The easternmost province of Crete, Lasithi is an area of spectacular natural beauty; the plateau that gives its name to the prefecture is the largest of the upland plains with windmills that rise above fields of potatoes and apple and almond orchards that are a pink-white haze of spring blossoms.

Beautiful beaches crowd the shoreline; some with an exotic tropical atmosphere like Vai, others like Xerokampos that rival the Indian Ocean for white sands and turquoise seas, and elsewhere there are kilometer after kilometer of golden sands perfect for families with shallow water and tavernas for lazy lunches, or secluded coves at the end of dusty trails for those who enjoy adventure and isolation.

The inland villages retain their traditional character and show a simpler, more authentic aspect of the Cretan psyche, a million miles away from the jet-set glitterati in the infinity pools of Elounda. Away from the glamourous shores of the Bay of Mirabello, the former capital of Sitia is a sleepy harbour town and a gateway to the eastern shores. Paleokastro has laid back vibes that attracts windsurfers from all over Europe to a lovely beach and an easy going town.

On the southern coast the warm Libyan Sea washes the shores of a series of small towns hidden from mass tourism. Eastern Crete is noticeably quieter than its western neighbours and while many visitors come here to bask in the luxury of the top class resorts, it remains an ideal place to explore still-unexploited landscapes, beaches, cultural sites, gorges, waterfalls, caves and even an island or two to throw into the mix.

Your Guide to Lasithi