5 SENSES DESTINATIONS: LASSITHI SPIRIT OF THE CRETANS
In Lassithi, the cosmopolitan “air” of Elounda, the picturesque beauty of Agios Nikolaos, the liveliness of Ierapetra and the “exotic aura” of the palm forest of Vai. To the east, Sitia, the birthplace of the poet of Erotokritos, Vincenzos Kornaros, while north of Mount Dikti, is the Dikteo Andro, the cave in which, according to mythology, was born the
Zeus. In the bay of Elounda, in the middle of the sea, the island of tears, Spinalonga, stands alone and deserted. Lasithi is rich in history, sightseeing,
unique landscape variations. One visit alone is not enough.
We have written so much about the herb of “eternal youth”, the dittany that grows in all the Cretan mountains, the White Mountains and Psiloritis. The Diktaia Mountains, however, are his homeland, the place where he was “born” and named after himself. As in the rest of Crete, here too, herbs and herbs have their place of honor, filling the entire Lassithi plateau with unique fragrances: marjoram, antonaida, oregano, mint. All this is complemented by the exotic smells of dates and palm trees in Vai and the woody smell of cedar
in Gajdouronissi.
All the delicacies of Crete can be tasted in the places of Lasithi. But here you should be aware that they have a greater affinity for water pies, cheese pies that are rolled out in the pan without oil, the rising kalitsounia that resemble lynxes but are more puffy because of the yeast, the boiled goat, the rooster stewed, the fava and the lasagna of Kritsa, as they are called in Lassithi, the spaghetti skioufichta, which are handmade and when boiled, sprinkled with grated myzitha and “burnt” with hot stako-butter.
If your wallet can afford it, choose the luxurious accommodation in Elounda, which has been hosting for decades famous and rich people from all over the world. In Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra and Sitia you can find hotels and rooms from 40 euros. Dive in the deep blue waters of Vai, Makrigialos, Sissy and Gaidouronissi or Chrisi. Ask the locals to tell you about others. Have a natural clay spa on the homonymous beach of Xirokampos. Explore the seabed on a glass-bottomed semi-submarine departing from Agios Nikolaos.
The music in Eastern Crete gives its own stamp to the Cretan tradition, with lighter rhythms than the Doric rhythms of the Rizitika of Chania, the simple musical style of Rethymnon and the modern touches of Heraklion. Violin, lyre and guitar blend harmoniously in the Lassithian tunes. A luminous form of the music of Lassithi is considered
Stratis Kalogeridis, from Sitia, who lived at the beginning of the 20th century. Enjoy Lassithi cakes, traditional feast with local delicacies and wine, on the first of July at
Pan-Lasithian festival in Mesa Lasithaki, on the day of the feast of the Holy Doctors Anargyroi.
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Leaving Crete, apart from the unique memories and experiences that will accompany you for a lifetime, we suggest you take something that bears witness to the history and tradition of the place, such as the Cretan knife with the mantinades engraved on its blade, the sari with the dense fringes as well as herbs, spices and wine from the vineyards of the Cretan land.
