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General Information for Lassithi
The nome of Lassithi - named after the picturesque Mesa, offers incredible shores and high mountains, along with thousands of its famous windmills - used to irrigate the fertile valley. Although Aghios Nikolaos, the administrative capital of the nome is the least gripping of all places in Crete, nonetheless - due to the physical charm, historical and archeological monuments of Lassithi, it has become pole of attraction to thousands of tourists, foreign and domestic. Visit the plateau - sheltered high in Mt Dikti - with its twelve scenic villages. Relish the singular view of the Vouliasmeni lagoon - in the center of Aghios Nikolaos where according to lore, the goddesses, Athena and Artemis bathed - linked to the sea by a canal. Do not miss the palm-tree grove. The northern coast of Aghios Nikolaos is the busiest and most frequented tourist area of the island. The major and most famous resort areas are Schima, Elouda and Plaka. Schima is joined with Kolokitha, the island across, by a bridge. The ruins of ancient Elouda are located in the sea and they can be seen when the water is clear. At the entrance of Elouda bay the rocky islet of Spinaloga - where the ruins of a Venetian castle, built in 1579 are still preserved - is located. Plaka, a scenic fishing village with gorgeous beaches is located a short distance from Elouda. Seashores: The municipal beaches of Aghios Nikolaos are very crowded. Towards Elouda or Ierapetra, there are numerous small calm charming bays where you can enjoy a swim. Amoudi is the most crowded, Havania and Amouthara very interesting shores. Western Crete The western part of the island consists of the two nomes: Hania and Rethymno. Incredible beauty commands over the entire region. Rugged mountains, wooded hillsides, ravines and canyons, dense vegetation, remote lovely bays, vast sandy beaches, welcome the visitor to this mythical landscape.
Where to eat?
There are many tavernas about the harbor and the lake, nothing special (besides the view), however, for the prices they charge. If you want to avoid the cost go inland. You are bound to find good restaurants and pay less. Prices are a bit better at establishments around Kyroplateia, although you are still paying for their setting. On Palaeologou St., next to the lake, there are among others the Pine Tree taverna, which serves delicious grilled food and the Alouas Tavernas, which serves traditional Greek and Cretan food. On Lassithiou St. there is the Stasi Ouzeri, which offers a superb menu of appetizers/mezethes reasonably priced(open only evenings). The Trata Restaurant (located on Sfakianaki and Tselepi Sts, with a lovely roof garden, is very popular. Itanos (on Kyprou St.), also has a lovely view from its terrace, serving traditional Cretan food and good wine.

By plane : Ïlympic Airways. From Spata ,in Attica, ( "Eleftherios Velizelos" airport), to Siteia (the airport is about 2 k.m N from Siteia) there are flights throuhout the year. For information call Olympic Airways in Áthens, 9666666, or O.A in Siteia (0843) 22270, for Siteia's airport call 24666, ÏÔÅ 144.

By Bus : There are routes with KTEL Busses from Thessaloniki to Aghios Nikolaos. Ferry boats carry the busses from Piraeus to Aghios Nikolaos . For information call Lassithi's KTEL in Thessaloniki (031) 525253.

By Fery : From Piraeus to Aghios Nikolaos and Siteia there routes throughout the year.For information call the Port Authority in Piraeus, 4226000-4, 4593140, 4593150, or tourist offices ,4124800, 4177453, 4179822, 4124900, 4125155, 4119264, 4137676, ÏÔÅ 143.
Important Phones
Aghios Nikolaos (28410)
AuthorityPhone Number
Emergency25221
Police22251
Tourist Police26900
Traffic Police22750
Olympic Airways22270
Port Authority22312
Taxi24000-100