For cycling aficionados, Agios Nikolaos could be your perfect start point. The rugged terrain surrounding the town, the small and bigger villages, the quiet backroads, the friendly people and the forgiving gradients will unravel the hidden gem of cycling in eastern Crete. The dry climate all year round is a big bonus!
Beyond Agios Nikolaos, the Lassithi plateau at 800m altitude with the famous Zeus cave and the connected Katharo plateau at 1100m are interesting in every season. The peaks of Dikti mountain at over 2000m are adding to the scenery. Ancient settlements and holy altars, as well as unexpected fossils have been found at the plateaus.
Remains of the Minoan, the Roman, the Venetian, and also the Ottoman and Byzantine times are to be found as you explore eastern Crete.
The villages of the area vary from lively and populous to small and deserted, a glimpse to times, people and situations past. And around them, the nature of stone and sun. The plants that strive to survive in this arid environment. And the people of Lassithi, the most easy going of the Cretans. Discover all humbly, if you wish.
Wandering around Kritsa village could easily fill your day with a glimpse of times past. It’s one of the oldest and most picturesque villages in Crete. First settlements here date back to late Minoan and Lato (post-Minoan) was an ancient city nearby. You can even walk the Kritsa gorge right outside the village.
Neapoli was established during the Venetian rule on Crete, near the ruins of the late Minoan Driros (post-Minoan, still excavated). It’s position controls the main passage from the central Crete to the eastern part of the island, therefore always important. Strolling the town reveals old churches, streets, houses and gardens from different periods.
Gournia Minoan palace complex is in a cluster of multitude Minoan sites located on the narrowest point of Crete. Facing the Aegean Sea but very close to the south (and Africa or Middle East), the whole area was very important to the Minoan civilization.