Lassithi plateau
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Lassithi plateau

Lassithi plateau

Cretan mountain plateau ringed by the Dikti range, once irrigated by thousands of white-sailed windmills

The Lassithi plateau is a large fertile plain in the northwest part of eastern Crete, ringed by the Dikti Mountains. People have lived here since Neolithic times, around 6000 BC, drawn by the rich alluvial soil deposited each spring as snowmelt runs down from the surrounding peaks.

The Venetians built vast irrigation works in the early 15th century to ensure good harvests. For centuries afterward, the plain was irrigated by white-sailed windmills -- some 10,000 of them. Travel agencies still publish photos of the plateau crammed with sails, but those days are gone. In the late 20th century, diesel and electric pumps replaced nearly all of the windmills. The few that remain serve mostly as decoration outside tavernas along the main road.

What draws visitors today is the Diktaean Cave above the village of Psychro, identified by archaeologists in 1880 as the mythological birthplace of Zeus. The plateau itself is a peaceful place to drive or cycle, with a single road looping around the plain past small farming villages.

Guide

Getting There

The Lassithi plateau sits in the Dikti Mountains above the north coast of Crete. All approaches involve a winding climb, but the roads are paved and the views are worth it.

By bus -- KTEL buses run from Iraklion bus station A to the plateau once a day. It is cheap and comfortable, but the single daily service means you will likely want your own transport for flexibility.

By car from Iraklion -- Take the coastal road east toward Agios Nikolaos. Just before Hersonissos, a signed road heads south toward the Lassithi plateau and the Dikti Mountains. The climb to the Kera pass is steep but rewarding -- from the top you get a sweeping view over the entire plateau.

By car from Agios Nikolaos -- Head west toward Iraklion for about 10 km, then turn south toward Neapolis and follow signs for Tzermiado and the Lassithi plateau. The road is paved but narrow and winding.

By car via Malia -- Malia sits roughly halfway between Iraklion and Agios Nikolaos on the main coastal road. Follow signs south for Tzermiado and the plateau.

By car via Kastelli -- A quieter alternative from Iraklion. Head south through Knossos, Peza, and Kastelli before reaching Tzermiado. Slower, but you will see more of the inland villages.

Guide

Things to Do

Nearly all the sights around the Lassithi plateau can be reached from the single main road that loops around the plain. The most visited spot is the village of Psychro, gateway to the famous Diktaean Cave.