Lassithi Plateau Attractions
Attractions
Attractions
The impressive cave of Zeus, the Dictaean Cave, is located within 10 minutes walking distance from the village of Psychro, at an altitude of 1025 m. Outside of the cave, there is plenty of parking space, and plenty of restaurants nearby. Two paths leading to the cave start from the parking area. The route to the cave is magnificent as the view to the Lasithi Plateau is breathtaking. If you do not wish to walk, there are donkeys that transfer visitors to the cave. The cave, which covers an area of 2200 sq. m., is well lit and the paths in it come along a well-designed path which is 250 m. long.
In Cretan mythology, there are three heroines that are closely linked to Minos: Pasiphae, Ariadne and Phaedra. Many archaeologists believe that Ariadne is closest to the deity of the cave and her lover, Dionysus. Most researchers identify the cave of Psychro as the mythical Dictaean Cave, as reported by Hesiod. Zeus was born and raised here, with the help of the Nymphs and the Kouretes. For this reason, it is also called the “Bethlehem of the Ancient World”. The cave itself has been associated with stories like the one of the seer Epimenides, who "slept" here for 57 years, the rape of Europa by Zeus, the birth of Minos, the Harpies, etc.
Telephone: +30 28410 22462, +30 28410 24943, +30 28410 22382
Tickets
Full: €4
Open
Winter:
From the 1st of November until the 31 of March:
8:30-15:00
Summer:
From the 1st of April until the 30th of October:
9:30-17:30
Last admission at 16:30
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Cova de Zeus
The impressive cave of Zeus, the Dictaean Cave, is located within 10 minutes walking distance from the village of Psychro, at an altitude of 1025 m. Outside of the cave, there is plenty of parking space, and plenty of restaurants nearby. Two paths leading to the cave start from the parking area. The route to the cave is magnificent as the view to the Lasithi Plateau is breathtaking. If you do not wish to walk, there are donkeys that transfer visitors to the cave. The cave, which covers an area of 2200 sq. m., is well lit and the paths in it come along a well-designed path which is 250 m. long.
In Cretan mythology, there are three heroines that are closely linked to Minos: Pasiphae, Ariadne and Phaedra. Many archaeologists believe that Ariadne is closest to the deity of the cave and her lover, Dionysus. Most researchers identify the cave of Psychro as the mythical Dictaean Cave, as reported by Hesiod. Zeus was born and raised here, with the help of the Nymphs and the Kouretes. For this reason, it is also called the “Bethlehem of the Ancient World”. The cave itself has been associated with stories like the one of the seer Epimenides, who "slept" here for 57 years, the rape of Europa by Zeus, the birth of Minos, the Harpies, etc.
Telephone: +30 28410 22462, +30 28410 24943, +30 28410 22382
Tickets
Full: €4
Open
Winter:
From the 1st of November until the 31 of March:
8:30-15:00
Summer:
From the 1st of April until the 30th of October:
9:30-17:30
Last admission at 16:30
The plateau of Limnakaro is a smaller plateau located at the mountains of the Lasithi Plateau. The route offers a revealing view of the entire area. On top you will see the beautiful woods of walnut, the chapel of the Holy Spirit (Agio Pnevma), which dates back to the second Byzantine period, and stockbreeders with their flocks. It is not only an ideal way to get to know the mountains of Lasithi, but also a nice place for a midday picnic!
You can access it by car or on foot. The road starts from the square in the village of Kaminaki, where you will find a direction sign. It is recommended that you visit it during the day, not in the evening.
Limnakaros Naturally
The plateau of Limnakaro is a smaller plateau located at the mountains of the Lasithi Plateau. The route offers a revealing view of the entire area. On top you will see the beautiful woods of walnut, the chapel of the Holy Spirit (Agio Pnevma), which dates back to the second Byzantine period, and stockbreeders with their flocks. It is not only an ideal way to get to know the mountains of Lasithi, but also a nice place for a midday picnic!
You can access it by car or on foot. The road starts from the square in the village of Kaminaki, where you will find a direction sign. It is recommended that you visit it during the day, not in the evening.
If you wander around the plateau, you will see the “Linies”, namely the large ditches carrying water. The Linies are the linear drainage projects that were built by the Venetians to transfer water across the plateau, which was until then barren. When the Venetians conquered Crete, they managed to turn this area to the largest granary of Crete, which still supplies the entire island with great quality potatoes and vegetables.
Moreover, the Lasithi Plateau is famous for its windmills with white cloths, a trademark of the area. These were watermills and flour mills and were built in the late 19th century in order to irrigate the plateau. Unfortunately, today from the 12,000 windmills that existed in the ‘50s, only a small numbers remains. However, you can still see several of them.
In the middle of the plateau you will find the church of St. John (Ai Giannis), which is surrounded by tall trees casting a thick shadow. You can access it on foot or by car. In case you are hiking through the fields (not through the road network) be careful because there are wells that are not visible at first sight.
59 residents recomanen
Lasithi Plateau
If you wander around the plateau, you will see the “Linies”, namely the large ditches carrying water. The Linies are the linear drainage projects that were built by the Venetians to transfer water across the plateau, which was until then barren. When the Venetians conquered Crete, they managed to turn this area to the largest granary of Crete, which still supplies the entire island with great quality potatoes and vegetables.
Moreover, the Lasithi Plateau is famous for its windmills with white cloths, a trademark of the area. These were watermills and flour mills and were built in the late 19th century in order to irrigate the plateau. Unfortunately, today from the 12,000 windmills that existed in the ‘50s, only a small numbers remains. However, you can still see several of them.
In the middle of the plateau you will find the church of St. John (Ai Giannis), which is surrounded by tall trees casting a thick shadow. You can access it on foot or by car. In case you are hiking through the fields (not through the road network) be careful because there are wells that are not visible at first sight.
The small Plateau of Nisimos is located at the north part of the Lasithi Plateau. Through Nisimo passes the road to the church of the Holy Cross, which stands above the village of Tzermiado. Another road leads west, to the only church in Greece dedicated to Ariadne. Next to the church, there is an uphill path leading to the Late Minoan settlement, Karfi. Karfi is a steep hill with a vast view of the northern coasts of Crete.
Access to the plateau is relatively easy, since there is a 2.5 km uphill road from Tzermiado to Nisimo.
Nḗsimos
The small Plateau of Nisimos is located at the north part of the Lasithi Plateau. Through Nisimo passes the road to the church of the Holy Cross, which stands above the village of Tzermiado. Another road leads west, to the only church in Greece dedicated to Ariadne. Next to the church, there is an uphill path leading to the Late Minoan settlement, Karfi. Karfi is a steep hill with a vast view of the northern coasts of Crete.
Access to the plateau is relatively easy, since there is a 2.5 km uphill road from Tzermiado to Nisimo.
The Kronio Cave is located between the village of Marmaketo and Tzermiado at an altitude of 860m. It is located near the secondary road that connects Marmaketo with Tzermiado School. There are signs leading to the cave both in Tzermiado and Marmaketo. A path with steps, hidden in trees, leads to the cave after ascending for 5 minutes. The entrance to the cave is quite indiscernible and the view to the Lasithi Plateau from there is magnificent.
cave Kronio
The Kronio Cave is located between the village of Marmaketo and Tzermiado at an altitude of 860m. It is located near the secondary road that connects Marmaketo with Tzermiado School. There are signs leading to the cave both in Tzermiado and Marmaketo. A path with steps, hidden in trees, leads to the cave after ascending for 5 minutes. The entrance to the cave is quite indiscernible and the view to the Lasithi Plateau from there is magnificent.
The Havgas Gorge is the only gorge in the Lassithi Plateau. The route is relatively smooth and accessible up to the point “Neraidokolympos”, where you will find a large round boulder at the bottom of the gorge, which makes access to the rest of the gorge very difficult.
The gorge carries the water from Katharo to the Lasithi Plateau. Therefore, make sure you are well informed about the weather conditions before deciding to cross it, since it carries a lot of water during periods of rainfall.
The canal starts close to the lake reservoir of St. George, which is located very close to the village of Agios Konstantinos. It ends in the plateau of Katharo, yet it is accessible up to the point where the boulder blocks the rest of the route.
Φαράγγι Χαυγά / Havgas Gorge
The Havgas Gorge is the only gorge in the Lassithi Plateau. The route is relatively smooth and accessible up to the point “Neraidokolympos”, where you will find a large round boulder at the bottom of the gorge, which makes access to the rest of the gorge very difficult.
The gorge carries the water from Katharo to the Lasithi Plateau. Therefore, make sure you are well informed about the weather conditions before deciding to cross it, since it carries a lot of water during periods of rainfall.
The canal starts close to the lake reservoir of St. George, which is located very close to the village of Agios Konstantinos. It ends in the plateau of Katharo, yet it is accessible up to the point where the boulder blocks the rest of the route.
The Cretan Folklore Museum hosts numerous artifacts of the local folklore culture. The old house was built in the early 19th century in strictly local architecture. All objects are placed with reverence and respect to their physical space in order to highlight their functional use. This house, which is the only surviving house of that age in the Lasithi Plateau, is divided into 4 rooms.
Cretan Neoclassical Folklore Museum
The second section of the Cretan Folklore Museum is the neoclassical Cretan house of the early 20th century. On the ground floor, we can find scrinia, carved wooden furniture, textiles and embroidery of exceptional art, pictures, hanging lamps, clocks and other rich decorations. In addition, a rich collection of objects, historical documents and clothing of the great General Ioannis Alexakis is hosted in this room.
El Venizelos Exhibition Museum
In an ornate stone building of 1871, various photographs, historical documents, handwritten letters and personal belongings of the great Greek politician are exposed. The set of exhibits marks the path of Eleftherios Venizelos from his birth, his emergence as a Prime Minister and his death.
St. Demetrius Church
Within the museum complex, the two-aisled church of St. Demetrius that dates from 1876, exhibits artifacts of old icons, temples and other woodcarvings of the famous school of Nitadoron Mesa Lasithi.
Opening Hours: May- October 15th: 10:30 - 17:00
Village Ag. Georgios
Mob: +30 6948501457
info@elsolas.gr
http://elsolas.gr/en/
ELSOL Cultural Folklore Association Lassithi Plateau
The Cretan Folklore Museum hosts numerous artifacts of the local folklore culture. The old house was built in the early 19th century in strictly local architecture. All objects are placed with reverence and respect to their physical space in order to highlight their functional use. This house, which is the only surviving house of that age in the Lasithi Plateau, is divided into 4 rooms.
Cretan Neoclassical Folklore Museum
The second section of the Cretan Folklore Museum is the neoclassical Cretan house of the early 20th century. On the ground floor, we can find scrinia, carved wooden furniture, textiles and embroidery of exceptional art, pictures, hanging lamps, clocks and other rich decorations. In addition, a rich collection of objects, historical documents and clothing of the great General Ioannis Alexakis is hosted in this room.
El Venizelos Exhibition Museum
In an ornate stone building of 1871, various photographs, historical documents, handwritten letters and personal belongings of the great Greek politician are exposed. The set of exhibits marks the path of Eleftherios Venizelos from his birth, his emergence as a Prime Minister and his death.
St. Demetrius Church
Within the museum complex, the two-aisled church of St. Demetrius that dates from 1876, exhibits artifacts of old icons, temples and other woodcarvings of the famous school of Nitadoron Mesa Lasithi.
Opening Hours: May- October 15th: 10:30 - 17:00
Village Ag. Georgios
Mob: +30 6948501457
info@elsolas.gr
http://elsolas.gr/en/
Moreover, the Lasithi Plateau is famous for its windmills with white cloths, a trademark of the area. These were watermills and flour mills and were built in the late 19th century in order to irrigate the plateau. Unfortunately, today from the 12,000 windmills that existed in the ‘50s, only a small numbers remains. However, you can still see several of them.
Ανεμόμυλοι Οροπεδίου
Moreover, the Lasithi Plateau is famous for its windmills with white cloths, a trademark of the area. These were watermills and flour mills and were built in the late 19th century in order to irrigate the plateau. Unfortunately, today from the 12,000 windmills that existed in the ‘50s, only a small numbers remains. However, you can still see several of them.
Monasteries / Churches
Monasteries / Churches
The monastery of Vidiani is located at the north-west of the Lasithi Plateau, at the central road network. It was founded in the mid-19th century by monk Methodios Petrakis. During the revolution of 1866, the monastery was set on fire by the Turks, but it was soon rebuilt. During the German Occupation, its abbot, Dorotheos, was executed by the Germans for his resistance activity. The catholicon of the monastery is a single-spaced church dedicated to the Life-Giving Spring (Zoodochos Pege) and features a beautiful wood-carved chancel screen. In 1991 the cells of the monastery were restored and today it is a monastery for men. In the monastery’s courtyard you can also find a coffee shop, as well as a small natural history museum.
Monastery Vidiani
The monastery of Vidiani is located at the north-west of the Lasithi Plateau, at the central road network. It was founded in the mid-19th century by monk Methodios Petrakis. During the revolution of 1866, the monastery was set on fire by the Turks, but it was soon rebuilt. During the German Occupation, its abbot, Dorotheos, was executed by the Germans for his resistance activity. The catholicon of the monastery is a single-spaced church dedicated to the Life-Giving Spring (Zoodochos Pege) and features a beautiful wood-carved chancel screen. In 1991 the cells of the monastery were restored and today it is a monastery for men. In the monastery’s courtyard you can also find a coffee shop, as well as a small natural history museum.
The Monastery of Panagia Kroustallenia is built on a small hill covered with oak trees near the villages of Agios Konstantinos and Marmaketo. It is one of the most historical monasteries of Crete and is always worth a visit.
According to the tradition, the monastery was either named after its first founder, Kroustallenia, or after an icon of Panagia (Virgin Mary) that was found in a nearby cave and was carved on crystal (Kroustallenia also means “made of crystal – glass”).
The main temple is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and celebrates on August 15. The monastery complex consists mainly of buildings of the 20th century, as the monastery was destroyed several times during the Turkish occupation.
Iera Moni Koimiseos Theotokou Krystallenias
The Monastery of Panagia Kroustallenia is built on a small hill covered with oak trees near the villages of Agios Konstantinos and Marmaketo. It is one of the most historical monasteries of Crete and is always worth a visit.
According to the tradition, the monastery was either named after its first founder, Kroustallenia, or after an icon of Panagia (Virgin Mary) that was found in a nearby cave and was carved on crystal (Kroustallenia also means “made of crystal – glass”).
The main temple is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and celebrates on August 15. The monastery complex consists mainly of buildings of the 20th century, as the monastery was destroyed several times during the Turkish occupation.
Monestir Panagia Kera Kardiotissa