Exploring the heart of Crete often means enjoying its landscapes, legends, and local crafts. The “From Heraklion: Traditions & Legends of Lasithi Plateau” tour offers just that—a well-rounded journey through one of Crete’s most picturesque regions. This 6-7 hour experience takes you from the bustling city of Heraklion into the serene Dikti Mountains, where you’ll encounter historic sites, traditional villages, and local artisans. It’s a chance to see Crete beyond the usual tourist spots, soaking in scenic views and local culture.
What I particularly like about this tour is how it balances history with authentic rural life. Visiting the 14th-century Kera Kardiotissa Monastery feels special, especially with its religious artifacts and peaceful atmosphere. The drive through the Lasithi Plateau offers sweeping views, windmills, and the chance to photograph some truly iconic scenes. Plus, the opportunity to watch local pottery artisans at work enriches the experience—seeing craftsmanship handed down through generations is always a highlight. One small note: while the Dicteon Cave will be closed in 2025, the tour’s replacement of a pottery workshop still provides a tangible connection to local traditions.
A possible drawback is the time commitment—while the day is packed with sights, some travelers might find the schedule tight, especially if they prefer more leisurely exploration. The visit to Tzermiado village is a highlight, but with only about 1 hour and 45 minutes for lunch and wandering, it’s a quick peek rather than an in-depth village experience. Also, entry to Kera Monastery costs extra (€5), and lunch at a local tavern (around €14) adds to the cost, though it’s worth it for authentic Cretan food. Guides are generally praised for their knowledge, like the mention of a “very good guide,” making the journey informative and enjoyable.
Key Points / Takeaways
- Scenic Mountain Drive: The route through the Dikti Mountains offers stunning views of windmills, terraced fields, and traditional villages.
- Historical Monastery: Kera Kardiotissa, with its revered icon and frescoes, provides insight into Crete’s spiritual side.
- Authentic Crafts: Watching artisans make ceramics by hand gives you a tangible connection to local traditions.
- Tzermiado Village: A picturesque spot perfect for strolling, snapping photos, and enjoying a traditional Cretan meal.
- Flexible and Family-Friendly: The tour includes hotel pickup, a professional guide, and accessible stops suitable for most travelers.
- Good Value: With transportation, guide commentary, and visits included, this tour offers a well-rounded and reasonably priced way to experience Crete’s rural side.
Entering The Heart of Crete: A Detailed Look
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Krasi Crete.
The Scenic Drive into the Dikti Mountains
The day begins early with hotel pickups—an efficient way to avoid the hassle of finding parking or navigating Crete’s winding roads yourself. The drive from Heraklion to the Lasithi Plateau, about an hour and a half, sets the tone for the day. I love how the road twists through lush greenery, revealing the rugged beauty of the mountains. The mention of windmills and Venetian irrigation ditches is not just tourist fluff—these are real, functioning symbols of Crete’s ingenuity in managing its arid climate. Photographers will appreciate the numerous stops, especially as the landscape opens up to panoramic views.
Visiting the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery
Arriving at the Kera Monastery feels like stepping back in time. Run by nuns, it exudes a calm, spiritual vibe—an atmosphere that’s rare in modern tourist spots. Here, you get to see the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary and ancient frescoes that tell silent stories of faith and devotion. The €5 entrance fee is reasonable, and it’s worth paying extra if you’re interested in religious art or history. The guide’s commentary brings these sacred objects to life, making the visit more meaningful.
The Journey Through the Lasithi Plateau
The drive through the Lasithi Plateau is the tour’s centerpiece. At around 850 meters above sea level, it’s a landscape of striking contrasts—white windmills dotting the terrain, terraced fields, and small villages that look untouched by time. The white sails of the windmills are iconic, a reminder of Crete’s innovative use of available wind power. As you ascend, the scenery shifts from lush greenery to a more rugged, rocky landscape. The 18 traditional villages you pass through are inhabited, with stone houses and narrow lanes that beckon exploration.
The Pottery Workshop in Psychro
While the Dicteon Cave will be closed in 2025, the tour’s substitute—a pottery workshop—still offers a rewarding look into local craft. Watching artisans shape clay by hand, sometimes on foot-powered wheels, gives you a genuine sense of the skill and patience involved. It’s a chance to buy unique souvenirs directly from the makers, which I find preferable to generic tourist trinkets. This stop fascinates those interested in traditional crafts, and it’s always rewarding to see artisans passionate about their heritage.
Lunch and Free Time in Tzermiado
The main village of the plateau, Tzermiado, offers a picturesque setting for a relaxed lunch. The tour includes about 1 hour and 45 minutes here—just enough to stroll the streets, admire stone houses, and try authentic Cretan dishes at a cozy tavern. The meal, costing around €14, typically features chicken or pork cooked in the oven, with Greek salad, feta, and bread, plus a glass of wine or soft drink. Many reviews mention the quality of the food—delicious and hearty, perfect fuel for the afternoon ahead.
Return Journey and Final Drop-offs
After a full day, the bus departs Tzermiado around 3:45 PM, heading back to Heraklion and nearby towns. The return trip allows you to reflect on the day’s highlights, with the guide sharing additional insights en route. The flexibility of multiple drop-off locations makes it convenient for travelers staying in various parts of Crete.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is ideal for travelers who want to see Crete’s countryside without the hassle of self-driving. It suits those interested in local traditions, crafts, and scenic landscapes, with enough historical context to enrich your understanding. The pace is brisk but manageable, making it perfect for a day trip, especially if you’re staying in Heraklion. Families, couples, and solo travelers who enjoy cultural exploration and picturesque settings will find plenty to enjoy. If you’re a foodie, the included lunch offers a tasty taste of genuine Cretan cuisine.
Who Might Want More
If you’re craving more time in each village or a deeper dive into local life, this tour might feel a bit rushed. Also, those hoping to see the Dicteon Cave might be disappointed, as it remains closed in 2025. However, the ceramics workshop still captures the essence of local craftsmanship.
Price and Logistics
At around €70-€80 per person (including transportation, guide, and visits), the tour offers good value. The additional costs—€5 for the monastery entrance and €14 for lunch—are reasonable and enhance the experience. The hotel pickup service saves you the trouble of navigating public transport or parking, which adds to its convenience. The tour runs for 6-7 hours, with a flexible start time—check availability to sync with your travel plans.
Final Assessment: Who Is This Tour Best For?
If you’re looking for an authentic, scenic, and culturally rich day out in Crete, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s perfect for those who want a well-organized experience that balances nature, history, and crafts, with a friendly guide making the story come alive. The scenic drive, the historic monastery, and the chance to see artisans at work make for a memorable day. It’s especially good for travelers who appreciate authentic local food and picturesque villages without the chaos of larger tourist traps.
This is not a tour for those seeking intense activity or a very relaxed pace, but if you enjoy small-group experiences with meaningful stops, it is a very worthwhile way to spend a day in Crete.
FAQs
What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, an experienced guide, a pottery workshop visit, and free time in Tzermiado. Taxes and legal fees are covered, and participants are insured.
Are there additional costs?
Yes, the €5 entrance fee for Kera Monastery and about €14 for lunch at a local tavern are not included in the base price. Lunch includes a hearty meal with wine or soft drink.
How long is the driving time?
The drive from Heraklion to the Lasithi Plateau and back takes about 3 hours total, with stops along the way.
What is the best time of year for this tour?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s focus on scenery and outdoor stops suggests spring or early fall when Crete’s weather is most pleasant. Be sure to check availability and weather conditions before booking.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s a family-friendly experience, especially for those interested in countryside sights, crafts, and local food. Keep in mind the schedule might be a bit tight for very young children.
Can I customize the tour or choose different languages?
The tour offers guides in English, German, French, and Russian. You cannot customize the itinerary, but the guided commentary enhances the experience for non-Greek speakers.
In the end, this tour is a wonderful way to see a more rural, traditional side of Crete. It’s a well-organized trip that balances scenic beauty, cultural insight, and authentic local crafts, making it a rewarding choice for anyone wanting to truly experience the island’s soul.