Excursion from Stalis to Krasi

Just in a short distance from Stalis (10 km) you will find the traditional and picturesque village of Krasi, a hidden gem in the outskirts of Lassithi Plateau. This is the place where great authors such as Nikos Kazantzakis wrote their books and it is a place which functioned as the shelter where they found tranquility and isolation to conceive their ideas. ​

The way to Krasi begins from Malia and it is impressive as you suddenly ascend after a series of turns in the road. The view is outstanding as one can see the sea and the mountains. When one reaches the summit and enters the Krasi small plateau immediately the temperature drops a little bit and it feels much cooler in comparison to the sea level. Simultaneously the smell of thyme and other herbs overwhelms the visitors of this fabulous place.

Near Krasi there is the holm oak wood (Azilakodasos) which can be reached through a walking path either from Krasi or from the middle of the road between Malia and Krasi. Other sights of interest are the water springs (which offer water even in the summer) and spring from the mountains of Lassithi. They are located in the central square, just opposite from the old big plane tree. 

Although in the central square of the village where the monumental plane tree is there are many tourists and tavernas, one may meet the genuine traditional inhabitants of Crete for example in the cafes (kafeneia) before the central square of Krasi (as in the photos above).