Kritsa is one of the most beautiful villages in Lasithi prefecture, with a fascinating history and some of the best-preserved traditional houses in Crete. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
Stroll through the narrow streets with the beautiful houses
The village is a photographer’s delight with courtyards and steps full of pots, tasteful shops, weavers, rags and colorful pottery. Make a stop at the Saridakis Cafe and try Greek coffee or raki with meze under the big plane tree.
The church of Panagia Kera
The pride of the island, Panagia Kera, is just before the entrance to the village and functions as a museum. The impressive austere architecture of the 14th century is complemented by some of the oldest Byzantine frescoes in Crete.
Buy jams, sweets and textiles
Try jams, kserotigana (Greek sweet), honey and olive oil from the women’s cooperative of the village. The women shape buns, make sweets and weave on traditional looms. “Xobli”, is a site of looms and weaving exhibition in Kritsa that you should not miss
The gorge of Kritsa
The gorge is easily accessible and relatively passable in spring and summer. It is also relatively small but one of the most beautiful in Crete.
Learn the story of Kritsiotopoula
The Historical and Folklore Museum of Kritsotopoula is housed in the original house of Rodanthe (Kritsotopoula), reviving a shocking story that was made into a movie. Rodanthi was the legendary daughter of the first groom of Kritsa, who in 1817 escaped from the Turk Hursit Pasha by killing him. Then, dressed as a man, she joined the guerrilla group. The era is revived in the best way in the wonderful little museum of the village.
How to get to Kritsa
The village is a short distance from the beautiful town of Agios Nikolaos and you can combine it with diving at a nearby beach with turquoise water.