Panagia Kera

Get picked up from your hotel in Crete and go to your first stop at the traditional village of Krasi with the ancient plane tree - the largest and the oldest one of its kind on the island, situated at the lovely little square at the heart of the village, next to the beautiful water springs. Next stop the historical monastery of Panagia Kera. Learn about the myth surrounding the monastery admire the 14th-century frescoes. Then, head to the heart of Lasithi, passing by some breathtaking scenery. Admire the white-sailed windmills that used to irrigate the land. Next, arrive at the famous village of Psychro and stop at a small family-run ceramic workshop. Shop around while the owners teach you about the process of making pottery. We then arrive at Seli, a place with breath-taking view of the plateau. Take photos, visit the renovated windmills, and have a delicious meal in a traditional tavern. After lunch, Next visit a small olive oil factory in the village of Avdou. Learn about the process of making olive oil and enjoy a tasting of their products. Finish off your tour with a visit to the Palace of Knossos, the biggest palace of the Minoan times. Walk around the ancient rooms and courtyard as you learn about King Minos and the mythical Minotaur.

The road trip from Agios Nikolaos to Lassithi Plateau is a journey through some of the most beautiful and unspoiled landscapes in Crete. It is a journey that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Starting from Agios Nikolaos, the road trip to Lassithi Plateau begins with a drive through the town and then onto the winding mountain roads that lead to the plateau. As you leave the town, you will be greeted with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. As you drive through the mountains, you will pass through small villages and towns, each with its own unique charm and character. The road is surrounded by beautiful scenery, with lush greenery and rugged mountainsides. The route to Lassithi Plateau takes you through a series of hairpin bends, which can be challenging at times. But the stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the quaint villages along the way make the journey worth it. As you approach Lassithi Plateau, you will be amazed by the vastness of the plateau and the stunning views that it offers. The plateau is dotted with traditional Cretan villages, and the landscape is a patchwork of fields, orchards, and olive groves.

The region of Lasithi is located on the easternmost side of Crete island and is often the least visited despite its numerous offerings and unspoiled natural landscape. Nature lovers will fall in love with the drive through the mountains of Dikti (also known as Lassithiotika) that border the prefectures of Lasithi and Heraklion, the old traditional windmills, and the quaint villages we will visit that offer a glimpse of a different era. As we depart, our first stop is the Vasilakis Olive Oil Farm, where centuries-old traditions intertwine with modern techniques to produce the finest olive oil. We will spend approximately 50 minutes immersed in the sights, scents, and flavors of this cherished Cretan staple. Moving east from Heraklion past the popular area of Hersonissos and Malia, we will turn south towards the village of Krasi. Framed by a beautiful forest of evergreen oaks, the village is situated among verdant hills and is lined with cobblestone streets that lead to a beautiful central square. Next to the stone-built spring fountain, we find one of the oldest plane trees on the island (and even in Europe) that is estimated to be over 2300 years old. Here, one of the most renowned Cretan writers, Nikos Kazantzakis, is thought to have sat for hours to find inspiration for his writing. The large water fountain (Megali Vrisi) provides the village with clean potable water year-round and was once where women would bring clothes to be washed. Heading further south, about a half an hour drive from the village of Krasi, we reach the cave of Diktaion Antron, also known as Psychro Cave. This spectacular cave has wonderful stalagmites and stalactites is one of the possible locations where the Greek Olympian god Zeus was born and raised. Inhabited since at least the Neolithic Period (6000 BC), it is one of the rare examples of settlements at such high altitudes. During its rich past, it was also a place of worship. You will have the chance to visit the cave and learn more about its history and the protected habitat of the Dikti mountain range with its incredible diversity of wild flora and fauna. The next stop on our tour will be the village of Kritsa, on the other side of the Lasithi Plateau. Here you will get the chance to visit Panagia Kera, an impressive church known for its wonderful Byzantine frescoes. Although the date of its original construction is still unknown, the oldest frescoes found on the sanctuary of the central aisle dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin date back to the 13th century. The fresh mountain air will undoubtedly increase your appetite, which is excellent, considering that Lasithi is also famous for its fantastic traditional taverns. The region around the Lasithi plateau was historically significant for its agricultural produce, and there are still plenty of shepherds and local producers keeping the traditions alive, with local sheep and goat milk cheese that are not to be missed!

Elounda is a small town located on the northeastern coast of the island of Crete. It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and stunning scenery. The town is situated on the Mirabello Bay, which is one of the most picturesque bays in Greece. Elounda is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy the warm Mediterranean climate, the scenic landscape, and the rich cultural heritage of the island. One of the main attractions of Elounda is its beaches. The town boasts several beautiful beaches, each with its own unique charm. The most famous of these is the Plaka Beach, which is a long stretch of golden sand that is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The beach is lined with restaurants and cafes, where visitors can enjoy a delicious meal or a refreshing drink while taking in the stunning views of the bay. Another popular beach is the Elounda Beach, which is located in the heart of the town. This beach is perfect for families with children, as it has shallow waters and a play area for kids. Apart from the beaches, Elounda is also known for its luxurious resorts and hotels. The town is home to some of the most exclusive and expensive hotels in Greece, which offer world-class amenities and services to their guests. These resorts are located in some of the most beautiful locations in the town, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding mountains. Many of these hotels also have their own private beaches, where guests can relax and enjoy the sun in complete privacy. Elounda is also known for its rich cultural heritage. The town has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Minoan civilization that flourished on the island over 4000 years ago. There are several ancient sites and monuments in and around the town that are worth visiting, including the ancient city of Olous, the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga, and the Byzantine church of Panagia Kera. These sites offer a glimpse into the island's past and are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Crete. In addition to its historical attractions, Elounda is also a great place to explore the natural beauty of the island. The town is surrounded by stunning mountains and hills, which offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and trekking. There are several hiking trails in and around the town, which take visitors through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. The trails offer stunning views of the sea, the mountains, and the lush green countryside, making them a must-visit for nature lovers.

Our journey commences with a prompt pick-up from your hotel. As we depart, our first stop is the Vasilakis Olive Oil Farm, where centuries-old traditions intertwine with modern techniques to produce the finest olive oil. We will spend approximately 50 minutes immersed in the sights, scents, and flavors of this cherished Cretan staple. Continuing our trip, we venture towards the enchanting village of Kritsa to admire the church of Panagia Kera, a bastion of history and culture nestled amid rolling hills and ancient ruins. Next, we pause for a moment of serenity to behold the panoramic vista of the Mirabello Gulf. Our journey then takes us to the coastal oasis of Elounda, where turquoise waters lap against pristine shores, and we get ready for a scenic boat tour across to the island of Spinalonga. Spend 1.5 hours exploring the remnants of a former leper colony and soaking in the scenic beauty of this unique destination. Our penultimate stop brings us to the Agios Nikolaos Lake, a tranquil haven nestled amidst bustling streets and charming cafes. Spend an hour strolling along its shores, taking in the sights and sounds of this idyllic retreat. This doubles as a lunch spot for those that need it. As the day draws to a close, we will make our way back to your hotel.