Lasithi's beautiful coastline and plateau are some of the most beautiful, but least touristy parts of Crete. In amongst the glamourous resorts of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, where you can find many of the best hotels in Lasithi, are small fishing and farming villages offering no visitor accommodation, but a chance to eat in a local taverna and see what life's like for modern Cretans before you go off and investigate some of the area's ancient treasures.
Outlined below are some of the main towns in Lasithi and some of the best hotels from which to enjoy them.
Capital of Lasithi, Agios Nikolaos is set around a charming harbour, on the northernmost point of beautiful Mirabello Bay. Behind the harbour is a narrow channel opening onto a wide lake, which gives Agios Nikolaos reams of additional waterfrontage - lined by cafes, bars and tavernas. The actual seafront also has a long stretch of sandy beach, so this is one of the few places on Crete where you'll find a beach right in the centre of town. And then there's the marina.
The varied ocean-view experiences are probably why sleepy Agios Nikolaos first began attracting visitors in the 60s, and quickly developed into a tourist town. But these days things are calmer and this town has the perfect combination of cosmopolitan liveliness and seaside peace.
There are magnificent views along the road linking Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, with rising mountains on one side of you and charming coves and wonderful sea views on the other. So even if you don't need to pass this way it makes for a scenic drive...
Some of Crete's first luxury resorts were built around Elounda in the 60s, so this fishing village became a glamourous A-List destination, and it's still one of the best places to stay in Lasithi if you're looking for one of Greece's most exclusive resorts. However there are plenty of affordable options in town, and town is a cute, cosmopolitan place within walking distance of several sandy beaches.
On the edge of Elounda is the sunken city of Olous, which isn't really a city, more of a sunken village, but it's still an interesting sight to see walls and windmills underwater.
Spinalonga Island makes for an excellent day trip from Elounda. It's unoccupied now, but its ancient Venetian fortifications and pebbly beaches were once home to a leper colony - which only closed down in the 60s.
On Crete's quieter eastern side, Sitia is one of the closest towns to Palekastro, which has some impressive Minoan excavations, and it has an archaeological museum which houses many findings from this dig. It also has a lovely waterfront, a large public beach, numerous old cafes and tavernas - and its own 13th century fortress.
It has been relatively untouched by tourism, so it's a good option if you want to experience a more authentic version of Crete. The harbour is unlike Chania's or Rethymno, because it's yet to become over commercialised and is still full of the colourful little fishing boats which serve the colourful little restaurants around it.
Sitia is also ideally located for visiting Richtis Gorge and waterfall, and the palace and gorge at Kato Zakros.
Kato Zakros is a small town of mostly olive oil farmers and fisherman, which sits on a simply spectacular spot at the very edge of Lasithi Plateau. No one would know this was one of the most beautiful of Crete's villages if they weren't coming here already to visit the nearby ruins of a large Minoan Palace and a beautiful gorge, lined with caves in which Minoan tombs have been discovered. This isn't a tourist town - there are no shops, but there are a few tavernas, most of which grow a lot of their own food, and nearby are some of the best hotels in Lasithi if you're looking for somewhere remote.
Aspros Potamos is a tiny settlement on Lasithi's Southern side. Reputed to be one of the oldest inhabited locations in the area, it is known for its natural beauty, stunning beaches and unspoilt traditional villages. It's a place to visit if you want to find a slice of authentic Crete, and do more than simply lie on a busy beach. Not that you can't just lie on a beach, but then you'd lmiss out on all the glorious walking trails and visits to the Kaspa Monastery, Dei Mezzo Villa (the only Venetian Villa in this part of the island) and much, much more!
Elounda (Crete)
Set on Crete's tranquil coast, this luxe hideaway merges natural splendour with refined Greek charm. Interiors blend rustic stone and sleek minimalism, echoing the island’s rich heritage. Guests can unwind with private pools, a choice of eateries, and beachfront views. A Mediterranean sanctuary.
Elounda
Impressive luxury resort, totally insulated from the outside world in semi-tropical gardens. Large rooms offer mountain views or sea views from the large glass windows. Suites have private pools. An epic choice of restaurants and bars. Lovely beaches, ideal for a romantic break or family holiday.
Elounda
An indulgent luxury hideaway in a fabulous location. Smart rooms and suites make the most of the epic sea views. A range of restaurants serve standout cuisine from Mediterranean to Asian. Activities to suit all and a truly pampering spa. A benchmark for luxury on Crete.
Elounda
Ultimate, intimate luxury, combining self-catering villa living with hotel services. A welcome alternative to the larger resorts, luxury here is discreet, with a genuine personal touch. A charming and pampering hideaway with stunning views.
Agios Nikolaos (Thessi Nissi)
Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. Suites and private villas have personal pools. A good selection of bars and restaurants. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax.
Agios Nikolaos
Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. Ideal for totally relaxing.
Crete (Crete)
A home-away-from-home set in a stunning rural spot with beaches, bars and tavernas a walk away. A small collection of traditional stone cottages make the perfect base for families. Self-catering and BBQ are available for all. Return to simpler times at this beautiful hideaway on Crete.
Crete
A charming hamlet of 13 former shepherds cottages surrounded by olive groves and citrus trees. The self catering studios are rustic and quaint and with stunning views of the local area and sea. This authentic and secluded spot is a 15-minute walk from the beaches and local town.
Elounda
Luxury hotel spread across a hilly cove shares impressive facilities with its sister hotels. Expect private beaches, yachts to charter, watersports, a golf course, a Sixth Sense spa, and fine dining. Rooms, suites, bungalows, and separate royal suites boast private pools. This is an indulgent choice
Elounda
A stunning resort on Mirabello Bay with its own private beach and dreamy views. Smart rooms and suites have modern furnishings, all the modern gadgetry, balconies, and some have private pools. Three excellent restaurants, salt water pools and an extensive spa complete the picture on this luxe stay.
Crete (Crete )
A charming self-catering retreat set in cascading tropical gardens. Charming stone villas with private kitchenettes and outdoor dining are dotted around the grounds. Guests are provided with a selection of homemade jams and spices. A short walk from the beach, this is a perfect holiday hide out.
Agios Nikolaos
Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. Sumptuous suites and villas have contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilities for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club.
Elounda
Experience luxury in abundance at this peninsula hotel with contemporary decor and great sea views. All suites come with an outdoor pool and, along with its adjacent sister hotels, there’s an abundance of facilities, including 10 restaurants and bars, a spa, kids’ club and watersports. Bliss.
Crete (Sfaka, )
A stylish cluster of carefully renovated traditionally styled village houses. Modern comforts include a lovely small spa, however, the location surrounded by mountains and uncrowded beaches is the real lure. Will appeal to hikers and nature lovers.
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