Holidays in Crete - Lassithi (Greece): tours from Almaty from 1 193 000 ₸

Holidays in Crete in the Lassithi region are the eastern part of the island centered on Agios Nikolaos, where sea, mountains and plateau combine. The season lasts from May to October, with heat in July and August. From Almaty, flights go with connections through Istanbul, Athens or Dubai. Resorts are Elounda, Malia, Sisi. Nearby are the Lassithi Plateau and the Dikteon Cave.

What makes Eastern Crete and the Lassithi region notable?

The eastern part of Crete is the Lassithi region centered on Agios Nikolaos. Sea, mountains and plateau combine here, so holidays in Crete - Lassithi are chosen by those who need both beach and nature.

Administrative center and resort area

Agios Nikolaos is the administrative center of Lassithi and the main town of the eastern coast. Holidays here are conveniently built around it. Roads radiate from the town to Elounda, Malia, Sisi and small bays. In Agios Nikolaos itself there is a promenade, a market and Lake Voulismeni right within the town limits. The resort area of the region stretches along the sea for dozens of kilometers. Tours to Crete - Lassithi often include accommodation in this very part of the island. Greek cuisine, a measured rhythm and a view of the bay are what people come here for. The place suits families, couples and those traveling independently.

Mountain plateau and Dikteon Cave

The Lassithi Plateau lies in the mountains about an hour's drive from the coast. This is one of the most famous places of eastern Crete. Old windmills stand here, and fields and olive groves spread around. Nearby is the Dikteon Cave — a large karst cavity with lakes and stalactites. According to Greek tradition, Zeus was born right here. The road to the plateau goes in serpentines, so time should be allowed with a margin. At the top it is cooler than by the sea, even in the height of summer. Many take a sightseeing tour, others come by rented car. Holidays in Crete - Lassithi would be incomplete without this trip.

How to get there from Almaty and prepare the trip?

From Almaty to Crete people get there with connections. There are no direct flights, so the route is built through major hubs, and the fees are planned in advance.

Routes with connections and choice of airline

From Almaty to Crete flights go through Istanbul, Athens or Dubai. Usually this is one or two connections. Through Istanbul the route is short in total time, through Athens it is convenient if you want to linger in the capital of Greece. Through Dubai fly those who find a layover in the Emirates suitable. The airline is chosen by connection and baggage, not only by price. Tours to Crete - Lassithi from Almaty are most often built with a flight to Heraklion. Tickets for the high season are snapped up in advance, especially for July and August. The connection is better taken with a margin of several hours. Then the transfer will not turn into a hassle.

What to take with you and when to go

The swimming season in eastern Crete lasts from May to October. In July and August there is heat, the sea is warm, and the wind from the sea softens the heat. In May and October the water is still comfortable, but the beaches are freer and prices lower. Take light clothing, a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes for mountain roads. In the evening by the sea it can be cool, so a light jacket will come in handy. For a trip to the plateau, closed shoes are needed. Holidays in Crete are planned with a margin of time precisely because of the road. Greek weather in summer rarely lets you down, but wind in the east of the island is a common thing.

Transfer and movement around the eastern part of the island

The main gateway of the region is Heraklion airport. From there to the resorts of Lassithi people get there in various ways, and the choice depends on the budget and the number of people.

From Heraklion airport to Agios Nikolaos

The distance from Heraklion airport to Agios Nikolaos is about 60 kilometers. The journey takes about an hour. There are three options: a rented car, a taxi and an intercity KTEL bus. The bus runs on schedule and costs the least. A taxi is convenient if you arrived at night or with large luggage. Renting a car gives freedom for all the days of the trip. Holidays in Crete - Lassithi often begin precisely with this transfer. In the high season the road may take more time due to traffic. Water and light food should be taken along for the journey.

Car rental, ferries and KTEL buses

Renting a car in Crete requires an international driving license. A credit card is often needed for the deposit. Without it, not all rental agencies will issue a car. KTEL buses connect Agios Nikolaos with Elounda, Malia and other towns. Ferries run between coastal points, but the schedule should be checked in advance. In summer in the east there is strong wind, and trips are sometimes shifted. For short trips a bus is enough, for long ones — a car. Holidays in Crete with a rented car are more convenient if you want to see the plateau and the bays.

Where to stay: hotels and apartments

Accommodation in Lassithi is varied — from modest studios to large complexes. The choice depends on what kind of holiday is needed: quiet or with infrastructure.

Resorts of Elounda, Malia and Sisi

Elounda is the most elegant resort of the eastern shore. Here there are boutiques, a promenade and a calm sea. Malia is known for its long beach and lively evening life. Sisi is a quiet place with a fishing harbor and a family atmosphere. Crete - Lassithi Greece at these points feels different. In Elounda it is more expensive, in Malia noisier, in Sisi calmer. All three are connected by bus and the road along the sea. Greek cuisine in local tavernas is its own, homemade, everywhere. Holidays in Crete here are easy to adjust to your own rhythm.

Budget options and five-star complexes

In Lassithi there is accommodation for any budget. Family apartments in Elounda are an inexpensive option with a kitchen. Guest houses in Sisi are suitable for those who want quiet. Five-star resorts are located closer to Agios Nikolaos and Malia, often with their own beach. Tours to Crete - Lassithi usually include hotels of different levels. In high season, popular places are booked up several months in advance. It is worth booking in advance, especially for July and August. Payment in Greece is mainly by card, but cash euros will come in handy.

Greek cuisine and local impressions

Food and evening walks are half the pleasure of the region. Here it is simple, filling and with a view of the water.

Fish, cheeses and wine in tavernas

Greek cuisine in Lassithi is built on fresh fish and seafood. Octopus, squid and small fish are grilled. Local cheeses are soft and salty, they are served with vegetables. The olive oil here is their own, village-made. Wine is taken local, often draft. Portions are usually large, one plate is enough for two. Tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary to leave about 5–10% of the bill. A beach holidays on Crete without dinner in a taverna by the sea is incomplete.

Lake Voulismeni and evening walks

Lake Voulismeni lies right in Agios Nikolaos. Around it stand tavernas and cafes with a view of the water. In the evening, people stroll along the shore here and feed the ducks. The place is small, but atmospheric. Nearby are the city embankment and the market. After dinner it is pleasant to walk along the narrow streets of the old town. Crete - Lassithi Greece is remembered precisely for such evenings. A beach holidays on Crete here becomes slow and warm.

Briefly

• Lassithi is the eastern part of Crete with its center in the city of Agios Nikolaos.
• The main resorts of the region: Elounda, Malia, Sisi and small bays.
• The Lassithi Plateau and the Dikteon Cave are located about an hour from the sea.
• From Almaty they fly with connections, accommodation is booked months in advance.