Lasithi, the easternmost and most low-key region of Crete, blends exotic and surreally beautiful landscapes with quaint and cosmopolitan charm. It embodies myth and reality.
The Diktaion Andron cave saw Zeus’s birth and upbringing. Boats brought Hansen’s disease patients here, and their story, along with Spinalonga Island’s, became a bestseller. Palm trees and crystal waters create one of Europe’s most enchanting beaches and its largest palm forest, making Vai a renowned destination. Crushed shells and thick sand dress Chrissi Island in pink and golden hues, turning it into a tropical jewel of the Libyan Sea and part of the Natura 2000 network.
Tourist infrastructure here reaches the highest level, elevating picturesque Elounda to a world-famous resort area. Plateaus with windmills, gorges, waterfalls, forests, caves, and a lagoon in the capital’s center sketch a unique place.
Why Go in August
Crete celebrates August with daily festivities, fairs, dances, and local music performances, and Lasithi joins in. Every municipality honors the month’s two major religious holidays with authentic festive evenings centered on Cretan tradition. The lyra takes center stage, merriment and proud dances abound, raki flows freely, and locals heartily offer tasty dishes to all.
Sitia’s villages alone celebrate August 15th with five fairs, preceded by the annual Olive Oil Festival on August 10th. Each event offers an excellent opportunity to explore different areas and villages of the region and spontaneously mingle with locals. While August crowds every Greek island, in Lasithi you’ll discover cool mountain villages, off-road routes, and off-the-map beaches untouched by mass tourism.
What to Do
Virgin landscapes of captivating beauty, historical monuments, scattered islets, archaeological findings, ultra-luxurious resorts, and picturesque bays create a destination full of interesting changes and fascinating contrasts. Water dominates Agios Nikolaos, the capital, not only due to the Gulf of Mirabello around which it grew or its beaches but also thanks to Lake Voulismeni, now connected to the sea and port via a canal. For a panoramic view of the city center where the myth-laden lake sits, climb to the park above it, then visit the Archaeological Museum with findings from eastern Crete, including the anthropomorphic vessel “Goddess of Myrtos“. Evenings in Agios Nikolaos flow idyllically, as you enjoy delicious Cretan dishes in numerous tavernas and traditional cafes.
Just 10km northwest, Elounda exudes a highly cosmopolitan air. Five decades ago, its beautiful bay had an aura of languor; now private helicopters and ultra-luxurious yachts transport VIP visitors from every corner of the globe to dazzling resorts with beautiful small beaches and private piers for yachts. Despite intense tourist development, the area retains its natural beauty, and swimming in Elounda’s crystal waters is a must-do on a trip to Lasithi. From the nearby Plaka beach, you’ll enjoy a wonderful view and can take a boat to the opposite island of Kalydon, with its beautiful old settlement and the famous fortress of Spinalonga, known for its operation as a leper colony until the mid-20th century.
Ierapetra, the sunniest area and southernmost city of our country, balances between Europe and Africa, offering a unique experience. The enchanting shores of the Libyan Sea will captivate you all day, while as the hot sun sets, a walk in the old port and the impressive Venetian fortress Kales will leave an unforgettable impression. Sailing towards Chrissi Island (which means ‘golden’) and seeing the golden reflections of its shell-strewn beach, you’ll immediately understand the origin of the protected island’s name with its beautiful cedar forest.
The characteristic spectacular combination of mountain landscape and magical coastline that characterizes Crete stuns in the area around Ierapetra, which impressive gorges dot, while the nearby Selakano forest stands as the largest on the island.
The Palm Forest of Vai, however, claims the title of Crete’s most famous forest, another protected natural area unique in all of Europe, formed by endemic Cretan palms known since Minoan times. The exotic palm forest spreading along the shores of the Carpathian Sea makes the spectacle even more unique, and swimming on the exotic-looking sandy beach, with the beautiful Phoenix theophrasti in the background and a view of the Peristerovrahoi islets, creates an unforgettable experience.
The crystal-clear waters of all shades of green and blue along the Lasithi coastline offer equally memorable dips, whether at the vast pebbled beach of Koutsounari with its grayish hues, Tholos with its natural shade from tamarisks, the family-favorite shallow waters of Makry Gialos, or the picturesque Myrtos, the verdant Agia Galini and Agia Fotia, Skouryeto and Ipanema.
Add five caves, ten gorges, a spectacular plateau with 24 stone windmills, the Archaeological Museum of Sitia and the castle of the same city, the historic Toplou Monastery, and dozens more unique experiences, and you’ll agree that low-profile Lasithi is an exotic paradise unmatched in all of Greece.
Where to stay
Grecotel’s Meli Palace redefines the concept of carefree holidays, overlooking the serene beach of Agia Varvara and gazing out to the open bay of Malia, strategically built within striking distance of the great archaeological site of the Malia palace, the third largest Minoan palace. The Grecotel name adds value to warm Cretan hospitality and its location makes it an ideal base for exploring the two neighboring regions – Lasithi and Heraklion. Meli Palace suits both families seeking a complete package of excellent services for relaxing holidays and couples who don’t sacrifice stylish lifestyle for the sake of comfort in their travels.
The nearby Minoan palace just 5km away inspires the structure and layout of the resort, while the lush gardens with impressive palms nod to the famous palm forest of Vai. Spacious rooms and suites spread out within these gardens and around the large central pool, combining white and earthy tones, light-colored wood, straw, and natural materials. They relax adults with ample garden views and excite children who can easily spill out into the children’s pool and the calm waters of Meli Palace‘s beach, which combines sand and pebbles and gazes at another of the characteristic islets scattered along the coast of Lasithi.
Tennis and 5-a-side football courts guarantee fun and exercise for all ages, in addition to swimming with a view and dips in the pool. Activities such as beach volleyball, ping pong, water polo, canoeing, water games, diving, and water skiing pleasantly fill the day until thematic evenings with live music and entertainment for the whole family take over. Children participate in games, make friends, and engage in creative activities at Grecoland Kids Club and Grecoteens, where a playground and special disco await them, as well as cooking lessons.
For those seeking deep relaxation and harmony of body and mind, Meli Palace’s Elixir Spa surrounds you with a sense of well-being and rejuvenation. Sparkling waters of a waterfall greet you at its entrance, and golden tiles reminiscent of Lasithi’s coastal sands glitter. It offers a sauna, hydromassage, personalized face and body care treatments, and various types of massage in private cabins.
Finally, Meli Palace‘s all-inclusive philosophy not only guarantees unlimited taste proposals throughout the day – an important advantage on holidays with children – but also introduces you to the top cuisine of the Great Island, as Crete is known.
Fresh, local ingredients and traditional recipes form the basis for all meals: lavish breakfasts include options for those watching their figure, delicious hot dishes and desserts await at lunchtime in the main restaurant, light meals tempt at the seaside To Nissi, and a full dinner menu entices at the Mediterranean restaurant Melissa. Wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, coffee, sweets, and snacks flow almost all day, while live cooking demonstrations initiate you into the secrets of Cretan gastronomic heritage.
Delightful flavors, high-level accommodation, magical images, and unique experiences all prove that Lasithi is the hidden paradise of Crete.
