Plati: A Historic Village

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.

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.

Mesa Lassithi is situated on the eastern edge of the Plateau's plain. It is nestled near the foothills of Mt Samia and enjoys proximity to the Krystallenia Monastery.

In earlier times, Mesa Lassithi was known for its significant apple production, featuring high-quality varieties. Regrettably, this production has declined considerably in recent years. On the village's nearby hills, remnants of settlements and diverse artefacts have been unearthed, hinting at habitation in parts of Lassithi since the Late Minoan period or even earlier times.

Under Venetian rule, the village had several surrounding dependencies, which now exist solely as place names.

Of significance is the establishment of an informal school for ecclesiastical woodcarving within this village. This school was active for nearly a century, spanning from 1850 to 1940. The artisans (known as ‘nitadori’) from this school crafted several masterpieces that currently adorn various churches across Crete.