The prefecture of Lassithi occupies
the far-eastern part of the island and it is divided into
8 municipalities: Aghios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Sitia, Neapoli,
Makri Gialos, Lefki, Oropedio (Lassithi Plateau) and Itanos.
It is embraced by three seas: the Cretan Sea in the north,
the Libyan Sea in the south, the Carpathian Sea in the
east, whilst in the west, the mountain range of Dikti
prevails imposingly, spreading its verdant mountainsides
down to the plains of Mirabello and those of Ierapetra,
in a picturesque contrast.
The land morphology all over the prefecture, with the
ever changing, highly contrasting landscape, as well as
its unequaled natural beauties, captures the visitor from
the very first moment. Its coasts present the same contrasts.
Its mild, purely Mediterranean
climate, without any abrupt fluctuations, is considered to be
one of the healthiest and most pleasant climates, all year long.
In the plains and on the mountain slopes the luxuriant vegetation
is present even during the summer, thanks to the olive- groves,
whilst during the spring the almond - trees demonstrate the white
sorcery of their blossoms everywhere. Moreover, the land fertility,
combined with the favourable climatic conditions, is a guarantee
for the self- sufficiency of the prefecture, as far as the agricultural,
farming and garden products are concerned, products which are
renowned for their highest quality and taste. Olive oil, almonds,
carobs and particularly the high quality raisin produced in Sitia,
are exporting products.
No other prefecture of Crete shows such a particularity as Lassithi.
The primary factor of such a particularity is the existence of
so many regions which combine natural beauty with historical and
archaeological interest. We say "no other prefecture",
because the triptych of interests in this prefecture is really
unparalleled. Regions as the palm - forest of Vai or the plateau
of Lassithi are unique in Greece.
As far as archaeology is concerned, the
prefecture is spread with ruins of ancient towns, settlements
and buildings, on the other hand the existence of Zakros
palace, as well as the ancient town of Gournies, turn the
area into a place of high interest for the researchers of
the minoan era. Nevertheless, from an historical point of
view, Lassithi is of high interest, too, not only because
it sheltered Eteokrites *, or because Itanos played an important
part in the history of Hellenistic times, but also because
it was the scenery of bloodshed between Greeks and Turks,
during the Turkism Domination.
The visitor
of Lassithi can organise his or her tour and easily explore
the neighbouring area, using any town of the prefecture
as starting point. Agios Nikolaos is the picturesque capital
of Lassithi, so it is the centre of many starting points
for the public buses' destinations. Nevertheless, the
visitor who has more time at his or her disposal and would
like to be acquainted with Lassithi, should explore various
destinations, using Agios Nikolaos, Neapoli, Ierapetra,
and Sitia as starting points.
BEACHES
The coastline of Lassithi is dotted with beautiful beaches
which are worth your while discovering. As well as the palm
tree forest Vai, declared a Natural Reserve, many other
corners will permit you to bathe while keeping in contact
with nature.
NIGHT LIFE
It's never too late here in Lassithi, it 's never too early.
Lassithi has joyful and warm people, and it is ideal for
those who wish to enjoy the warm atmosphere of its evenings.
The towns are waiting to welcome you at any hour. There
are a wide variety of lively places, from open-air terraces,
where one can dine or have a drink, to cinemas, discotheques,
pubs, etc. Nightlife for everyone, excitement, enjoyment
and pure entertainment.
