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| Lassithi Crete, Greece |
| GENERAL LASSITHI CRETE TRAVEL INFORMATION: |
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| INTRODUCTION: |
| The prefecture of Lassithi is famous for its wild beauty as well as remarkable historical and archaeological monuments. Traditional settlements are scattered all over the prefecture. The inhabitants are very hospitable, making visitors feel right at home. |
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| LASSITHI CRETE LOCATION: |
| Lassithi is one of the four superb prefectures that compose the renowned island of Crete (Southern Greece). Located on the eastern part of the island, being the fourth consecutive prefecture, Lassithi borders with the prefecture of Heraklion. Lassithi comprises of the following four counties: Mirabello, Lassithi, Ierapetra and Sitia. |
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| AREA OF LASSITHI CRETE : |
| 1818 sq.km |
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| POPULATION OF LASSITHI CRETE: |
| 71000 |
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| CAPITAL OF LASSITHI CRETE: |
| Agios Nikolaos, Crete |
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| MORPHOLOGY OF LASSITHI CRETE: |
| Lassithi Crete has a unique morphology, combining long coasts, fertile plains, and rough mountainous terrain. |
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| SEASONS IN LASSITHI CRETE: |
| Most people visit the island of Crete during the summer months, during the high tourist season. The excellent climate and the mild weather of Lassithi, make it a great holiday destination all year long. |
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| ATTRACTIONS & SIGNTSEEING IN LASSITHI CRETE: |
SIGHTSEEING IN LASSITHI, CRETE GREECE:
The prefecture of Lassithi is packed with wonderful ancient sightseeing, including:
The Archaeological Site of Itanos and the Monastery of Toplou in Vai.
The Early-Minoan Cemetery and the building of the Middle-Minoan period in Agia Fotia.
The Minoan Settlement in Gournia.
The Minoan Palace in Zakros.
Ancient Elounda, located beneath the sea.
Kales Fortress, the mosque, the church of the Metamorphosis of Christ and the churches of Panagitsa, Agios Nikolaos, Agios Ioannis, Timios Stavros and Eleoussa in Ierapetra.
The ruins of the Middle-Minoan and the Post-Minoan Settlements on the islet of Agios Nikolaos.
The ruins of the Roman Baths and the Early-Minoan Settlement in Myrtos.
The Kazarmas Castle, the church of Agia Paraskevi and Ancient Praissos in Sitia.
Ancient Driros, one of the most important towns of Doric Crete, in Neapolis.
The Minoan Settlement and the sanctuary of Dikteos Zeus in Palekastro. |
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MUSEUMS IN LASSITHI CRETE:
During your stay, visit some of the museums in Lassithi, such as:
The Archaeological and Folklore Museums in Agios Nikolaos.
The Archaeological Collection in Ierapetra.
The Archaeological Collection and Folklore Museum in Neapolis.
The Archaeological Museum in Sitia.
NATURAL SITES IN LASSITHI CRETE:
Nature lovers wil lnot be disappointed in Lassithi, as they can visit:
The lake in the center of Agios Nikolaos.
The unique palm tree forest in Vai, the only one of it's kind in Europe.
The cave in Trapeza (Kronion), Dikteon Cave and Chavgas Canyon in Tzermiado.
The picturesque port in Sitia.
The coast of Lassithi is lined with sandy and pebbly beaches, small coves, and rocky bays. |
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| SPORTS / RECREATION IN LASSITHI CRETE : |
| If you have a boat, you dock and refuel it in the ports and marinas in Agios Nikolaos, Sitia and Ierapetra. |
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| ENTERTAINMENT IN LASSITHI CRETE : |
| All the settlements in Lassithi offer traditional tavernas and cafes, while there are lively bars and clubs in Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Ierapetra and Sitia. |
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| LOCAL EVENTS IN LASSITHI CRETE : |
The "Lato" summer cultural events, the festival of Agios Nikolaos on December 6, as well as the Resurrection and the burning of Judas on a stage in the center of the lake in Agios Nikolaos.
The Resurrection at Toplou Monastery in Vai.
The summer cultural events and the Free - Fish Night in October in Elounda.
The festival of Metamorphosis on August 6 in Zakros.
The cultural events "Kirbia" in July or August, and the traditional festivals on August 15 in Ierapetra.
Three-day cultural events in August, the liturgy at the church of Kera on August 15, and the festival of Metamorphosis on August 6 in Kritsa.
The festival of Panagia on August 15 in Neapolis.
The cultural association of Tzermiado organizes cultural events throughout the summer season.
The "Kornaria" cultural events in July or August, the festival of "Soultanina" in August and the festival of Prophet Elias on July 20 in Sitia. |
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| LOCAL PRODUCTS OF LASSITHI CRETE: |
| All over the prefecture of Lassithi there are quaint shops that sell famous Cretan art replicas. Agia Fotia is well-known for its honey, while Kritsa is the place to find fine embroideries, weavings, tapestries, and fretwork. |
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| MAJOR TOWNS / CITIES / VILLAGES IN LASSITHI CRETE |
Agios Nikolaos, Lassithi Crete
Situated on the northwestern coast of the picturesque gulf of Mirabello is Agios Nikolaos, the capital of the prefecture of Lassithi. It is a cosmopolitan town, with lots of charm, making it a popular tourist center, ideal enjoyable holidays.
Vai, Lassithi Crete
Vai is an idyllic settlement, with 5.000 palm trees. The extraordinary palm tree forest is a revitalizing site that enchants everyone who lays eyes on it.
Ierapetra, Lassithi Crete
Ierapetra is a city that combines modern lifestyle with traditional features. Sightseeing in Ierapetra is excellent.
Sitia, Lassithi Crete
Amphitheatrically built above a cove and on a hillside, Sitia, the most eastern city of Crete is an attractive summer resort.
Zakros, Lassithi Crete
Zakros is one of the quaintest villages in Crete, built on two verdant hills, full of olive groves and fruit-bearing trees. The Minoan Palace is the gem of the town.
Elounda, Lassithi Crete
The picturesque settlement of Elounda, with beautiful beaches and verdant landscape, is the ideal resort for relaxing holidays.
ALSO:
The island of Spinaloga
Spinaloga is a small island located at the northeastern part of the Elounda Bay. Surrounded by a Venetian Fortress that was built in 1584, Spinaloga is an interesting site, as it used to be a place of exile. You can reach the islet by trawler from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda or Plaka. |
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| TRANSPORTATION IN LASSITHI CRETE GREECE : |
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BY FERRY BOAT:
From Piraeus Port, ferries depart for Lassithi Crete Greece, to the ports of Agios Nikolaos and Sitia throughout the year, but more frequently during the summer. The voyage from Piraeus Port to Agios Nikolaos Port takes 12 hours, and to Sitia Port 14 hours. Agios Nikolaos and Sitia are also connected to the Dodecanese Islands and the Cyclades Islands.
Lassithi Crete Sea Travel Information:
Piraeus Port: +30 210 422-6000 to 03
Agios Nikolaos Port: +30 28410 22312
Sitia Port: +30 28430 22310
BY AIRPLANE:
From the Athens Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” in Spata, there are flights to the Sitia Airport all year round. The flight lasts approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. The Sitia Airport is located 2 km from Sitia Town.
Lassithi Crete Air Travel Information:
Sitia Airport: +30 28430 24666
Olympic Airways in Athens: +30 210 966-6666
Olympic Airways in Sitia: +30 28430 22270
BY BUS:
From Thessaloniki, buses depart for Pireaus to board a ferry boat to Agios Nikolaos or Sitia Crete. Lassithi is also connected by bus to the other prefectures of Crete Greece.
Lassithi Crete Information:
Thessaloniki Bus station for buses to Lassithi Crete: +30 2310 595-424
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| USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR LASSITHI CRETE GREECE: |
Agios Nikolaos Police Department: +30 28410 22251
Agios Nikolaos Tourist Police: +30 28410 26900
Agios Nikolaos Traffic Police: +30 28410 22750
Agios Nikolaos Town Hall: +30 28410 28286
Agios Nikolaos Taxi Station: +30 28410 24000, +30 28410 24100, +30 28410 22786
Piraeus Port: +30 210 422-6000 to 03
Agios Nikolaos Port: +30 28410 22312
Sitia Port: +30 28430 22310
Sitia Airport: +30 28430 24666
Olympic Airways in Athens: +30 210 966-6666
Olympic Airways in Sitia: +30 28430 22270
Thessaloniki Bus station for buses to Lassithi Crete: +30 2310 595-424
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