General Information
A favorite destination worldwide, the prefecture of Lassithi has little to do to justify this status. Nature has endowed it with landscapes of incomparable natural beauty, including some of the best beaches imaginable. In addition to this, there are countless archaeological sites of great significance, while a fully developed infrastructure provides matchless services, supporting these gifts of nature and history. It covers an area of 1800sq.km. and has a population of 70000 inhabitants.
History - Culture
As with the rest of Crete, this region has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age. Lassithi became a peripheral center of the Minoan civilization with many significant cities such as Mochlos, Zakros -the fourth major palace of the Minoan civilization- and Palaiokastro. They flourished from 3000 BC until about 1600 BC, and developed the arts of architecture, metalwork and ceramics. After the inexplicable destruction of 1600 BC (historians still argue over the cause), new settlements were established in Gournia, Pseira and Makrys Gialos, while around 1450 BC, Achaeans ?perhaps from Mycenae- settled the region. In 1100 BC Dorian tribes invaded Lassithi. Following the Geometric, the Archaic, the Classic and the Hellenistic period, Lassithi was invaded by Romans (66 BC), Byzantines (395 AD), Arabs (824-961) and Venetians (1204-1645). Turkish occupation (1645-1897) proved to be extremely oppressive, and from 1866 to 1869 the plateau of Lassithi was a base of endless revolutionary operations against the conquerors. This tradition was repeated some decades later, as this was the staging point of operations against the forces of German occupation.
Sights
The beaches of the prefecture of Lassithi are beyond comparison. The natural palm tree forest that adorns the beach of Vai is like a postcard sent from paradise. The overall prefecture offers a large variety of sights including ancient ?as well as more recent- monuments, landscapes of unique natural beauty and amazing islets within reach and easy access by boat. The region is abound in Minoan remains (temples, tombs, palaces, settlements and other significant findings), and ruins of Roman, Byzantine and Turkish origin, all of which depict the course of Lassithi through the ages. The Minoan palace in Zakros, near the city of Sitia, is a major archaeological site spreading over an area of 8000 sq.m. Another major archaeological site is the one in Gournia, near Agios Nikolaos, where visitors can admire a Minoan city resembling Pompeii. All over the prefecture there are numerous significant archaeological sites in areas such as Kritsa, Makrygialos, Mochlos, Myrtos, Neapolis, Palaiokastro, Pacheia Ammos, and many more. In the beautiful town of Ierapetra, there is the fortress built in the early 13th century by the Venetians, as well as many churches. The beautiful natural surroundings include marvelous forests, orchards and olive groves and captivating beaches all around the prefecture and on the nearby islets. The spectacular caves on Mount Dikti -once a center of Minoan religious rituals where significant archaeological findings were discovered- and in Milatos are worth visiting. In the picturesque capital city of Agios Nikolaos, there is the 64m-deep Vromolimni Lake and an interesting zoo. The rocky islet of Spinalonga, situated at the entrance of Elounda Bay and protected by a medieval castle, is very impressive. All in all, even the most inquisitive of visitors will find that there is much more than they can hope to explore in any single visit, and there is always something left for the next time.
Entertainment-Sports-Shopping
A favorite destination with longtime experience in accommodating visitors, the prefecture has developed a top-quality infrastructure that stands up to the most demanding expectations. Agios Nikolaos is renowned for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, cultivated by the numerous luxurious hotels and the traditional architecture. The resorts in the southern and northern areas of the prefecture offer a full range of services in the fields of accommodation, entertainment and shopping. Sporting facilities are offered everywhere, especially tennis courts within the premises of hotel units and water sports on the beaches of Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Ierapetra, Sitia, Kalo Chorio, and most other popular beaches. Traditional festivals are a great tourist attraction, offering fun and cultural insight, while visitors should not miss the chance to taste local specialties such as boiled goat, snails, cheese and cream pies. Local traditional products are perfect souvenirs, while local agricultural products are of incomparable quality.
Access
Flights are carried out from Athens to Sitia all year round, with service being more dense in the summer. There is a bus service from Thessaloniki to Agios Nikolaos via the port of Piraeus. Ferries depart from Piraeus to Agios Nikolaos and Sitia with services being more frequent in the summertime.
Connections
Flights connect Sitia, Athens and the Dodecanese Islands. There is a daily bus connection with Sitia, Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Herakleion, Rethymnon and Chania. Ferryboats link Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese islands throughout the year.
Museums
There is an Archaeological Museum and a Folk Art Museum in Agios Nikolaos as well as a Public Library. In Ierapetra, one can find an Archaeological Museum. There is a Folk Art Museum in Tzermiado, and an Archaeological and Folk Art Museum in Sitia.
Alternative Tourism
Archaeology, gastronomy, congressional, cultural, sporting (water sports, sailing, windsurfing, trekking, mountain bike, mountain climbing).
Useful Telephone Numbers:
LASSITHI AREA CODE: 28410-
POLICE STATION: 28410-91400, 91423
TOURIST POLICE: 28410-91409, 24200
TRAFFIC POLICE: 28410-91420, 91422, 91423
PORT POLICE: 28410-90108
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 28410-95510
POST OFFICE: 28410-22276
MUNICIPALITY: 28410-28286
BUS STATION: 28410-22234, 28430
TAXI STATION: 28410-24000 - 24100
NATIONAL TOURISM ORG.: 28410-22357, 23590, 82384
HOSPITAL: 28413-43000, 66000, 24311
AIRPORT: 28410-24666
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