Lasithi
The Regional District Lasithi (Greek Periferiaki Enotita Lasithiou ) is the easternmost of the four regional districts of the Greek region of Crete to the main town of Agios Nikolaos.
Lasithi was established after the annexation of Crete to Greece 1915 as prefecture. Until the local government reform in Greece 1997 ( " Kapodistrias " ), it consisted of the provinces of Ierapetra, Lasithi, Sitia and Mirabello. This was in 1997 replaced by the municipalities (Greek δήμοι, Dimi ) Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Sitia, Lefki, Makrigialos, Neapolis, Itanos and Oropedio Lasithiou ( " Lasithi Plateau " ) and, since 2006, the rural community (Greek κοινότητα, Kinotita ) Vrachasi. With the administrative reform of 2010, the prefecture was abolished, its powers fell to the region Crete and the newly formed four municipalities whose territories are similar to those of the former provinces. The Regional District Lasithi sent six deputies in the Cretan Regional Council, has also, however, no political significance.
The total population in 2011 was 75 381. The largest cities are Agios Nikolaos with around 12,600 inhabitants, with about 16,100 inhabitants and Ierapetra Sitia with 9,900 good inhabitants. The town of Sitia was the prefecture during the Venetian period its name, the modern name is derived from the high plateau in the Dikti mountains.
Main economic activities are agriculture greenhouse cultures around Ierapetra and extensivem olive cultivation ( near Sitia and Kavousi ) as well as tourism. The prefecture is the least -developed tourist Crete.
The Lasithi Plateau is one of the most scenic areas of the island. According to Greek mythology, the god Zeus was born in the Dikti cave on the southwestern edge of the plateau the light of day.
Communities in regional Lasithi prefecture from 2011
Attractions
Archaeological Sites
- Gournia ( Late Minoan city)
- Itanos ( Minoan / Dorian seaport )
- Kato Zakros ( Minoan Palace)
- Monastery Toplou
- Mochlos ( Minoan settlement )
- Palekastro ( Minoan city)
- Vasiliki ( Minoan village)
Museums
- Agios Nikolaos Archaeological Museum
- Archaeological Museum of Sitia
Natural sites
- Lasithi Plateau
- Palm beach of Vai
Tourist centers
- Elounda (North Coast )
- Ierapetra ( south coast)
Other points of interest
- Spinalonga