This location is #58 on our Best Travel Destinations In Greece & Greek Islands Map!
The Lasithi Plateau, located in eastern Crete, Greece, is a high-altitude plain nestled among the Dikti Mountains, sitting at an elevation of about 2,800 feet above sea level. Spanning roughly 15.5 square miles, it’s one of the largest plateaus in Crete, surrounded by peaks that reach up to 7,000 feet. The plateau’s fertile land, irrigated by a network of windmills and springs, supports a patchwork of small farms growing crops like potatoes, cereals, and fruit trees. Its cooler climate, with temperatures averaging 60-75°F in summer and occasional snowfall in winter, contrasts with Crete’s typically Mediterranean coastal weather, making it a unique microclimate for agriculture and tourism.
The Lasithi Plateau is renowned for its iconic white-sailed windmills, once numbering in the thousands, used to pump water for irrigation. While only a few dozen remain operational today, these windmills are a symbol of the region’s agricultural heritage and draw visitors for their rustic charm. The plateau is also known for its vibrant rural lifestyle, with small villages like Tzermiado and Agios Georgios offering a glimpse into traditional Cretan life. Tourists flock to the area for its scenic beauty, hiking trails through the Dikti Mountains, and the chance to explore the Dikteon Cave, a mythological site believed to be the birthplace of Zeus. Local festivals, such as the potato festival in Marmaketo, celebrate the region’s farming culture with food, music, and dance, attracting both locals and visitors.
Historically, the Lasithi Plateau has been inhabited since Neolithic times, with evidence of Minoan settlements dating back to around 2000 BCE. The Dikteon Cave, a significant archaeological site, was a sacred place for the Minoans, who left offerings there, reinforcing its mythological importance. During the Venetian period (13th-17th centuries), the plateau became a key agricultural hub, with the Venetians introducing the windmill irrigation system that shaped its landscape. In World War II, the plateau served as a resistance base against German occupation, with its remote location providing cover for Cretan fighters. Today, the plateau blends its rich history with modern tourism, preserving its cultural and archaeological significance while offering a peaceful retreat from Crete’s busier coastal areas.
