Villages & Towns

Kritsa

Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi · Free

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

About

Weaving village on a hillside.

Kritsa is a mountain village near Agios Nikolaos, known for its weaving and embroidery. The church of Panagia Kera and ancient Lato are nearby.

Kritsa is one of the oldest and most picturesque villages in Crete, built like an amphitheatre on a rocky hill at about 375 m. In the Middle Ages it was thought to be the largest village on the island, and it took part in all the revolutions. Today it has about 2,200 inhabitants and is known for its weaving, embroidery and lace. The church of Panagia Kera and ancient Lato are nearby.

Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lasithi, built around a lake and a harbour on the beautiful Mirabello gulf. The area includes Elounda, Plaka and the island of Spinalonga to the north, and Kritsa, Lato and the Katharo plateau in the hills behind. The coast has many small beaches and calm bays, and the town is lively in the evening with cafes and restaurants around the lake. Boats leave for Spinalonga and trips around the bay.

Around Agios Nikolaos

Nearest town: Agios Nikolaos, about 10 km by road
Nearest airport: Sitia airport (JSH), about 55 km by road

Lasithi, the eastern end of Crete, is quieter and greener than you might expect. Agios Nikolaos wraps around a small lake and a lively harbour, with cafés on the water and beaches within walking distance. Just north, Elounda and Plaka look across to the fortress island of Spinalonga, one of the most moving places on the island. More about Lasithi