Lasithi Plateau Tour: Explore Zeus Cave and Windmills

Embark on a private tour of the Lasithi Plateau in Crete, Greece, and discover traditional villages, the birthplace of Zeus, and iconic windmills. Experience the beauty and culture of this unique region!

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Omalia Olive Press - The journey begins with a visit to a 4th generation olive oil factory.

Witness firsthand the blend of modern techniques and traditional methods passed down through generations.

As you tour the factory, you’ll have the chance to taste the fruits of this labor – rich, golden olive oil freshly pressed from the harvest. Each sip is a revelation, a burst of flavor that transports you to the sun-drenched hillsides where the olives were grown.

Beyond the sensory experience, visiting an olive oil factory in Crete offers a deeper understanding of the island’s culture and heritage. Olive oil is not just a culinary staple here; it is a symbol of life itself, revered for its health benefits and intrinsic connection to the land.

As you bid farewell to the factory, you carry with you not just a bottle of olive oil, but a piece of Crete’s soul – a tangible reminder of the timeless bond between this ancient land and its most precious fruit.

  • Windmills Of Lasithi Plateau - Explore the old windmills and capture some photos of the panoramic view.

For centuries, they have stood as guardians of the land, harnessing the power of the wind to grind grain and irrigate the fertile soil.

Each windmill tells a story of hard work and perseverance, passed down through generations of farmers who have called this land home. Their simple yet elegant design is a testament to the ingenuity of those who built them, using local materials and ancient techniques.

Today, the windmills of Lasithi Plateau are not just relics of the past, but living monuments to the island’s rich agricultural heritage. Visitors come from far and wide to marvel at their beauty and learn about the history of this timeless landscape.

  • Plati - Pass by without stopping
  • Psychro - The next stop is at Psychro village at a pottery workshop, to see the owner create ceramics live and perhaps make your own souvenir.
  • Lasithi Mesa - In this small village, you’ll meet locals in an old kafeneio (traditional café) to talk with them, learn about their daily life, their traditions, and culture.
    Here we’ll taste Cretan wines, raki, and Greek coffee.
  • Marmaketo - Pass by without stopping
  • Tzermiado - Time to walk through the narrow streets of the capital village of Lasithi Plateau, admire old buildings, and taste Greek yogurt.
  • Lagou - Pass by without stopping
  • Pinakiano - Pass by without stopping
  • Ano Kera - On the way back, it’s time to have lunch in a family taverna with Cretan food, made with fresh products of the area.
    Here you can taste some of our traditional food such as Moussaka, Saganaki, Stuffed vegetables, Greek salad, or Lamb in the oven.
  • Platanus Tree - Explore a 2,400-year-old Platanus Tree.

The Platanus tree of Krasi stands as a majestic symbol of nature’s resilience and enduring beauty. Nestled within the charming village of Krasi on the island of Crete, this ancient plane tree has witnessed centuries of history unfold beneath its sprawling branches.

As you approach the tree, its sheer size commands attention, casting a cool shade over the surrounding square. Its gnarled trunk, weathered by time, tells stories of generations past, while its lush foliage rustles gently in the breeze, offering a sense of tranquility amidst the bustling village.

Legend has it that the Platanus tree of Krasi is over 2,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living beings in Europe. Its presence is deeply ingrained in the fabric of local folklore, revered by villagers as a sacred guardian of the land.

Visitors from far and wide come to marvel at this ancient specimen, drawn by its sheer magnitude and historical significance.

  • Aposelemis Dam - On the way back, we’ll stop at the largest dam on Crete island, Aposelemis Dam. It has become a popular tourist attraction, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the reservoir.

As you stand on the banks of the reservoir, surrounded by the tranquility of the Cretan countryside, you can’t help but appreciate the profound impact that the Aposelemis Dam has had on the lives of those who call this island home. For in its waters flows not just sustenance, but the promise of a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

The Aposelemis Dam stands as a modern engineering marvel amidst the rugged landscapes of Crete, a testament to human ingenuity and the quest for sustainable water management. Located near the village of Avdou, this imposing structure harnesses the waters of the Aposelemis River, serving as a vital lifeline for the island’s inhabitants and agricultural endeavors.

What's Included
  • Bottled water
  • Pick up & Drop off from your Hotel/Port/Airport
  • Private transportation in Mercedes Benz Van
  • All fees and/or taxes
  • Liability Insurance
  • Greek Coffee, Raki or Refreshments
  • Professional English speaking Driver Guide
What's Not Included
  • Lunch (optional)
  • Entrance tickets to Zeus Cave (6 euro per person)
Additional Information

A tour of the Lasithi Plateau can be a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty and culture of this region. The Lasithi Plateau is a beautiful and unique area in Crete, Greece, with stunning natural scenery, traditional villages, and ancient history. One of the most popular attractions in the Lasithi Plateau is the Zeus Cave, which is said to be the birthplace of Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology. The cave is located on the slopes of Mount Dikti and can be accessed by a steep footpath. Inside the cave, visitors can see impressive stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a pond. The Lasithi plateau is famous for its iconic windmills, which were once used to grind wheat and other grains. Visitors can see these windmills up close and learn about their history and significance. Overall, a tour of the Lasithi plateau offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and nature, making it an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience the best of Crete.

  • You have to walk up hill 15-20 minutes to get to Zeus Cave (wear a comfortable shoes)
  • Let us know if there are any specific sights or experiences you’d like to include, and we’ll tailor the tour accordingly.
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • Cruise passengers must provide the name of ship.
  • Infant seats available on request.
  • If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please contact us to let us know
  • For the tours that start later than 09:00 am from cruises, kindly note that you may have to skip one/a couple sites to get back to ship on time. Your guide will adjust the program according to your priorities.
Location
Omalia Olive Press
Agias Marinas
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
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Zipik2024
Apr 24, 2024
An interesting and impressive day in Crete - Thank you for an instructive, interesting and fun trip to the Lasithi Plateau. We were impressed by the landscapes, the people and learned about the recent history of Crete. Our guide Spyros conveyed us the spirit of the place and the time and addressed every request and question with remarkable knowledge and humor. It was very interesting and fun to spend this day with him.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Liork254
Apr 21, 2024
Amazing in depth and fun tour! - We are an extended family, and did a whole day tour. Spyros our guide was great, and the tour was exciting and fun, and changed according to our needs and interests as the day progressed. We experienced Crete as never before, and definitely coming back again. Thank you Nikos and Spyros for this once in a lifetime experience!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alancm104yz
Mar 1, 2024
Amazing Lasithi Plateau tour!! - Spyros was an amazing tour guide! He taught us so much about food, culture, architecture and olive plantations in Lasithi Plateau! We loved this tour and was the highlight of our trip to Crete. Highly recommendded!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Compass743752
Aug 22, 2023
Amazing Tour - Our tour with Spyros was the highlight of our trip! From coffee in the quaint Greek village, tour of the Olive Oil factory, donkey ride to Zeus’s cave, shopping and amazing food it was perfect down to every last detail. Spyros made us feel welcome and comfortable immediately and was a wealth of information. Our 17 year old son was also with us and Spyros made the trip enjoyable for him also! We would highly recommend this experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shannon
Jun 13, 2023
Best tour guide ever!!! - We had the best tour!!! Our tour guide was so informative and nice. We learned so much about Crete and the culture. We tried some amazing food. The hike to Zeus cave was not easy. Wear good shoes/bring water. It was a little underwhelming for the amount of energy it took to get there. The rest of the tour was so amazing
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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