Krasi

Krasi is a picturesquely quaint village in Crete, Greece. Located at a height of 600m, Krasi is situated to the northwest of the foot of the beautiful Mount Selena. It is around 42km away from Heraklion, the capital of Crete and easily accessible by car. For those looking to soak in the local culture and history of the island, Krasi is one of the best villages to explore. Krasi belongs to the protected natural area or NATURA 2000.

While driving to Krasi from Heraklion or Malia, the road ascends paving the way for exceptional views of a forested area covered in kermes oaks and evergreen oaks. From here one can also admire the coastline view of Hersonissos. On arriving at the village entrance you can drive around, or explore the village on foot too. The cobbled lanes are surrounded by old-fashioned traditional homes and churches. However, in the village’s central square stand three wonderful plane trees. The middle tree is more than 2000 years old and has a perimeter of 24m. The tree is also listed as a Monument of Nature. Besides, the plane trees, the Megali Vrisi is also found in the central square. This stone water fountain contains potable spring water throughout the year and is made of two fountainheads.
Krasi is called the ‘literary village’ as renowned writer Nikos Kazantzakis spent many summers here writing and living with his friends. Along with his wife Galatea Alexiou and friends, he formed a literary fellowship. The inscriptions and pictures of this fellowship are found in the arches of the Megail Vrisi. There are several cafes and taverns in the village that serve traditional and authentic dishes that are cooked in wooden ovens.