Mesa Lassithaki: Where the Plateau Opens Up
Many suggest that to truly experience authentic Crete, one should venture into the mountains.
Lassithi Plateau is known for its welcoming inhabitants and offers numerous charming villages where you can leisurely stroll through their alleys.
Mesa Lassithaki stands as one of the Plateau's smallest villages, situated along the western foothills of Mt Tzivis, also known as Aloida (1,664 metres).
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Psychro: The Birthplace of Zeus and More
According to tradition, Zeus was said to have been born in Psychro, the most famous village on the Plateau. This is because of the cave called Dikteon Andron, located right above the village and attracting many tourists.
The village rests at the northern base of Mt Toumpa Moutsounas, which forms part of the Dikti mountain range. Psychro is positioned on the southern end of the Lassithi (Lasithi) Plateau, neighbouring the villages of Plati and Magoulas. It stands at a distance of 45 kilometres from Agios Nikolaos and 56 kilometres from Heraklion.
Towards the upper section of the village, situated beneath the Dikteon Andron cave, you'll find several businesses, including a model theme park. This park notably contributes to the growth of tourism in the region.
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Tzermiado: Where the Heart of the Plateau Thrives
Tzermiado (also known as Tzermiadon) serves as the administrative centre of the Municipality of Lassithi Plateau.
Its residents primarily focus on cultivating potatoes and other fruits and vegetables. Positioned at an altitude of 850 metres, Tzermiado is situated 49 kilometres west of Agios Nikolaos and 55 kilometres east of Heraklion.
A short distance away lies the Trapeza or Kronion Cave, which holds significance both in terms of its spelunking characteristics and its historical value.
Visitors have the opportunity to marvel at its picturesque churches, including the Holy Cross Church located at the heart of the village. Notable among them is Agia Triada, distinguished by its lofty bell tower and captivating architecture that stands out amidst the narrow lanes lined with traditional houses.
Countless windmills stand as a distinctive feature of the area.
Photo by Evangelos Mpikakis Via Unsplash
Plati: A Historic Village
Here, history comes alive! Plati is one of the most historically significant settlements on the Lassithi Plateau.
In 1913, at the suggestion of Joseph Chatzidakis, excavations were undertaken adjacent to the village by R M Dawkins of the English School of Archaeology. According to information provided by the Municipality, these excavations revealed three Minoan structures dating from Late Minoan I, as well as newer constructions from the Greek era.
The village adheres to the traditions of the region, where visitors can marvel at one of the renowned watermills of the plateau.
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