Here are some great things to do in Lassithi, Greece:

Go Scuba Diving

Whether you’re an experienced diver or wanting to try something new, Lassithi has a number of diving centers including those in Agios Nikolaos, Voulisma Beach, and the island of Agii Pantes just to name a few. The coastline is rich in reefs, caves, shipwrecks, even airplanes, and of course plenty of fish. If scuba diving isn’t for you, you can try snorkeling or take a bottom-glass boat trip. If you want to explore what’s under the water of Lassithi, there is an option to suit you.

Relax on the Beach

Lassithi is home to many beaches. Secluded beaches include: Palekastro, Kato Zakros, and Agia Fotia. If you want to avoid crowds, these are good beaches to consider. At Agia Fotia you will be surrounded by pine forests and the small chapel of Agia Fotia is located nearby. If you want a beach with more amenities or water sports, those are available as well.

Visit Milatos Cave

This cave is rich in history. The cave is large at 73 meters long and 63 meters wide with eight entrances. To reach the cave you will follow a narrow path along the slopes of a gorge. Bring a flashlight with you as the cave is dark. Saint Thomas church is a small church that sits inside the cave. It was built in 1935 to honor the approximately 3,600 people who were slaughtered there by the Turks in 1823 while they attempted to seek shelter. The Turks had trapped them inside for two weeks when the residents of Milatos finally decided to fight back, but were sadly unsuccessful. Each year at the church a service is held in their memory. Milatos Beach is nearby with fish taverns and a fishing port.

Go For a Hike

There is no shortage of places to hike in and around Lassithi. There are a number of gorges including Richtis Gorge. A trail leads to a beautiful waterfall. This area is suitable for the entire family to hike, so feel free to bring the kids. Other gorges to choose from include Gorge of the Dead, Krista Gorge, and Chochlakies Gorge. If you’re looking for more of a park atmosphere, you can check out Amazonas Park. This park is near the top of the mountains and offers a wonderful view.

If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation surrounded by lots of nature and outdoor activities, Lassithi is the perfect place.

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Windmills

Located at the northern entrance of the Lassithi Plateau, you will encounter some breathtaking windmills. These white and wooden windmills are used to irrigate the plain with groundwater during the summer months. The plain of the plateau covers about 25,000 km. These windmills date back to the Venetian times, around 1464. Locally made windmills were constructed toward the end of the 1800s. Only a few of the windmills are working today. You can get to the windmills by taking the 900 meter-high Dikean mountain pass.

Archaeological Museum

Located in the capital of Lassithi, near the sea and the port, is the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos. The museum was opened in 1970 as a place to showcase the findings of excavations around Lassithi. When visiting the museum, you will be able to view items such as knives and other tools that were found at the early Minoan cemetery, a vase that is in the form of a female figure that was found at the settlement of Myrtos, as well as jewelry, weaponry, and clay figurines. The Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos is one of the most important museums in Crete.

Sea Lake

Located in Agios Nikolaos is a popular tourist attraction called Sea Lake, also known as Agios Nikolaos Lake. The lake is an idyllic spot that is said to have been where Armetis and Athena once bathed. The deep water of the lake will draw you near and the surrounding greenery and red rocks offer amazing surrounding views. Sea Lake is connected to the sea via a channel. The capital of Lassithi is built around Sea Lake. If you are visiting Lassithi with your loved one, this is the perfect spot for long, romantic walks taking in the natural beauty and colorful boats that are moored. In the area, you will find shopping, souvenir shops, and a variety of cafes.

 Kazarma Fortress

The Venetian Kazarma Fortress is located in the town of Sitia in Lassithi, Greece. The fortress, as well as other fortifications around the town, are from the end of the Byzantine Period. The Venetians used Sitia as the base for their Eastern Mediterranean Operations. The Kazarma Fortress is composed of a medieval building that is protected by large, strong walls. The fortress that sits on top of the hill had walls that extended to the sea and met another set of walls along the shoreline.

Both the fortress and the maritime walls are still in good condition and worth exploring. The fortress is open to visitors and during the summer months is flood-lit and becomes an even more popular spot with cultural events and the Kornaria Festival. The Kornaria Festival is a must-see with plays, art exhibitions, readings, concerts, and more. There are various events throughout the year that take place at the fortress.

Visit these attractions when in Lassithi, Greece. You will definitely want to visit here while on the island of Crete.

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Monastery of Toplou

The 15th century Monastery of Toplou is located in the Lassithi region of Crete. It is close to the Vai Palm Forest. Sadly, the Monastery of Toplou was destroyed during the earthquake of 1612. It was reconstructed by the Venetians, but would be destroyed yet again during the Ottoman occupation. The name Toplou came about during Turkish rule and has been attributed to the Turkish word top, which means “cannon-ball” or “bullet.” This refers to the cannons that were added to the monastery by the Venetians.

The Monastery of Toplou would continue to develop and gained stravropegiac status. During World War II when the Germans occupied, guerilla fighters and monks who were hiding at the monastery were executed. The Monastery of Toplou is a fortified monastery with 10 meter high walls and a main gate that is equipped with a hidden area for monks to pour lead or hot oil onto intruders. When you visit the Monastery of Toplou, you can admire the northern aisle at the Catholic section, which is part of the original monastery adorned with beautiful frescoes.

 Monastery of Panagia Kroustallenia

Built on a hill near the Village of Agios Konstantinos in the plateau of Lassithi, the Monastery of Panagia Kroustallenia is one of the most historical monasteries on the island of Crete. The monastery was founded in 1241, but it is thought to have been built between 961 ans 1204. Tradition says that the name of the monastery is derived from the icon of Virgin Mary that was found in a cave nearby.

The icon was carved in crystal. During Ottoman rule, much of the Monastery of Panagia Kroustallenia was destroyed, so the complex consists of building from the 20th century. In 1272, the monastery was the site of rebel meetings against the Venetians. Twenty years later, the Venetians evacuated the Lassithi Plateau and the Monastery of Panagia Kroustallenia was destroyed.

Monastery of Kapsa

Located 40 km from the town of Sitia, the Monastery of Kapsa built against steep grey-red rocks that overlook the Libyan Sea. The Monastery of Kapsa is though to have been founded during the 15th century, but the exact date is unknown. Until 1841, the Monastery of Kapsa was just a small chapel that was dedicated to Saint John the Baptist along with a few cells. The monastery was destroyed by the Ottomans, but has since been renovated.

The courtyard and the lobby of the monastery are both decorated with stone mosaics in the ground. There are beautifully carved icons and replicas of John the Baptists, Basil the Great, Modesto, and others. An important part of the Monastery of Kapsa is the cave where Joseph Gerontogiannis lived for 17 years.

Monasteries are a big part of the history and culture of Greece. You’ll want to visit some of them while spending time in Lasithi.

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Lassithi experiences a mild climate throughout the year. The mountainous areas are more likely to experience dramatic weather changes that include some snow. The warmest months in Lassithi are July and August and the coldest month is typically March. The most rain falls in January and August is the driest month.

This weather forecast in Lassathi, Greece, will vary from year to year. The averages that you see below represent historical weather data. Here is the typical weather forecast throughout the year for Lassathi, Greece:

January

• Temperature: 48.2° F (9° C) – 59° F (15° C)
• Precipitation: 92 mm
• Climate: 12 days of rain on average, 10.1 hours of daylight per day, 4 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 2, water temperature 63.1° F (17.3° C), dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 68%

February 

• Temperature: 48.2° F (9° C) – 59° F (15° C)
• Precipitation: 77 mm
• Climate: 11 days of rain on average, 10.9 hours of daylight per day, 5 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 4, water temperature 62.1° F (16.7° C), dry air, 80% clear, overcast
• Humidity: 67%

March

• Temperature: 48.2° F (9° C) – 60.8° F (16° C)
• Precipitation: 57 mm
• Climate: 8 days of rain on average, 12 hours of daylight per day, 6 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 5, dry air, 85% clear, overcast
• Humidity: 65%

April

• Temperature: 53.6° F (12° C) – 68° F (20° C)
• Precipitation: 30 mm
• Climate: 5 days of rain on average, 13.1 hours of daylight per day, 8 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 7, comfortable, 95% dry air, 85% clear, overcast
• Humidity: 61%

May

• Temperature: 57.2° F (14° C) – 73.4° F (23° C)
• Precipitation: 15 mm
• Climate: 3 days of rain on average, 14 hours of daylight per day, 10 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 9, water temperature 67.3° F (19.6° C), slightly dry air, 90% clear, overcast, beach/pool score 6
• Humidity: 60%

June

• Temperature: 66.2° F (19° C) – 80.6° F (27° C)
• Precipitation: 3 mm
• Climate: 1 day of rain on average, 14.5 hours of daylight per day, 12 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 10, water temperature 73.2° F (22.9° C), 20% muggy, 98% clear, beach pool score 9.6
• Humidity: 59%

July

• Temperature: 69.8° F (21° C) – 82.4° F (28° C)
• Precipitation: 1 mm
• Climate: 1 day of rain on average, 14.3 hours of daylight per day, 12 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 10, water temperature 77.7° F (25.4° C), 45% muggy, 100% clear, beach/pool score 9.6
• Humidity: 59%

August 

• Temperature: 69.8° F (21° C) – 82.4° F (28° C)
• Precipitation: 2 mm
• Climate: 1 day of rain on average, 13.4 hours of daylight per day, 12 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 9, 52% muggy, 100% clear, beach/pool score 9.2
• Humidity: 59%

September

• Temperature: 66.2° F (19° C) – 78.8° F (26° C)
• Precipitation: 18 mm
• Climate: 2 days of rain on average, 12.4 hours of daylight per day, 10 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 8, water temperature 77.7° F (25.4° C), 30% muggy, 95% clear, beach/pool score 9.6
• Humidity: 61%

October 

• Temperature: 60.8° F (16° C) – 73.4° F (23° C)
• Precipitation: 69 mm
• Climate: 5 days of rain on average, 11.3 hours of daylight per day, 7 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 5, water temperature 73.9 ° F (23.3° C), slightly muggy, 70% clear, beach/pool score 7
• Humidity: 69%

November

• Temperature: 55.4° F (13° C) – 68° F (20° C)
• Precipitation: 59 mm
• Climate: 8 days of rain on average, 10.3 hours of daylight per day, 5 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 3, water temperature 69.1° F (20.6° C), slightly dry air, 65% clear, overcast
• Humidity: 68%

December 

• Temperature: 50° F (10° C) – 62.6° F (17° C)
• Precipitation: 77 mm
• Climate: 12 days of rain on average, 9.8 hours of daylight per day, 4 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 2, dry air, 62% clear, overcast
• Humidity: 70%

The climate of Lassathi, Greece is mild throughout the year, making it a pleasant experience for visitors.

Find the current weather forecast for Lassithi, Greece here:

Accuweather – Lassithi, Greece Weather Forecast

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Getting to Istro Beach

Before you can actually spend time at Istro Beach, you need to first make your way to the island of Crete. Since the island is one of the more popular destinations in Greece, you do have options. You can take a flight into the main airport on the island, which is near Heraklion. You can also fly into Chania, which is another main airport on the island. You can also take a boat or a ferry. For example, the main port in Greece at Piraeus has regular ferries that go to the island. Once you find your way to Crete, you can head to Lassithi and eventually to the beach itself. It is most convenient to visit this beach if your vacation is based on the Agios Nikolaos area.

Why Visit Istro Beach

One of he main reasons why you would want to visit this beach is because of how beautiful it is. It is also tucked out of the way of the beaten path and although there is a healthy crowd here, it isn’t oppressive. This mans that this is a perfect beach to visit during peak season. Those that do make their way here are attracted to the beach because of how gorgeous it is. The water is blue and the sand is fine and comforting. You can also spend the day here lounging in the sun, swimming, and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

What to Do at Istro Beach

This is truly a beach that is perfect for lounging. There are umbrellas and lounge chairs to rent. When you aren’t soaking up the sun, you should consider taking a swim in the relaxing and warm water. This beach is also family friendly and has plenty to do for all ages. There are some facilities that are close by, as well. You can easily get something to eat and have a few drinks here. Once you are done at the beach, you also might want to consider exploring the surrounding area and visiting some of the shops before you head back to your hotel. However, despite the crowds, this beach is fairly quiet. Since it is about 12 kilometers away from Agios Nikolaos, this beach doesn’t get as busy as some of the ones that are closer to the main town.

While on the Greek island of Crete, you should consider heading to Istro Beach, which is in Lassithi. This is the ideal spot to sit back and relax and enjoy the Cretan scenery.

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Why Visit Vai Beach

One of the things that sets this beach apart is its natural beauty. Visitors here can be found relaxing under the Cretan date palm trees that line it’s sandy shores. The palm forest is the only wild indigenous palm forest in Greece and the largest one in all of Europe.

Although it’s in a popular tourist attraction, the beach itself is well maintained and clean. Locals work hard to make sure it’s unique forest is preserved and not damaged by the beach’s thousands of visitors year round. It’s best to go in the summer when the days are long and the nights are clear. However, if you are going in August, be sure to get there early as spots tend to fill up on the beach pretty quickly.

Vai Beach is Secluded

Part of the charm of Vai Beach is it’s secluded location. As you get closer to the beach, you’ll likely be doing zig zags through the mountains. There are no signs of life until you reach the beach. Once you arrive, you can find parking along the road. Otherwise, you can pay to park in the lot that is closest to the beach. If you park on the road, expect to walk a ways from your car as the beach is located in a cove further down from the main road. All of the walking will be worth it.

Once you find your spot on the beach–there are sun beds available–you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the crystal clear blue waters of the sea. The sun beds do cost a fee, but they are nice if you’re planning on relaxing all day. Aside from the sun beds, there are shaded areas under the palm trees that are great if you can snag them.

What to Do At the Beach

Coffee spots and snack bars on the beach make it so you truly never have to leave. They have a restaurant style cafe just adjacent to the beach where you can sit down and be served meals. The prepared meals are actually quite delicious, too. They will accept cash or credit cards.

Many people who visit the beach bring their snorkeling gear. You can spend the day floating around the shore looking at the area’s diverse and abundant population of sea creatures. From fish to coral, there is a lot to see below the water’s surface. If you’re lucky, you may be able to spot a sea turtle! In addition to the beach, there is a set of stairs you can climb that leads to a little watchtower. It is not too far of a trek either. The view from the tower is definitely worth it. It looks out over the entire cove and palm forest.

All in all, Vai Beach is one of the most stunning places to visit in Crete. The hundreds of ancient palm trees, clean waters, and soft sand make it an almost perfect place to relax and watch the day pass by.

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