Kritsa, Crete: Complete Guide by a Local

Basic Things to Know about Kritsa

Kritsa is a traditional village in Lasithi, situated about 10 kilometers southwest of Agios Nikolaos, the region’s capital. It is known for its charming atmosphere, traditional architecture, and rich cultural heritage.

Nestled on the slopes of a hill, Kritsa offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The village features narrow streets lined with picturesque houses with small courtyards, trees, and colorful bougainvillea climbing up the walls.

Exploring the village on foot is a delightful experience. You can wander through its winding alleys, discover hidden corners, and encounter local artisans practicing traditional embroidery techniques.

Kritsa is also famous for its historical significance. One of its most remarkable buildings is the Church of Panagia Kera, a Byzantine church known for its beautiful frescoes dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

These well-preserved frescoes depict scenes from the life of Christ and various saints, making it a popular destination for art and history enthusiasts. You can visit other churches and two important museums.

Kritsa has earned a reputation for its traditional Cretan embroidery and weaving.

Visitors can find local shops selling handmade textiles. So, don’t miss the chance to take home a unique piece of local craftsmanship.

In addition to its cultural attractions, Kritsa is surrounded by natural beauty. The area offers hiking opportunities, with trails leading to scenic viewpoints and ancient ruins.

Nearby, you can visit the imposing Kritsa Gorge, a picturesque canyon known for its rugged landscapes and breathtaking views.

This charming village offers a blend of cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and natural beauty. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Cretan experience away from the summer crowds.

Where is Kritsa

Kritsa is a traditional village in Lasithi, situated about 10 kilometers southwest of Agios Nikolaos, the region’s capital. Another important city in the area is Neapoli, located about 23 km to the west.

Kritsa is known for its charming atmosphere, traditional architecture, and rich cultural heritage.

How to Get to There

The best way to get from Agios to Kritsa is by car. The journey takes about 20 minutes (10 km), and the road is quite straightforward. You must follow the signs or even use a navigation app.

It’s also possible to reach Kritsa from Agios by bus. An hourly service connects Agios to Kroustas and has a stop in Kritsa. The journey is about 25 minutes, and the ticket is around €2.

There is a bus stop at Panagia Kera Church and another one in the center of Kritsa. The frequency is reduced during the rest of the year.

Finally, you can also hire a taxi from Agios to Kritsa, although the price will be somewhat higher (from €15 to €25).

Best Things to Do in Kritsa, Crete

Although Kritsa is a quiet village, there are a few things to do during the visit. Let’s see!

Visit the Panagia Kera Church

Arguably one of the most famous churches on the island, Panagia Kera is an ancient Byzantine Church located a few minutes from Agios Nikolaos and around 5 minutes from the center of Kritsa,

The church is dedicated to the Holy Virgin and has some of the oldest (and finest) Byzantine frescoes on the island. These frescoes have been astonishingly well-preserved.

According to the locals, many miracles relate to the Panagia Kera icon, which is believed to have been transferred to Constantinople (although the icon is said to have found its way back to the temple).

However, the original icon was stolen from the church during the Venetian period and was replaced by a copy (the original icon is now in the Roman Church of Saint Alfonso, in Rome). The icon at Panagia Kera is said to work miracles.

About Panagia Kera

The founding date of the church remains uncertain, yet many scholars believe that the oldest parts of the church, the central nave, its roof, and its dome, date back to the thirteenth century.

On the other hand, the side isles, the belfry, and the support (buttresses) might have been built at least a century later.

Explore the Quaint Village

Kritsa is the perfect place for those interested in life in a traditional Cretan village, where time seems to move at a slower pace.

During your stay in Kritsa, you will certainly want to take more than just one leisurely stroll through the narrow streets and immerse yourself in its traditional charm.

Along the way, discover the traits of local architecture. Admire the little stone houses with colorful flowers, decorated gardens, and small courtyards.

Check out some of the local small chapels and be amazed at the picturesque hidden corners that offer stunning opportunities for photography enthusiasts.

Discover the Local Crafts

On the Kritsa’s main road, you will find several artisan shops, often run by women, who are in charge of keeping the ancient embroidery craft alive.

Most shops display unique handmade textiles, intricate embroideries, woven rugs, and traditional garments.

Oftentimes, they will sit outside and chat with each other while crafting gorgeous textiles that you can purchase and take home as a souvenir while you also support the local artisans.

Visit the Krisotopoula Museum

The museum, one of the most important exhibitions in the Lasithi region, is dedicated to the local heroine Kritsotopoula.

Her name was Rodanthi, and she was a village resident who killed a Turk politician during the Greek uprising in 1817 and joined the rebel group of Lasithi Plateau dressed as a man.

According to history, she was a martyr in the hands of the Turkish during the Ottoman period and one of the many heroes who fought for Crete’s independence.

• The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It closes at 12 a.m. on Thursdays.

Discover the Rodanthi Museum

There’s one more museum to visit in the village, the Rodanthi Museum. Over here, you can explore a rare collection of plants, herbs, and fossils dating back millions of years, most of which were found in the area.

Hike the Kritsa Gorge

Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy plenty of areas near Kritsa. One of them is Kritsa Gorge, which starts not far from the village and runs for about 4 kilometers to end in the village of Tapes.

There are two different trails to access the gorge, both departing from Kritsa.

The gorge is easy to hike, with only a few difficult climbs in some spots. The area has an impressive landscape with narrow passages, high walls, and plenty of bushes.

Head to Kroustas for Lunch

One of the best things you can do is to jump in your car and drive the small mountain road that separates the settlement from another small village, Kroustas.

Besides the charm of most traditional villages in Lasithi, here you will find one of the best taverns in the area.

So much so that many people drive from Agios to eat in Kroustas during the weekend to have dinner in the village!

Day Trips and Excursions from Kritsa, Crete

These are some of the places you can visit while staying in Krisa, Lasithi:

Agios Nikolaos Town

If you’re staying in Kritsa, chances are that you’ve already visited Agios. This small but lively city on the island’s northern coast and capital of the Lasithi region can be a great day trip from Kritsa.

The city’s highlight is the beautiful Lake Voulismeni, located close to the port and connected to the sea.

In Agios, you can enjoy incredible dining experiences, visit several churches, or spend the day on one of its fantastic beaches.

Voulisma Beach

If you prefer beaches over hikes and would rather spend a day on a pristine shore than trekking in the mountains, then the nearby Voulisma Beach is a shore that will surprise you.

Considered one of the nicest shores in East Crete, Voulisma is a beach in the area of Istron, along the Mirabello Bay.

It features clear sand and turquoise waters, and you can find organized structures to spend the whole day without worrying about packing a lunch or carrying an umbrella.

Lato Archaeological Site

Not far from Kritsa, it’s also possible to explore the ancient Dorian settlement and city-state of Lato, which thrived between the fourth and fifth centuries BC. It’s located on a hillside overlooking Mirabello Bay, providing scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

Lato is approximately 3 kilometers north of the village of Kritsa and about 15 kilometers southwest of Agios Nikolaos.

Spinalonga Island

A must-visit archaeological site in the Lasithi region, Spinalonga is an island on the Mirabello Bay, famous for being the last leper colony in the country, active until 1957.

The main reason to explore Spinalonga is because it was the location that inspired the best-selling book The Island by author Victoria Hislop.

A trip to Spinalonga will picture a different aspect of Crete. The island still shelters ancient structures such as the hospital, churches, a museum, and a cemetery. You can read Spinalonga’s history in this article.

Vai Beach and Palm Forest

About 90 kilometers east of Kritsa, Vai is home to one of the largest palm forests in Europe and features one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

The beach is surrounded by a unique palm tree landscape, offering a tropical-like atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the area’s natural beauty. Not far from the beach, you can visit the historic Toplou Monastery and its winery or the coastal city of Sitia.

Where to Eat in Kritsa, Crete

Tasting Lasithi’s delicious cuisine can be a feast in the mountain villages around Kritsa. Near the center of the settlement, another unique village, Kroustas, is home to renowned tavernas. Kroustas is quite easy to reach by car.

Where to Stay in Kritsa

Kritsa offers a picturesque setting, traditional architecture, and easy access to nearby attractions, all characteristics that make it a great place to stay if you’re looking for a quiet settlement not far from an important town like Agios Nikolaos.

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