{"id":129067,"date":"2023-07-16T11:50:13","date_gmt":"2023-07-16T08:50:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thetinybook.com\/?p=129067"},"modified":"2024-03-15T18:10:37","modified_gmt":"2024-03-15T16:10:37","slug":"kritsa-crete","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thetinybook.com\/kritsa-crete\/","title":{"rendered":"Kritsa, Crete: Complete Guide by a Local"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Blending history, culture, and natural beauty, Kritsa is a Cretan village a few minutes from the center of Agios Nikolaos in the peaceful region of Lasithi in east Crete. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overlooking the Mirabello Bay from a distance, this incredible settlement’s history is closely intertwined with the past of the island and its fights for freedom from the Turkish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether visiting for the day or planning to spend a few days, this article has all the info you need about Kritsa Crete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Posts include affiliate links to products or services. I might earn a commission if you make a purchase<\/em><\/strong><\/em>.<\/mark><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Things to Do in Kritsa Crete<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Kritsa<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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>> Join our Facebook Group!<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Be sure to book ahead of time to ensure availability!<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udece\ufe0f Find the best hotels in<\/strong> Crete here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccd Top tours I recommend on the island:<\/strong>
– Boat cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa<\/a>
– Ticket to Knossos Archaeological Site<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\ude98 The best way to get around Crete is by car.<\/strong>\u00a0Check\u00a0rental car rates for Crete here.<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udcf2<\/a><\/strong> Book a consultation call<\/a> if you need help planning your trip to Crete!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Get your copy now and unlock Agios’ secrets like a local!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Basic Things to Know about Kritsa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Kritsa village.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kritsa is a traditional village in Lasithi<\/a><\/strong>, situated about 10 kilometers southwest of Agios Nikolao<\/a><\/strong>s, the region’s capital. It is known for its charming atmosphere, traditional architecture, and rich cultural heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nestled on the slopes of a hill, Kritsa offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kritsa village.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The village features narrow streets lined with picturesque houses with small courtyards, trees, and colorful bougainvillea climbing up the walls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kritsa village.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kritsa, Crete.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kritsa has earned a reputation for its traditional Cretan embroidery and weaving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kritsa village.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nearby, you can visit the imposing Kritsa Gorge, a picturesque canyon known for its rugged landscapes and breathtaking views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Where is Kritsa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Kritsa village.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kritsa is known for its charming atmosphere, traditional architecture, and rich cultural heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Get to There<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Road Agios-Kritsa (Google Maps 2024).<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The best way to get from Agios to Kritsa is by car<\/a><\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s also possible to reach Kritsa from Agios by bus<\/strong>. An hourly service connects Agios to Kroustas and has a stop in Kritsa. The journey is about 25 minutes, and the ticket is around \u20ac2. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, you can also hire a taxi from Agios to Kritsa<\/strong>, although the price will be somewhat higher (from \u20ac15 to \u20ac25).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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>> Which car rental service is the best to choose? If you want to rent a car for your trip, consider Discover Cars, a worldwide car rental booking engine.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Best Things to Do in Kritsa, Crete<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although Kritsa is a quiet village, there are a few things to do during the visit. Let’s see!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Visit the Panagia Kera Church<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Panagia Kera, Crete.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Panagia Kera church.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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About Panagia Kera<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Panagia Kera.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, the side isles, the belfry, and the support (buttresses) might have been built at least a century later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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(C. Messier, Wikipedia Commons).<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The church features impressive frescoes with vivid colors, probably dating back to the so-called Paleologan Age (between 1261 and 1453 when the Palaiologos Dynasty ruled the Byzantine Empire).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Visiting Hours: The church can be visited from 8 am to 2.30 pm every day except on Tuesdays when it is closed.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Explore the Quaint Village<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Kritsa, Crete.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kritsa village.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Along the way, discover the traits of local architecture. Admire the little stone houses with colorful flowers, decorated gardens, and small courtyards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A garden in Kritsa.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Check out some of the local small chapels and be amazed at the picturesque hidden corners that offer stunning opportunities for photography enthusiasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Discover the Local Crafts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Main road in Kritsa.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most shops display unique handmade textiles, intricate embroideries, woven rugs, and traditional garments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Local artisan in Kritsa.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Visit the Krisotopoula Museum <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Kritsotopoula.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The museum, one of the most important exhibitions in the Lasithi region<\/a><\/strong>, is dedicated to the local heroine Kritsotopoula. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n