Eastern Crete: Lasithi, Spinalonga and the palm beach of Vai
From Heraklion up to the Lasithi Plateau and the cave of Zeus, then along the coast to Agios Nikolaos, Spinalonga, Toplou Monastery and Vai.
- Distance
- 171 km (106 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 21 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Greece
- Updated
- June 1, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 171 km (106 mi) with 8 stops, from Heraklion to Sitia. About 2 h 21 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Greece
Route description
Ferries from Piraeus arrive in Heraklion overnight, so you can start on Crete with your own vehicle. Leave Heraklion east on the E75 coast road, the VOAK, and turn inland at Hersonissos to climb to the Lasithi Plateau, about 60 km. Its flat farmland, dotted with old windmills, is ringed by mountains. The Dikteon Cave, where Zeus was said to be born, is above the village of Psychro.
Descend east from the plateau to Agios Nikolaos, a harbour town set around a small lake joined to the sea. Continue north to Elounda, about 12 km, and on to Plaka. Boats run from Plaka, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos to Spinalonga, a Venetian island fortress that became a leper colony until 1957. The crossing from Plaka takes only a few minutes.
Back on the E75, the road east to Sitia is one of the most scenic on the island, winding high above the Gulf of Mirabello for about 70 km. Sitia is a quiet harbour town with a small archaeological museum. From there drive east to the fortified Toplou Monastery on the bare hills, and on to Vai, where a forest of native date palms backs a sandy bay.
Allow time to explore the far east of the island: Itanos, a short way north of Vai, has ruins and small coves, and the Minoan site of Zakros lies at the end of a gorge in the south-east. The eastern roads are good and quiet, but there are few services beyond Sitia. Spring is ideal, with wild flowers; in July and August, the beaches are busy.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Heraklion
Greece - 243 km
Dikteon Cave
NaturePsychro, GreeceThe cave on the Lasithi Plateau where Zeus was said to have been born, with stairs down to stalagmites and a small pool. A 15-minute uphill path from the car park.
- 331 km
Agios Nikolaos
Greece - 410 km
Elounda
Greece - 55 km
Spinalonga
HistoryPlaka, GreeceA Venetian island fortress that served as a leper colony until 1957. Boats run from Plaka, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos; allow an hour or two on the island.
- 655 km
Toplou Monastery
HistorySitia, GreeceA 15th-century fortified monastery on the bare hills east of Sitia, with icons and a small museum. It is on the road to Vai and has a car park by the gate.
- 77 km
Vai Palm Beach
NaturePalekastro, GreeceA sandy bay backed by a forest of native Cretan date palms at the east end of the island. Paid parking; the palm forest itself is protected and fenced.
- 819 km
Sitia
Greece
FAQs
How long is Eastern Crete: Lasithi, Spinalonga and the palm beach of Vai?
4-day road trip of about 171 km (106 mi) with 8 stops, from Heraklion to Sitia. About 2 h 21 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Eastern Crete: Lasithi, Spinalonga and the palm beach of Vai?
We suggest 4 days: about 2 h 21 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Eastern Crete: Lasithi, Spinalonga and the palm beach of Vai start and end?
It starts in Heraklion and ends in Sitia.
Which countries does Eastern Crete: Lasithi, Spinalonga and the palm beach of Vai pass through?
Greece.
