Lassithi Plateau

The Lassithi Plateau in East Crete, Greece is one of the best trips to undertake for a day. It is surrounded by the Dikti Mountains and is 850m above sea level. 18 villages are strewn across the plateau with a 23 km road linking each. You can drive or even cycle along this route. Also, you can access the plateau from Agios Nikolaos or from Heraklion.

One of the most striking features of the Lassithi Plateau is the white cloth windmills that are vital for irrigation. Many of these traditional windmills are replaced today by modern technology, but they continue to remain iconic landmarks. The Psychro Cave or the Diktaean Cave is located in the Psychro village and is also called the Cave of Zeus. Located in the center of the plateau, it is believed to be the birthplace of the legendary God of Sky and Thunder soaring at the height of 1025m. Additionally, you can stopover at some of the villages to explore the attractions and culture of the region. Driving across the Lassithi Plateau and its villages is a great way to interact with the physical landscape of the region. However, it also showcases the culture of the land, as visitors can watch the locals busy in a game of tavli or can enjoy authentic Greek coffee.