Our most recommended things to do in Krasi, Crete

Crete: Lasithi Plateau and Cave of Zeus Off Road Safari Tour

1. Crete: Lasithi Plateau and Cave of Zeus Off Road Safari Tour

Discover traditional life in rural Crete by witnessing the daily activities of the locals and visiting the sites where Greek myths were born. Enjoy a tour of Potamies, Aposelemis dam, Empasa, the cave of Zeus, and the beautiful scenery of the plateau. Start with pickup from your accommodation. Visit one of the most characteristic Cretan villages, Potamies, for a tour of a traditional local farm. See the process of milking and cheese-making, meet the animals, and sample their fresh cheese. Next, head to the Aposelemis dam, the largest water supply project in Crete. See the village of Sfendili submerged in the waters of the dam with its impressive old houses fading on the surface of the water. Explore the natural wetlands and spot a unique variety of birds. Continue uphill on the dirt roads to the gorge of Empasa. Enjoy the views of the mountainous landscape and thriving wildlife. Try your hand at foraging for native herbs or relax and take in the panoramic views. Take a trip to Lassithi Plateau to enter Psychro Cave, the fabled birthplace of the Greek God Zeus. Follow the trails of the gods and after that take a tour around the plateau to get a sense of local life. Finally, enjoy authentic food baked in the wood oven in one of the most celebrated taverns in the picturesque village of Krasi. Admire the town square filled with fountains and see imposing plane trees that are up to 2000 years old. Return to your hotel full of unforgettable memories of Crete.

Crete: Lasithi Plateau Villages, Monasteries Zeus Cave Tour

2. Crete: Lasithi Plateau Villages, Monasteries Zeus Cave Tour

Enjoy some time away from the beaches and explore a different side of Crete on a guided excursion. See the freshwater springs in the small town of Krasi, visit the Kera and Vidiani monasteries, step into the mythical Psychro Cave, and take part in a traditional ceramics workshop. Get picked up from your accommodation in the morning and take a short drive to the traditional village of Krasi. Gaze at the beautiful freshwater springs and the oldest tree on Crete as you take in the countryside scenery. Up next, stop at two local monasteries. See the Monastery of Kera dedicated to the Virgin Mary, near the town of Kera. Move on to Vidiani Monastery, a small male monastery at the foot of Louloudaki Mountain. Uncover the secrets of the mythical birthplace of Zeus, Psychro Cave, decorated with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Lastly, see how traditional pieces of ceramics are made, before heading over to a typical Cretan tavern with local products and dishes to enjoy lunch at your own expense.

From Heraklion: Knossos, Lasithi Plateau, and Cave of Zeus

3. From Heraklion: Knossos, Lasithi Plateau, and Cave of Zeus

Discover Lasithi Plateau and its important landmarks on a guided day trip from Heraklion, with hotel transfers included. Visit Krasi village, the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, and the Psychro Cave. Participate in a ceramics workshop and end your day exploring the traditional village of Knossos Palace. After a hotel pickup, head to the traditional mountain village of Krasi known for its quaint central square with stone fountains and an enormous plane tree thought to be 2,400 years old. See intimate tavernas and cafes scattered among the streets, small stone churches, and freshwater springs. Next, explore the Eastern Orthodox Keras Monastery, dedicated to Virgin Mary. Then, visit the Vidiani Monastery located at the foothills of Louloudaki Mountain. Learn how it was built in the 19th century by the monk Methodius Peraki, probably on the ruins of an older monastery. Continue to Psychro Cave, the mythical birth place of Zeus. Admire the ancient Minoan sacred cave and its stalactites and stalagmites. Next up, see how traditional ceramics are made from a local. Afterward, stop at a traditional tavern for lunch. Choose from a variety of local dishes made from local products of the Lassithi plateau, homemade wine, and products from the surrounding mountains. Leaving the beautiful region of Lasithi behind, end the tour at the Historical Site of Knossos, Europe's oldest city. Join a 1-hour guided tour and take photos of this Bronze Age archaeological site. Then, hop back on the bus to return to your hotel.

Heraklion: Zeus Cave,Old Villages Olive Oil Small Group Tour

4. Heraklion: Zeus Cave,Old Villages Olive Oil Small Group Tour

This tour gives you the opportunity to explore the real Crete in a small group. We visit an olive oil factory to learn how olive oil is made now with modern machines and how used to be made in the olden days and of course we taste different kind of olive oil and honey. Next stop is at the old village of Krasi where we go for a walk around the village to see the oldest plane tree in Crete which is estimated around 2000 years old then we are off to Lasithii plateau where we learn about the old wind mills that were used in the past to pump the water up for irrigation and the old wind mills that were used for grinding to make flour. Now it’s time to go and {meet Zeus } at his cave , well actually we can’t promise that because last time we visited his birthplace he wasn’t there ( had a day off ) …….. so no promises. Then we drive around Lasithii Plateau through old villages where time seems to have stopped then we visit a family restaurant to enjoy some Cretan traditional food ….and some local house wine….( or local beer…) well let’s be local just for a day or two….. maybe you like it ( maybe you don’t but give it a go …..) After enjoying our lunch and wine ( or local beer) it’s time to hit the road to go back to your hotel where we picked you .

Knossos palace and Lasithi Plateau Zeus cave

5. Knossos palace and Lasithi Plateau Zeus cave

The tour starts, by visiting the Knossos Palace : the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan Civilization during the Bronze Age. There you will explore the stunning palace, built for King Minos and considered the oldest city in Europe and the birthplace of Western Civilization. Leaving Knossos we will head out of town along the scenic coastal road, heading east with destination the traditional olive oil factory. There you will have the chance to learn about the process of harvesting and producing the’’ liquid gold ‘’: olive oil! You will be informed about its beneficial properties and taste its excellent flavor. Then driving between the mountains you will admire the flora and fauna, you will see many olive trees and will visit one of the oldest plane tree in the world, in the village of Krasi. There you will have the opportunity on the paved square to take unforgettable photos and you will taste the traditional “raki” drink next to the natural springs. On the road that leads to the Lasithi Plateau in a green area of Northern Diktis, you will pass through the historic Kera Kardiotissa Monastery. Next destination is Plateau of Lasithi, the largest plateau in Crete, where hosted after the 1950s, the first, largest and most beautiful wind farm in the world with approximately 13000 windmills. Nowadays, unfortunately, only a few windmills remain in operation on the fertile plain surrounded by the imposing Dikti Mountains. There you can visit the impressive cave of Zeus, the Diktaean Cave, witch is located above the village Psychro in Lassithi Plateau at an altitude of 1025m. The route to the cave is magnificent as the view to the Lassithi Plateau is breathtaking. According to the mythology Zeus was born and raised here. We will end up in the traditional village of Mochos where in the village cafes you will mingle with the locals and feel the spirit of Crete. In the end of this tour you will be driven back to your location full of nice memories, and with a big smile!

Full Day trip to Spinalonga and Lasithi Plateau Zeus Cave

6. Full Day trip to Spinalonga and Lasithi Plateau Zeus Cave

Embark on an intimate adventure through the splendors of Crete! Join our exclusive small-group tour, limited to seven guests per luxurious vehicle, for an immersive exploration. We'll start at Merabelo Bay, showcasing the enchanting Agios Nikolaos. This coastal gem, with its Mediterranean charm, offers scenic beauty and a vibrant atmosphere. Our journey then leads to the storied Spinalonga Island, steeped in history and tales of resilience, an emblem of the island's rich heritage. But that's not all. We'll uncover the legendary Diktaion Andron, the birthplace of Zeus, an archaeological wonder alive with ancient legends.Travel comfortably through the picturesque countryside aboard our deluxe mini vans. Engage in an authentic olive oil production experience and discover the region's flora and fauna while soaking in stunning panoramas. Join us for an expedition that transcends sightseeing—it's a deep dive into Crete's essence, curated by locals for an insider's view.

Crete: Sightseeing Day Trip with Cooking Lesson and Lunch

7. Crete: Sightseeing Day Trip with Cooking Lesson and Lunch

Explore the Cretan countryside on this tour to a farm in Potamies, the dam of Aposelemis, the gorge of Embasa, the Lassithi plateau, and the village of Krasi. Try farm fresh products, take a cooking and ceramics lesson, and tour an olive oil mill. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in Analipsi, Heraklion, Hersonissos, or Sisi. Sit back and enjoy the scenery on the way to a farm in the rural village of Potamies. Watch as a farmer milks the goats and savor some products made with the milk. Continue to the dam of Aposelemis which is the largest water supply project in Crete. See the sight where the village of Sfendili is submerged in the waters of the dam. Capture pictures of half-submerged houses in this natural wetland with a variety of birds. Drive uphill on dirt roads through the gorge of Embasa. Take in views of mountains and have the opportunity to pick local herbs. Learn how to cook like a local with step-by-step instructions. Prepare dishes from pure ingredients and local products. Visit the Lassithi plateau and head to a pottery workshop to uncover the secrets of Cretan ceramic art. Create your own ceramic masterpiece. Tour the plateau and meet some of the local. Stop at the local cafeteria for a delicious meal baked in a wood oven. Make your way to the picturesque village of Krasi. Stop to see a square with an 18th-century aqueduct and centuries-old plane trees. End your day trip with a tour of an olive oil factory. Learn how to produce olive oil and try some oil samples before returning to your accommodation.

Crete: Land Rover Safari Through the Plateaus

8. Crete: Land Rover Safari Through the Plateaus

Discover Crete with a drive through the plateaus. Follow the path of your choice and admire the rugged nature. Begin in the idyllic little town of Kastamonitsa at the foothills of the Afentis Mountains and enjoy a typical Cretan breakfast. Drive through the unbelievably beautiful landscape, along rural roads and mountain passes and discover the diversity of animal life. At the next stop, enjoy a one-of-a-kind view of the Lassithi Plateau and the northern coast of Crete. Visit the Psychro Cave, the birthplace of Zeus, father of the gods.  Then enjoy a selection of local and regional specialties in a local tavern. Discover the Lassithi Plateau, where time seems to stand still. The local people are mostly farmers and still use donkeys in their daily lives. Visit the little town of Krasi, known for its millennia-old sycamore trees and natural springs. On your way back, pass olive groves and admire the spectacular coast of Crete with its deep blue waters beyond. 

Lasithi Plateau – Zeus Cave – Villages Tour

9. Lasithi Plateau – Zeus Cave – Villages Tour

Are you an adventure enthusiast or a history buff? Take this trip to find out and enjoy a breathtaking view. Begin with a guided tour to the traditional olive mill and learn all about the process of olive oil production. Grab the opportunity to taste one of the healthiest olive oils, straight from the source of production. Continue with a 15 minute hike to Zeus cave, located in Psychro village in Lasithi plateau and merge into Greek mythology. According to ancient Greeks, Rhea hid into this cave to give birth to Zeus because Cronus, his father, was murdering his children out of jealousy. Take the chance to walk around 100 steps inside the cave that Rhea hid; discover the nature’s awesome formations over the years. After your exploration, optionally make a stop to Kera village to find the ideal place to relax. The orthodox Kera Kardiotissa monastery, is worth a visit. Admire the mesmerizing architecture in the stone-built Byzantine church. Visit the museum of the church to learn more about the religious traditions through its educational exhibits. Lastly, we are taking you to the picturesque and charming village of Krasi. This traditional village is famous for its plane tree, and you will have the chance to see one of the oldest plane trees in Europe, estimated to be 2000 years old! Enjoy the rejuvenating view of the stone springs gushing water straight from the Selena mountain. Relax and recharge with a view; we are finally having lunch at a picturesque traditional tavern, with some wine and local dishes.

From Agios Nikolaos: Day Tour to Zeus Cave & Lasithi Plateau

10. From Agios Nikolaos: Day Tour to Zeus Cave & Lasithi Plateau

The road trip from Agios Nikolaos to Lassithi Plateau is a journey through some of the most beautiful and unspoiled landscapes in Crete. It is a journey that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Starting from Agios Nikolaos, the road trip to Lassithi Plateau begins with a drive through the town and then onto the winding mountain roads that lead to the plateau. As you leave the town, you will be greeted with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. As you drive through the mountains, you will pass through small villages and towns, each with its own unique charm and character. The road is surrounded by beautiful scenery, with lush greenery and rugged mountainsides. The route to Lassithi Plateau takes you through a series of hairpin bends, which can be challenging at times. But the stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the quaint villages along the way make the journey worth it. As you approach Lassithi Plateau, you will be amazed by the vastness of the plateau and the stunning views that it offers. The plateau is dotted with traditional Cretan villages, and the landscape is a patchwork of fields, orchards, and olive groves.

Add dates

Things to do in
Krasi, Crete

All activities

27 activities found
Sort by:

Immersive experiences

Go beyond Krasi, Crete

Explore all

Frequently asked questions about Krasi, Crete

Other Sightseeing Options in Krasi, Crete

Want to discover all there is to do in Krasi, Crete? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Krasi, Crete

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 133 reviews

This tour was fantastic and the best way to see the natural beauty of Crete. Travelers rarely go beyond the beach so this is a great opportunity to see the real Crete. All of the tour guides are excellent and can speak multiple languages. The SUV's were divided by spoken language which made the narrative easy to understand for the participants. All of the activities - including goat milking, wild herb gathering, viewing the new dam and more - lead up to the most delicious lunch. It was just a perfect tour and day on Crete. Shout out to tour guides Vagelis and Nikos. Simply the best!

The travel guide was top You only have to reckon with the fact that you have a 2-3 hour drive if you have accommodation in Nea Alikarnassos/Heraklion. Otherwise you can see a lot!

Honestly the best trip I’ve ever done, it was so fun, interesting & had breathtaking views. Our tour guide Demetris made the day so enjoyable

The tour is well chosen, although long in time, not too strenuous due to interesting destinations and breaks. We will consider other offers.

Best travel experience: great guide, nice and authentic programs, beautiful natrue and landscape. Defenetely recommended.