Aghios Nikolaos

The prefecture of Lassithi is in the eastern part of the island. Its capital is Αgios Νικolaos with its typical small harbor built around a deep cove. Aghios Nikolaos was declared capital of the prefecture in 1904.

Zakros

The fourth largest Minoan palace on Crete, the only one that was discovered unplundered.

Siteia

Archaeological site located in eastern Crete. The ruins of ancient Itanos are situated 27 km east of Siteia, after the palm beach of Vai.

Ιerapetra

On the site of the present-day town, once stood one of the greatest cities of ancient Crete. Initially it was named Kyrva, after its founder. Later it was given the names, Kamiros, Pytna, Ierapytna and ultimately Ierapetra.

Diktaion Andron (the Diktian Cave)

On the north slope of Mt Dikti, at an elevation of 1025 m, lies Diktaion Andron, the cave where Zeus, the king of the gods and humans, was reared. The cave is overhung with impressive, massive stalactites. Its humid atmosphere and serenity is occasionally disturbed by the wing-flapping of wild pigeons that nest in its interior. The stalactitic figures of Zeus, Hera, Artemis and Athena shimmer in the half-light. In the rear of the cave there is a lake and in its crystal clear water a stalactite forest, known as "Zeus's cloak", is reflected like a massive chandelier. Excavations yielded many findings that outnumber those discovered in the Idaean Cave. The latter upholds the belief that Zeus was born in Diktaion Andron but reared in the Idaean Cave.

The Toplou Monastery

This castle-like monastery towers above a remote area. It is variously known as Panayia Akrotiriani, due to its proximity to Cape Sidero. It took the name "Toplou" in the years of the Ottoman rule because it was equipped with a cannon (top), installed by the Venetians to deter pirates.

Vai beach

The enchanting sandy beach of Vai is backed by a forest of 5000 palm trees. According to the myth, their occurrence is attributed to the Phoenician who visited the area threw away the seeds of the dates they were eating. It is said that the name “Vai” derives from "vayia" ("palm tree" in the local dialect).

Spinalonga

On the islet of Spinalonga, an impregnable fortress stands on a rock (200x400 m) built by the Venetians in 1579 for the defense of the Mirabello Bay. The fortress equipped with big cannons withstood assault during the 24-year long war between the Venetians and the Turks. After Crete was conquered by the Turks in AD 1699, it remained in the hands of the Venetians, just like the forts of Grambousa and Souda in western Crete. In 1903 following a decision of the Cretan State, Spinalonga became a leper colony which ceased to exist in 1957 thanks to medical science advancements.