Lassithi, Eastern Crete

Cultural Attractions 

Agios Nikolaos

The city of Agios Nikolaos or "Agios", as locals say, is located 65 km east of Heraklion, and dominates the beautiful gulf of Mirabello, in the Lasithi prefecture of Eastern Crete.

Vai Beach

Vai is famous for its palm forest located right on the beach. It is the largest palm forest in Crete and these trees are native Cretan palms (Phoenix theophrastii).

Kato Zakros

Kato Zakros truly lies at the eastern end of Crete. A green oasis in a stark landscape, in a bay very well protected from most winds.

Itanos

Itanos ancient city is a very important archaeological site due to its long history, located at the base of Akrotiri Iron in the most northeastern tip of Crete.

Palekastro

Palekastro is a large village (1,100 inhabitants) with most people working in agriculture. 

Sfaka

Sfaka is a small picturesque village with about 400 inhabitants, in Lassithi, Crete. Located off the Sitia-Agios Nikolaos National Highway, it is 33km from Sitia and 40km away from Agios Nikolaos.

Mochlos

Mochlos is one of the few remaining havens of unspoilt tranquility on the North coast of Crete. A main feature of Mochlos is the island of the same name that is only 150m from the shore. 

Sitia

Sitia is the main town of East Crete. With 9,000 inhabitants it is a lively little town with a lovely beach and unspoiled by tourism. Sitia is about 2-3 hours from Heraklion by car. 

Beaches in Eastern Crete

Almyros

The sandy beach of Almyros is just a few minute drive from the centre of Agios Nikolaos (about 2 km) and is the closest public breach from The Island Concept hotel complex (also accessible on foot, approx. 300m. away).

Ammoudara

Ammoudara sandy beach is located 2 km south of Agios Nikolaos. It is considered to be one of the best beaches in the area offering many sports activities as well. It is easily accessible by car from the main road.

Agios Panteleimonas

The organized beach Agios Panteleimonas, approximately 13 km away from Agios Nikolaos, named after the homonymous graphic church built on the beach, is sandy and well organized.

Karavostasi

Karavostasi beach, approximately 13 km away from Agios Nikolaos, is accessible from its western edge. It is a relatively long beach with pebbles and sand, and is not very organized. 

Tholos (Kavousi)

The beach Tholos (Kavoussi) is located approximately 30 km away from Agios Nikolaos and is a quiet beach with pebbles and green water. It is formed at the outlet of a valley with huge groves which reach up along the sand.

Voulisma (Gold Coast)

The Gold Coast or Voulisma as the locals call it is the largest municipal beach of Kalo Chorio, just 15 km away from Agios Nikolaos. 

Agia Fotia

About 4 miles east of Sitia and approximately 58 km away from Agios Nikolaos is Agia Fotia, a small coastal village with a clean beach and crystal-clear waters, on the coastal road from Sitia to Vai-Toplou.

Ierapetra

Approximately 52 km from Agios Nikolaos is the long beach of Ierapetra, with a length of 2.5 km! Ierapetra is the southernmost city in Europe and has countless options for swimming and excellent beaches.