Lassithi Plateau
Exploring Lassithi Plateau: The garden of gods
Nestled in the rugged mountains of eastern Crete, the Lassithi Plateau is a haven of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural charm. Located about 70 kilometers southeast of Heraklion, this plateau, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Dikti Mountains, offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to explore Crete’s less-trodden paths. The altitude of the plain ranges from 800m to 850m, which makes it one of the few island-inhabited areas in the Mediterranean at such a high altitude.
Geographical Overview & Agricultural Richness
The Lassithi Plateau stretches across approximately 25 square kilometers and is known for its lush fields, orchards, and iconic white windmills.
The plateau is characterized by its unique endorheic basin, meaning it has no outlet to the sea, which contributes to its lush vegetation fed by melting snow from the surrounding mountains.
This geographical feature has made it a vital agricultural hub since ancient times.
Tzermiado Village serves as the plateau’s capital, while Agios Georgios and Psychro are two other important villages.
The plateau’s 18 villages are located at the foot of the surrounding mountains, leaving the plains open for cultivation, and they are connected by a 23-kilometer-long circular road.
Actually, this magnificent round route is great for cycling because there are no significant hills and you will be able to visit all of the plateau’s features.
Since 1980, the Diktaia running games, or Run Zeus, have taken place along the same circular route every year on the last Sunday of August.
The plateau’s fertile soil supports a wide range of agricultural activities.
It is particularly famous for producing high-quality crops such as potatoes, apples, cherries, and almonds.
The traditional farming practices are complemented by the iconic white-clothed windmills that dot the landscape—historically used for irrigation and flour milling.
While many windmills have fallen into disrepair, a few have been restored, preserving this unique aspect of Cretan heritage.
ATTRACTIONS
Dikteon Cave (Psychro Cave)
One of the most popular attractions in the Lassithi Plateau is the Dikteon Cave, or Psychro Cave. Dikteon is considered the Bethlehem of the ancient world since, according to Greek mythology, it is where Zeus, the father of the Greek pantheon and man, was born. The cave features multiple chambers and has a depth of 250 meters. Also, the cave was the place where King Minos visited every 9 years to meet his father Zeus (he was the child concieved by Europa) to establish new laws in order to govern the Minoans. He was so just that when he died he got to be a judge in Hades.
white-clothed windmills & venetian linies
The Lassithi plateau is famed for its white-clothed windmills, which constitute the area’s trademark. These were water and wheat mills built primarily by Peloponnese settlers who migrated here in the late nineteenth century to irrigate the plateau. Unfortunately, due to the decrease of the young population, the 12.000–14.000 windmills stopped operating. However, you may still view several windmills, as many of them have been renovated in recent years. Furthermore, at the plateau’s entrance, at position Seli Ambelos, we can still view Greece’s largest stone windmill park.
Another attraction of the plateau are the linies, which are linear drainage canals created by the Venetians to transport water across the plateau. Indeed, when the Venetians seized Crete, they transformed Lassithi into the island’s largest “garden,” which continues to supply Crete with high-quality potatoes and vegetables. On an excursion across the plateau, you will come across linies, which are lengthy ditches that convey water.
traditional villages
In the Lassithi Plateau, there are 18 villages with unique architecture and attractions each. A bit to the north of the village of Agios Konstantinos, the historical Monastery of Kroustalenia (Our Lady Crystal, 16th century) is worth a visit.
Within a short distance from the village of Agios Konstantinos and the nearby artificial reservoirs, you’ll meet the imposing and rugged Havgas Gorge, a part of the E4 European trail, carrying the water from the Katharo Plateau. Built on a beautiful green hill, it played an important role in Cretan revolutions against the Turks and was destroyed twice in 1823 and 1867.
On the other side of the plateau, the rebuilt Monastery of Vidiani (1841) has a modest natural history museum.
In Agios Georgios village, you may see Eleftherios Venizelos’ Museums, the Religious Collection, the Folk Museum, and the Manor House.
The village of Psychro, where you can hike towards the Cave of Zeus or inspect the fountains of the village.
Near the village of Tzermiado, there is the smaller but still significant cave of Trapeza, known as Kronio.
If you visit Lassithi in summer, you can take part in the local festivities of “Potato Day” in Tzermiado, the “Festival of the marrow” in Avrakonde, the “Day of Baking Bread” in Kato Metohi, Raki feast in Marmaketo, etc.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN LASSITHI PLATEAU
Explore some of the Villages
Visit Dikteon cave
Cycling/ Driving around the plateau
Visit Vidiani Monastery
Visit Kroustalenia Monastery
Take Photos at Seli Ampelou
Discover Havgas Gorge
Hike at Dikti towards Spathi
Visit the Artificial Lake Reservoirs
History
Lassithi Plateau was cultivated by the Minoans and is considered the last bastion of resistance of the Minoan culture against the Dorians, who arrived in Crete in 4th century BC.
Centuries later, when the Venetians occupied the island, they initially banned habitation because the secluded plateau could protect the rebels. In 1293, due to the frequent uprisings and fierce resistance from the locals, the villages were demolished and the cultivation of the land was prohibited.
A thirteenth-century Venetian manuscript describes the Lasithi plateau spina nel cuore (di Venezia)—a thorn in the heart of Venice.
Later, in the early 15th century, the Venetian authorities allowed Venetian family refugees from mainland Greece (eastern Peloponnese) to settle on the plateau and re-cultivate the land.
To accomplish this, the Venetians built a vast network of drainage ditches, or linies, to drain water from the surface and enrich the underground aquifers.
The water was led into a large sinkhole, named Honos, on the other side of the plateau, and from there, through underground routes, it finds its way to the Aposelemis River, where there is a big dam (Aposelemis Dam).
Bare Lassithi was then transformed into a fertile paradise. Linies, which are still visible, divided the plateau into 193 squares, which were offered as sharings to the new households. In Venetian, these sharings were known as lassiti or Lasciti, after which the region was named.
During the Turkish occupation, the plateau was an important site of resistance against the invaders. In January 1823, during the Greek Revolution of 1821, Mehmet Ali’s envoy Hasan Pasha was placed at the head of an army of Ottoman and Egyptian forces that occupied the plateau, killing most of the inhabitants who had not taken refuge in the mountains.
The most important event that took place in the Lassithi Plateau was the giant battle of Lassithi (May 1867) between the Ottomans and the Cretan Rebels during the Cretan Revolution.
After the Holocaust in the Arkadi Monastery (1866), the rebels fled to Lassithi. The Turkish-Egyptian army, numbered 25.000 troops, led by Omer Pasha and Ismail Selim, marched towards the plateau to demolish it and end the resistance.
Upon arrival, the unlucky locals fought to the death, but their numbers were small compared to the Ottoman army.
Many inhabitants were slaughtered, women raped, children were abducted, many were sent to slavery, animals killed, churches (like the Monastery of Kroustalenia), villages, and crops were burning for 10 days (21-29 of May 1867).
Some of the rebels and locals found refuge in the surrounding mountains when they finally regrouped in the Limnakaro Plateau.
The leaders of the Ottoman army learned about the regroup and stationed their army there, but they were maneuvered.
Finally, the exhausted Turkish army clashed with the rebels near Marmaketo Village, where they were defeated.
This ten-day Gigantomachy of Lassithi showed to the (up to that point) neutral European countries how ruthless were the Turkish forces and demanded that the Ottoman Empire declare Crete autonomous.
Indeed, in recognition of the Battle of Lassithi’s role in the liberation of Crete, the Prefecture of Sitia was renamed Lassithi.
During the German occupation in 1941-1944, the peaks surrounding the plateau were used as hideouts by local resistance fighters.
How to Get There
By Car:
The plateau is easily accessible by car. From Heraklion, take the national road toward Agios Nikolaos, then follow signs to the plateau. The scenic drive up the mountain features hairpin bends and stunning views.
By Bus:
Public buses (KTEL) run from Heraklion to Tzermiado, the main village on the plateau. Guided tours are also a convenient option, often including stops at Dikteon Cave and local villages.
You can check the routes here!
By Taxi:
Taxis are the most convenient option, especially if you’re traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage. However, they can also be the most expensive option. You can hail a taxi in major cities or arrange for a pick-up in advance. Keep in mind that taxi fares can vary depending on the distance and time of day.
Conclusion
Lassithi Plateau offers a captivating mix of natural splendor, historical depth, and cultural authenticity. Whether you’re exploring ancient caves, hiking through wildflower-strewn fields, or savoring Cretan hospitality in a village square, the plateau promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. For travelers seeking the heart of Crete, Lassithi Plateau is a destination that beckons with open arms.
ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR AN ENJOYABLE VISIT TO lassithi plateau
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August 13, 2023
