a seaside town that many visitors use as a base, with its waterfront and harbour to explore in the evening. Nearby, Elounda is a resort area on the coast, often visited for its water views and relaxed atmosphere.
Because the region combines inland plateau and coastline, it works well for travellers who want both a day of scenery and a few days by the sea. Distances between the plateau and the coastal towns are a practical thing to plan around, so it helps to decide early which parts of the region matter most to you.
Planning a visit
- Choose a base on the coast if you want towns, restaurants and sea views.
- Set aside a day for the plateau and its windmills.
- Allow extra time for travel between the highlands and the shore.
