The province of Lassithi occupies the easternmost part of Crete
and its capital is Agios Nikolaos, an attractive little harbour on the Gulf of
Mirabello, which has by far the most spectacular scenery along the entire north coast of Crete.
The Lassith Plateau is the most fertile of the whole province. Once windmills were used to irrigate the soil, now generators are used.
The Ierapetra area, which has the highest number of hours of
sunshine and the lowest rainfall, has developed into an important centre for the
production of early vegetables, especially tomatoes.
The most easterly town of Crete is Sitia, amphitheatrically
built in gentle mountain scenery at a picturesque harbour.
On the most easterly coast one finds, apart from the famous palm
forest beach at Vai, many other magnificent, quiet and isolated sandy beaches.
There are important archaeological and historical sites too,
such as the Minoan Palace of Kato Zakros, the Minoan Town of Gournia, the
admirable Monastery of Toplou, the Panagia I Kera church with its beautiful
frescoes nearKritsa, and the fortified island of Spinalonga. |