Common description
EASTERN CRETE
SITIA – IERAPETRA – ELOUNDA – AGIOS NIKOLAOS
A still little-known region where nature and history fascinate travellers.
It is a place full of historical monuments, both from antiquity and subsequent eras but also of unique natural beauty made up of canyons, caves, small valleys, rushing rivers and streams; Sitia Geopark is part of the new UNESCO program covering a total area of 3,614 square kilometers (Km2), a nationally protected area with significant geological heritage and extraordinary natural beauty.
The region has the cleanest sea in the Mediterranean with the highest number of beaches of any area in Europe, with some unique beaches, some exotic and sandy, some pebbly, some protected from the wind and many hidden in small, charming bays ……… in addition to the most beautiful and brightest sun in the Mediterranean!!!
This extraordinary combination of historical monuments and picturesque natural beauty makes Eastern Crete a unique place.
The area is ideal for those who want a beach holiday but also for those who love nature walks, religious tourism, historical and archaeological research. The archaeological sites from the Minoan era and the amazing monuments show how important this culture was in ancient times!
A trip to the inland villages will certainly be a unique experience. Many villages have remained identical for hundreds of years and maintain traditional architectural features.
The agricultural and livestock products and local delicacies rival those of the rest of the island, both in taste and quality. Eastern Crete has the most fertile lands on the island and, as a result, produces the largest quantities of Crete's best fruit and vegetables and extra virgin olive oil.
Numerous cultural, secular, religious and recreational activities and festivals, where tradition survives in the daily life of the local population and through them the traveler can get to know the "real" Crete. Many festivals are organized throughout the year, in every place and almost every day of the year, where you can drink, eat, dance and party until late!
THE MAIN CITIES
AGIOS NIKOLAOS
It is the capital of the Lasithi region in eastern Crete with a population of approximately 10,000 residents. Built around the picturesque Lake Voulismeni, it dominates the northwestern side of the beautiful Gulf of Mirabello, which is the largest bay in Crete. The heart of the city beats in the area around the lake, the port and the seafront, surrounded by picturesque houses with tiled roofs.
SITIA
One of the most important cities in Crete. Located at the eastern end of the northern coast of the island, in a beautiful bay. The name derives from the ancient Itia or Itida city located in the eastern part of Crete which, according to Diogenes Laertius, was the home of Mison, one of the seven wise men of antiquity. It is also worth mentioning that Sitia was the home of Vitsentzos Kornaros, one of the most important representatives of Cretan literature and author of “Erotokritos”.
IERAPETRA
The southernmost city in Greece and Europe but also the most populous in the Lasithi region with over 15,000 residents, nicknamed the "Bride of the Libyan Sea", the name Ierapetra means Sacred Stone.
Today it is one of the most productive areas in Greece and one of the main national production areas for fruit, vegetables and olive oil, contributing significantly to the development of the region. Despite being a modern urban center, Ierapetra offers countless beauties and attractions.
ELOUNDA
Located on the northern coast of the island of Crete, it is famous for the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea and the beautiful panorama of Mirabello Bay. The surrounding landscape is dominated by steep, lush hills, dotted with olive trees, cypresses and numerous beaches of fine sand and white pebbles smoothed by the sea.
The town is charming, with its picturesque streets and traditional taverns offering delicious Cretan cuisine.
The Elounda area is also known for its exclusivity, with numerous luxury hotels and resorts dotted along the coast, offering impeccable services and international facilities.
In the surroundings of Elounda there are several attractions not to be missed, including the picturesque island of Spinalonga, once used as a leper colony and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the ruins of the ancient city of Olous.
SITIA – IERAPETRA – ELOUNDA – AGIOS NIKOLAOS
A still little-known region where nature and history fascinate travellers.
It is a place full of historical monuments, both from antiquity and subsequent eras but also of unique natural beauty made up of canyons, caves, small valleys, rushing rivers and streams; Sitia Geopark is part of the new UNESCO program covering a total area of 3,614 square kilometers (Km2), a nationally protected area with significant geological heritage and extraordinary natural beauty.
The region has the cleanest sea in the Mediterranean with the highest number of beaches of any area in Europe, with some unique beaches, some exotic and sandy, some pebbly, some protected from the wind and many hidden in small, charming bays ……… in addition to the most beautiful and brightest sun in the Mediterranean!!!
This extraordinary combination of historical monuments and picturesque natural beauty makes Eastern Crete a unique place.
The area is ideal for those who want a beach holiday but also for those who love nature walks, religious tourism, historical and archaeological research. The archaeological sites from the Minoan era and the amazing monuments show how important this culture was in ancient times!
A trip to the inland villages will certainly be a unique experience. Many villages have remained identical for hundreds of years and maintain traditional architectural features.
The agricultural and livestock products and local delicacies rival those of the rest of the island, both in taste and quality. Eastern Crete has the most fertile lands on the island and, as a result, produces the largest quantities of Crete's best fruit and vegetables and extra virgin olive oil.
Numerous cultural, secular, religious and recreational activities and festivals, where tradition survives in the daily life of the local population and through them the traveler can get to know the "real" Crete. Many festivals are organized throughout the year, in every place and almost every day of the year, where you can drink, eat, dance and party until late!
THE MAIN CITIES
AGIOS NIKOLAOS
It is the capital of the Lasithi region in eastern Crete with a population of approximately 10,000 residents. Built around the picturesque Lake Voulismeni, it dominates the northwestern side of the beautiful Gulf of Mirabello, which is the largest bay in Crete. The heart of the city beats in the area around the lake, the port and the seafront, surrounded by picturesque houses with tiled roofs.
SITIA
One of the most important cities in Crete. Located at the eastern end of the northern coast of the island, in a beautiful bay. The name derives from the ancient Itia or Itida city located in the eastern part of Crete which, according to Diogenes Laertius, was the home of Mison, one of the seven wise men of antiquity. It is also worth mentioning that Sitia was the home of Vitsentzos Kornaros, one of the most important representatives of Cretan literature and author of “Erotokritos”.
IERAPETRA
The southernmost city in Greece and Europe but also the most populous in the Lasithi region with over 15,000 residents, nicknamed the "Bride of the Libyan Sea", the name Ierapetra means Sacred Stone.
Today it is one of the most productive areas in Greece and one of the main national production areas for fruit, vegetables and olive oil, contributing significantly to the development of the region. Despite being a modern urban center, Ierapetra offers countless beauties and attractions.
ELOUNDA
Located on the northern coast of the island of Crete, it is famous for the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea and the beautiful panorama of Mirabello Bay. The surrounding landscape is dominated by steep, lush hills, dotted with olive trees, cypresses and numerous beaches of fine sand and white pebbles smoothed by the sea.
The town is charming, with its picturesque streets and traditional taverns offering delicious Cretan cuisine.
The Elounda area is also known for its exclusivity, with numerous luxury hotels and resorts dotted along the coast, offering impeccable services and international facilities.
In the surroundings of Elounda there are several attractions not to be missed, including the picturesque island of Spinalonga, once used as a leper colony and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the ruins of the ancient city of Olous.