Lasithi Plateau and Zeus Cave with Olive Oil Farm Visit

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.

Our tour will start with pick up from your hotel in Heraklion, giving us plenty of time to explore the region.

The 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 45 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 (there are three aisles, each one dedicated to another saint) 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. At Krasi, we will enjoy traditional Cretan food and taste various delicacies. 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!