Lasithi in Crete

Lasithi is the easternmost regional unit on the island of Crete. Its capital is Agios Nikolaos, the other major towns being Ierapetra, Sitia and Neapoli. To the east of the village of Elounda lies the island of Spinalonga, formerly a Venetian fortress and a leper colony. On the foot of Mount Dikti lies the Lasithi Plateau, famous for its windmills. Vai is well known for its datepalm forest. Thanks to stunning beaches and its mild climate year-long, Lasithi attracts many tourists. Mass tourism is served by places like Vai, Agios Nikolaos and the island of Chrissi. More off-beat tourism can be found in villages on the south coast like Myrtos, Makrys Gialos or Makrigialos, Xerokambos and Koutsouras. The history of Lasithi can be traced over at least three millennia. The region has considerable ancient history antecedents, including the Dorian era settlement of Olous, Lato and Itanos, whereas Vasiliki, Fournou Korifi, Pyrgos, Zakros and Gournia are ruins of Minoan date.