Windmills on the Lassithi Plateau

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Lassithi Plateau
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £ 85.- per person (excluding flights)

Experience the more rural side of Cretan life as you venture to the enchanting Dikti Mountains and on the picturesque Lassithi Plateau. Take the scenic drive along winding roads through the mountains and ascend up on to the plateau, where you discover charming traditional villages. In the distance, you'll see the iconic old-fashioned windmills gracefully adorning the fields. In their heyday during the 1950s, over 15,000 windmills adorned this very landscape, proudly establishing the Lassithi Plateau as the birthplace of Europe's first wind farm.

Greece Lassithi Plateau landscape mountains

Day 1 – Tradition in the mountains

You’ll arrive on the Lasshiti plateau today and immediately feel a refreshing coolness in the air and a relaxed rhythm of life. Leaving the coast behind, you’ll embark on a scenic journey through the meandering roads of the Dikte Mountains and find yourself immersed in the heart of rural Crete, nestled within a protected nature reserve. Time stands still in the villages here, like Tzermiado and Agios Georgios, where you’ll find your traditional guest house. Check in, drop your bags off and head out to one of the local restaurants, where a sumptuous traditional Greek feast awaits your taste buds.

Day 2 – Visit to the windmills of the Lassithi plateau

Today you will explore what is thought to be first wind farm in Europe. There were once a total of about 15,000 windmills on the plain. Centuries ago, when the Venetians inhabited this captivating island, they recognized the agricultural potential and initiated the cultivation of grain. Ingeniously, they implemented an innovative irrigation system that harnessed the power of the windmills, sculpting the landscape into the remarkable windmill park you see today. Now there are still a number of mills from the 15th century that you can admire. Wander through the green countryside with the fresh scent of the mountain air accompanying you and witness local farmers diligently tending to their land. For avid hikers, there are various hiking routes that wind along overgrown mountain roads, promising breathtaking vistas and unforgettable adventures.

Day 3 – Departure from the Lassithi plateau

Having savoured the refreshing climate and breathtaking vistas, it’s time to bid farewell to the Lassithi Plateau and make your way back to the captivating coast. Head to Agia Galini to relax on the beach or in the north of Crete you can enjoy the peace and quiet in the fishing village of Mochlos, a coastal gem where time seems to slow down.