Exploring Crete often means soaking in history, natural beauty, and local culture—all in one day. This Lassithi Plateau & Kera Monastery Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of these elements, starting at Heraklion and taking you through some of the island’s most iconic spots. For $42.91 a person, this 10-hour guided adventure provides a mix of scenic vistas, spiritual sites, and authentic Cretan cuisine that many travelers find worthwhile.
What we love most about this tour is the chance to see the famous windmills of the Lasithi Plateau—a landscape that feels like stepping back in time—and the opportunity to visit the peaceful Kera Monastery, home to centuries-old frescoes and icons. The visit to a traditional pottery workshop is both a cultural highlight and a chance to pick up a handmade souvenir. On the flip side, a potential drawback is that the extensive travel time—especially in Crete’s narrow mountain roads—might feel long for some, particularly if you’re not a fan of bus journeys.
This tour is perfect for those who enjoy scenic drives, cultural stops, and delicious local food. It suits travelers looking for a full day of diverse experiences without the hassle of planning each detail themselves. If you’re after a balanced mix of history, nature, and authentic Crete, this tour offers genuine value and memorable sights.
Key Points
- Authentic cultural visits include the historic Kera Monastery and a pottery workshop.
- Stunning landscapes of the Lasithi Plateau, windmills, and mountain views are highlights.
- Expert guides and comfortable transportation enhance the experience.
- The price includes transportation, guide, and all taxes, offering good value.
- Lunch and entrance fees are not included, so bringing cash and pre-selecting your meal can improve your experience.
- The tour’s length and travel time are significant, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with long bus rides.
This experience made our article of You’ll Love These 3 Tours In Heraklion Regional Unit.
Exploring Crete’s Rich Tapestry on a Full-Day Tour
When you sign up for the Crete: Lassithi Plateau & Kera Monastery Tour, you’re signing up for a day that blends scenic beauty, historical intrigue, and local craftsmanship. Starting from Heraklion, the tour takes you across the island’s rugged terrain, stopping at some of its most captivating spots. The journey lasts about 10 hours, which means comfortable shoes, patience for winding mountain roads, and a sense of adventure are your essentials.
Planning more time in Heraklion Regional Unit? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
First Stop: The Kera Kardiotissa Monastery
Our first destination is the Kera Monastery, a quiet retreat run by nuns. It offers a peaceful start to the day, with its impressive 14th-century frescoes and icons, including the revered icon of the Virgin Mary. Visitors often comment on the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. It’s a modest site, but one that provides a tangible connection to Cretan spirituality and tradition. Be aware that entrance isn’t included, so you might want to budget a little extra or just enjoy the view from outside.
The Lasithi Plateau: A Landscape Frozen in Time
Next, the bus climbs into the Lasithi Plateau, which is one of Crete’s standout features. At over 800 meters elevation, it’s unusual in the Mediterranean for a populated area so high up in the mountains. Surrounded by the Dikti Mountains, the plateau boasts around 18 traditional villages and the iconic windmills that once powered irrigation and grain milling. Many reviews highlight how stunning and peaceful this landscape is, with some even describing it as a place where time seems to stand still.
One of the most fascinating aspects here is the Venetian ditches, ingeniously designed to help drain and manage water on the plateau. As you walk around Tzermiado, the biggest and oldest village, you’ll notice the traditional architecture and quiet charm. This is a perfect spot for photos—expect sweeping views, terraced fields, and stone houses that retain their old-world charm.
Visiting the Birthplace of Zeus: Psychro Village & Pottery
The journey takes a turn towards mythology and craftsmanship as you pass through Psychro, known as the legendary birthplace of Zeus. The village is also famous for its handmade ceramics, and your stop at a local workshop offers a chance to see artisans at work. You might even get to try your hand at pottery, which many reviews praise as a memorable, hands-on experience.
This stop combines cultural appreciation with the tactile joy of creating something yourself—perfect for travelers who like to bring home a tangible memory. Be aware that entry to the ceramics workshop isn’t included, but many find it worth the small extra expense.
More Great Tours NearbyTzermiado: The Heart of the Plateau
Your final stop is Tzermiado, the largest village on the plateau and the hub of local life. Here, you’ll have time to enjoy a delicious homemade lunch in a family-run tavern. The food is genuinely authentic, with fresh vegetables picked daily—an experience appreciated by many who say the meal is among the best parts of the trip.
Lunch is a good opportunity to relax, soak in the mountain views, and chat with locals. The tour recommends preordering your meal, so plan ahead if you have specific preferences.
The Long Journey Home
After lunch, the bus heads back towards Heraklion, passing through scenic mountain roads. The full-day nature of the tour means you’ll spend a good chunk of time on the bus, but many reviews mention that the guides and driver make the trip smoothly and comfortably. The driver’s skill on narrow, winding roads is often praised as “impressive,” and the guides’ knowledge keeps everyone engaged.
What the Reviews Say: Authentic Perspectives
Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, with one reviewer noting her “impressively bilingual” ability to accommodate everyone’s interests. The scenery is also a major hit, with travelers describing the views as “enchanting” and “spectacular,” especially around the mountain vistas and the windmills.
Many mention the authenticity of the experience, whether it’s the home-cooked lunch or the handmade ceramics. One guest shared that the Cave of Zeus was the highlight, describing the climb as challenging but “worth it,” and appreciated the professionalism and cleanliness of the transport.
On the downside, some reviews point out that the long travel time can be tiring, especially for those sensitive to bus rides. A few travelers wished for more time at key sites, like the Diktaion Cave, which can get crowded during busy days.
The Practical Side: What You Need to Know
The tour includes pick-up and drop-off from multiple locations, mainly from Heraklion and nearby resorts, with some stops at hotels or main roads. The bus is modern and air-conditioned, making the long ride more comfortable. The tour is offered in several languages—English, Russian, French, and German—and is suitable for most travelers, except those with mobility impairments.
Since lunch and entrance fees aren’t included, you should bring cash for these extras. The tour is best suited for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and moderate walking. No pets are allowed, and it’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes and bring some cash for souvenirs or extra snacks.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This trip is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural insight, and authentic local experiences. If you enjoy stunning mountain vistas, historical sites, and hands-on crafts, it’s a good fit. The price point offers solid value for the amount of ground covered and the variety of experiences. However, if you prefer shorter excursions or are sensitive to long bus rides, you might want to consider other options or prepare accordingly.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
All in all, this tour provides a full-bodied look at Crete beyond the beaches—highlighting its mountain heritage, religious sites, and traditional crafts. The skilled guides and breathtaking scenery make it a memorable day out, especially if you’re eager to see how the island’s history and nature intertwine.
For those seeking an authentic, affordable way to experience Crete’s highlands and spiritual sites, this trip balances value and variety. Be prepared for a full day and some travel time, but know that many guests find the overall experience rewarding and enriching.
FAQs
Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch and drinks are not included. You’ll have the chance to pre-order a meal at a local tavern during the Tzermiado stop, and the menu features traditional Cretan dishes.
How long is the transport between sites?
Travel time between major stops ranges from about 10 to 1.5 hours depending on the segment, with the full day including some long bus rides through mountain roads.
Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance to Kera Monastery is not included, so you might want to bring cash for this. The pottery workshop and other stops also have optional extras.
Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s best suited for those who are comfortable with walking and bus travel. The terrain includes some stairs and uneven paths, and it’s not recommended for mobility-impaired travelers.
What should I bring with me?
Comfortable shoes are essential, along with cash for purchases and tips. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are advisable for outdoor stops.
What languages are available for the tour guide?
The tour is offered in English, Russian, French, and German.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing you flexibility if your schedule shifts.
Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely. The views of the mountains, windmills, and villages are spectacular, and the stops at Tzermiado and Psychro offer plenty of photo opportunities.
How physically demanding is the hike to Zeus’s cave?
The climb requires some physical effort, especially in hot weather, but many say it’s worth the effort for the experience and views. Prepare accordingly with water and comfortable footwear.
This tour covers a broad spectrum of what makes Crete special: its landscapes, its history, and its culture. With knowledgeable guides, authentic stops, and stunning scenery, it’s an eye-opening way to experience the island’s highlands and religious sites—perfect for travelers craving more than the usual beach day.
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