Katharo Plateau & Lassithi: Mythology, Villages & Lunch Tour

Summary

Crete’s plateaus, ancient trees, village life and Cretan lunch

You’ll ride up into Crete’s highlands with a local guide, see ancient trees in Krasi village square, taste homemade dishes and wine at lunch on the Katharo Plateau, and stroll through Kritsa’s craft shops. Expect laughter over raki, stories about Greek mythology—and maybe a moment of quiet you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the morning light hit the mountains as we left Agios Nikolaos—sort of gold but also sharp, almost like it could wake you up better than coffee. Our driver, Yannis, had this way of pointing out things just as you were about to miss them: an old shepherd waving from a stone wall, wild thyme growing in cracks. We wound up through Psychro, where he told us (with this half-smile) that Zeus was supposedly born in a cave nearby. I tried to imagine gods being born somewhere so quiet. The air smelled like pine and something sweet I couldn’t place.

We stopped in Krasi under these giant plane trees—honestly, I’ve never seen anything like them. There were three but the one in the middle looked ancient enough to have seen everything. A couple of older men played backgammon at a table right under its branches; one of them nodded at us but didn’t pause his game. Yannis poured us tiny glasses of raki and told us not to drink too fast (“You’ll regret it on mountain roads,” he said). The Katharo Plateau itself felt wide open—just wind, sheep bells, and the kind of silence that makes you realize how loud your own thoughts are sometimes.

Lunch was in a small taverna somewhere between fields and sky—I lost track after all the turns. Plates kept arriving: olives so briny they made my mouth water, lamb slow-cooked until it fell apart with just a fork, bread still warm from the oven. The house wine tasted rough but honest (in a good way), and someone’s grandmother came out to check if we’d eaten enough. Afterward we wandered through Kritsa—a little mountain village where every shop seemed to sell something handmade or embroidered or both. I tried saying thank you in Greek; Li laughed at my accent but the shopkeeper looked pleased anyway.

I keep thinking about that plateau—how big it felt compared to anywhere else I’ve been. If you want an easy day trip from Agios Nikolaos with real food and stories (and yeah, plenty of sheep), this Katharo Plateau tour is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Crete's mythology and villages

• Visit Greek mythology park in Psychro
• See oldest plane tree in Krasi square
• Drive through largest forest and mountains
• Refresh at local kafenion
• Walk and shop in Kritsa village
• Refreshment stop in Kritsa

Top questions

How long is the Katharo Plateau tour from Agios Nikolaos?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours including travel time.

Is lunch included on the Katharo Plateau day trip?

Yes, a 3-course traditional lunch with wine and bottled water is included.

Are hotel pickups available for this Crete tour?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

What villages do we visit during the tour?

You’ll visit Psychro (near Dikteo Cave), Krasi village square with its ancient trees, and Kritsa for crafts and walking.

Will there be a local guide on this day trip?

Yes, your driver also serves as your knowledgeable local guide throughout the journey.

Does this tour include stops for refreshments?

Yes, there are refreshment stops including at a local kafenion (coffeehouse) along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off by accessible transport; guidance from a local driver-guide; stops at Psychro near Dikteo Cave, Krasi village square beneath centuries-old plane trees; time on the Katharo Plateau; walking through Kritsa’s craft shops; plus a full Cretan lunch with wine and bottled water before heading back in the evening.