The Lassithi Plateau is a scenic and fertile area in eastern Crete, Greece. It lies at an altitude of 840 metres (2,760 feet) and is surrounded by the Dikti Mountains. The plateau has a rich history and is famous for its windmills, caves, and produce. Most visitors visit the plateau to explore its natural and cultural attractions, such as the Dikteon Andron, a cave where Zeus was born according to Greek mythology. There are several ways to get to the Lassithi Plateau, depending on the starting point and the budget. The most popular way is to drive by car or rent a 4WD vehicle, which allows more flexibility and comfort. The plateau can be accessed from Heraklion, the capital of Crete, or Agios Nikolaos, a coastal town in the Lassithi region. The driving distance from Heraklion is 70 kilometres (43 miles), and from Agios Nikolaos is 50 kilometres (31 miles). The roads are winding and steep but offer spectacular views of the landscape.
The cheapest way to get to the Lassithi Plateau is to take a public bus from Heraklion or Agios Nikolaos. The bus service is not frequent and may not stop at all the villages on the plateau. The bus fare from Heraklion is 7€ ($7.63, £6.09) and from Agios Nikolaos is 5€ ($5.45, £4.35). The bus ride takes 1.5 hours from Heraklion and 1 hour from Agios Nikolaos. There are also guided tours, including transportation, entrance fees, and lunch, for those who prefer a more organised and hassle-free option.
Listed below are ways to get to Lassithi Plateau:
Taking a taxi to the plateau saves time, as taxis are faster than buses and can take the shortest route. It offers flexibility, as taxis are available anytime and can pick up and drop off passengers at any location. It provides privacy, as taxis can accommodate up to 4 people and do not have to share the ride with strangers. The cost of taking a taxi to the plateau depends on the distance and the time of the day. The price per kilometre is 0.9€ ($0.98, £0.78) during the day and 1.25€ ($1.36, £1.09) at night. The minimum fare is 4€ ($4.36, £3.48) and the base fare is 1.8€ ($1.96, £1.57). There may be extra charges for luggage, holidays, airport and port surcharges, and waiting time. A taxi from Heraklion Airport to the plateau would cost around 85€ ($92.65, £73.95) during the day and 100€ ($109, £87) at night, while a taxi from Agios Nikolaos to the plateau would cost 50€ ($54.5, £43.5) during the day and 60€ ($65.4, £52.2) at night.
The duration of taking a taxi to the plateau also depends on the traffic and the road conditions. The plateau is 70 kilometres (43 miles) from Heraklion Airport and 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Agios Nikolaos. It takes an hour to drive from Heraklion Airport to the plateau and 40 minutes from Agios Nikolaos to the plateau; however, these times may vary depending on the season and the weather. The ideal time to take a taxi to the plateau is in the spring or autumn when the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. Spring and autumn are also the best times to avoid the crowds and the heat, as the plateau can get busy and hot during peak and summer hours.
Getting to the Lassithi Plateau by car rental is easy, convenient, and enjoyable, allowing visitors to explore the region at their own pace and preference. The prices vary depending on the car's type and size, the rental's duration, and the year's season. The average price for a small car for one day is 25€ ($27.25, £21.75). Car rental companies provide full insurance, unlimited mileage, and 24/7 road assistance. The Lassithi Plateau is 70 kilometres (43 miles) from Heraklion, the capital of Crete, and 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Agios Nikolaos, the main town of the Lassithi region. The driving time from either of these locations is one hour, depending on the traffic and the road conditions. The road to the plateau is well-paved and signposted, but it is also winding and steep, so drivers should be careful and attentive.
The best time to visit the Lassithi Plateau by car rental is from spring to autumn when the weather is mild and sunny, and the landscape is green and colourful. The average temperature in these seasons is 20 ℃ (68 ℉), with low rainfall. Visitors should also be prepared for some strong winds and sudden changes in the weather, especially in the higher altitudes. The winter season is also possible, but it is colder and wetter, and there may be snow on the mountain peaks.
Reaching the plateau by public bus is possible, but there are some things to consider before planning the trip. There is no direct bus service from Heraklion, the capital of Crete, to the Lassithi Plateau. One has to take a bus from Heraklion to either Malia or Stalida, two coastal towns on the north coast, and then take a taxi to the plateau. The bus fare from Heraklion to Malia or Stalida is 4€ ($4.36, £3.48), and the taxi fare is 25€ ($27.25, £21.75) per car. One can take a bus from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, another coastal town on the east coast, and then take another bus from there to the plateau. The bus fare from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos is 7.5€ ($8.18, £6.53), and the bus fare from Agios Nikolaos to the plateau is 3.5€ ($3.82, £3.05) per person.
The travel time from Heraklion to the Lassithi Plateau depends on the route and the traffic. The bus ride from Heraklion to Malia or Stalida takes 45 minutes, and the taxi ride from there to the plateau takes 15 minutes. The bus ride from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos takes 90 minutes, and the bus ride from there to the plateau takes 45 minutes. The total travel time can range from one hour to two and a half hours, depending on the transportation choice and the availability of buses. The ideal time to visit the Lassithi Plateau by public bus is during the spring or autumn when the weather is mild, and the landscape is green and colourful. The summer season can be very hot and dry, and the winter can be cold and snowy. The bus schedules may also vary depending on the season and the demand, so it is advisable to check the timetables in advance and book the tickets online or at the bus stations.
The cost of an organised tour to the Lassithi Plateau varies depending on the duration, itinerary, and transportation. The average price range is 34€ ($37.06, £29.58) to 85€ ($92.65, £73.95) per adult. Some tours may include lunch, entrance fees, or other extras, while others may not. Visitors should always check the details and reviews of the tour before booking. The duration of an organised tour to the Lassithi Plateau also depends on the itinerary and the starting point. Most tours last 8 to 9 hours, but some may be longer or shorter. Some tours start from Heraklion, while others start from Agios Nikolaos, Chania, or other locations. Visitors should choose a tour that suits their schedule and preferences.
The difficulty of an organised tour to the Lassithi Plateau is generally low to moderate, as the plateau is accessible by road and the altitude is not very high. Some tours may involve hiking, climbing, or other activities that require physical fitness and appropriate clothing and footwear. Visiting the Dikteon Cave, where Zeus was born according to the myth, requires climbing 200 steps. Visitors should always check the description and requirements of the tour before booking.
The cost of a private tour to the Lassithi Plateau varies from 237€ ($258.33, £206.19) to 844€ ($919.96, £734.28) per group, depending on the number of people, the vehicle, and the itinerary. Some tours include lunch, entrance fees, and other extras, while others do not. It is advisable to compare different options and read the reviews before booking a tour. The duration of a private tour to the Lassithi Plateau ranges from 7 hours to 10 hours, depending on the starting point, the stops, and the traffic. Most tours depart from Heraklion, Chania, or Rethymno and visit attractions such as the Cave of Zeus, Knossos Palace, or Elounda. Some tours offer flexible pick-up and drop-off times and locations.
The difficulty of getting to the Lassithi Plateau with a private tour is low to moderate, depending on the physical condition and preferences of the travellers. The plateau is 800 metres (2,600 feet) and surrounded by mountains, so the road can be steep and winding. The Cave of Zeus requires a 15 to 20-minute uphill walk and has many steps inside. Some tours offer 4x4 vehicles or jeeps for a more adventurous ride. The ideal time to visit the Lassithi Plateau through a private tour is from April to July or from September to December when the weather is pleasant, and the plateau is green and fertile. The average temperature in these months is between 15 ℃ (59 ℉) and 30 ℃ (86 ℉), and the chance of rain or snow is low. The plateau is famous for its windmills, which are more active in the spring and summer. The plateau also has many flowers, fruits, and vegetables in these seasons. The plateau is less crowded and more peaceful in these months than in August when it attracts many tourists and locals.
The cheapest way to reach the Lassithi Plateau is by bus. Bus tickets cost between 3€ and 7€, making it an economical option for budget-conscious travelers. Buses provide regular, reliable service, connecting various towns and cities in Crete to the plateau. The buses are well-maintained, offering a comfortable journey with scenic views. Traveling by bus also allows visitors to experience local culture and interact with fellow travelers, offering insights into the region's traditional villages and agricultural landscapes.
The quickest way to reach the Lassithi Plateau is by taxi or car rental. Taxis offer a direct, efficient journey with door-to-door service, available at airports, ports, and urban areas. Drivers are familiar with the routes, ensuring a swift trip. Renting a car provides flexibility, allowing travelers to explore the plateau and other attractions at their own pace. Both options enhance the travel experience, enabling stops at viewpoints, scenic routes, and the discovery of hidden gems. The Lassithi Plateau’s natural beauty and traditional villages are best appreciated through these modes of travel.
Families with kids should choose car rental to reach the Lassithi Plateau. Renting a car offers control over the itinerary, allowing families to explore at their own pace, make impromptu stops, and accommodate children's needs. It provides a comfortable and convenient mode of transportation, especially for young children who may require frequent breaks. Car rental also allows families to fully experience the plateau's scenic beauty, traditional villages, and historical sites, such as the Dikteon Cave and the windmills of Lasithi, without relying on public transportation. Additionally, renting a car enables families to transport essential items like strollers, car seats, and extra luggage, and access nearby amenities easily.
The best transfer vehicle to reach the Lassithi Plateau is a taxi. Taxis offer direct, efficient access without the need to navigate public transportation or rent a car. They provide door-to-door service, eliminating transfers and additional stops, which is ideal for those seeking a straightforward and time-efficient option. Taxis offer a comfortable and stress-free experience with modern amenities like air conditioning, ensuring a pleasant ride. Experienced drivers handle navigation and traffic, often sharing local insights and recommendations. The taxi service is well-regulated, ensuring licensed drivers and reliable transportation. Taxis are available day and night, offering flexibility in departure times.
The Lassithi Plateau is a high and flat land in eastern Crete, Greece. It covers 25 square kilometres (9.7 square miles) and lies at an average height of 840 metres (2,760 feet) above sea level. The Lassithi Plateau is surrounded by the Dikti Mountains, which form a natural barrier and protect it from harsh weather. The climate is mild, and the soil is fertile, making it ideal for agriculture. The plateau produces various crops, such as potatoes, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, melons, and watermelons. The Lassithi Plateau has a long and rich history, dating back to the Neolithic period (6000 BC). It was inhabited by the Minoans, the Dorians, and later by the Venetians and the Ottomans. It is also believed to be the birthplace of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. A cave with stalactites and stalagmites called the Dikteon Andron is said to be where Zeus was hidden by his mother, Rhea, from his father Cronus. The Lassithi Plateau is famous for its white-sailed windmills, used since the 1920s to pump water for irrigation. They are a unique and characteristic feature of the landscape and a symbol of the local culture and tradition. There were about 10,000 windmills in the past, but modern pumps have replaced most. Some of them have been restored and preserved as tourist attractions. The Lassithi Plateau has many villages, monasteries, and museums to explore. Some of the most notable ones are Tzermiado, the largest and most developed village, Agios Georgios, the second largest village, the Monastery of Panagia Kroustallenia, a historical and religious site, and the Folk Museum at Tzermiado, which displays the traditional way of life and crafts of the plateau.
Listed below are the different ways to get to Lassithi Plateau from Heraklion:
Listed below are the different ways to get to Lassithi Plateau from Chania:
Listed below are the different ways to get to Lassithi Plateau from Rethymno:
Listed below are the different ways to get to Lassithi Plateau from Agios Nikolaos:
Listed below are the different ways to get to Lassithi Plateau from Hersonissos:
Yes, the Lassithi Plateau is worth visiting. It is a 25 square kilometre (9.7 square miles) flat area surrounded by high mountains in eastern Crete, Greece, with a rich history dating back to the Neolithic period (6000 BC). According to legend, it is the birthplace of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. The plateau features attractions like windmills, caves, traditional villages, and fresh produce. The windmills, used for irrigation since the 1920s, are a distinctive part of the landscape. The Dikteon Andron cave, where Zeus was said to have been born and hidden from Cronus, is another highlight. The small villages are traditional, with stone houses and churches, and the region's produce includes potatoes, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, melons, and watermelons.
Yes, visitors need to book a transfer to visit the Lassithi Plateau. The Lassithi Plateau is a high and isolated area in eastern Crete, 70 kilometres (43 miles) from Heraklion. It is not easily accessible by public transportation, and the roads are narrow and winding. A private car or a Crete taxi is the best option to reach the plateau. The plateau has many interesting villages and attractions, such as the famous windmills, the Dikteon Cave, and the Monastery of Kera. Visitors need a guide or a map and enough time to enjoy the scenery. A transfer service can provide both and a comfortable and safe ride.
