Day 9: Lasithi Plateau, Gouverniotissa, Ambelos Pass, Zeus Cave, Plane Tree

After a delicious breakfast, we set off very early again today. It was going to be our longest day yet, as we wanted to travel to the eastern part of the island.

We drove for two hours straight, without taking a break, through some of the most beautiful landscapes. Finally, we reached the first destination of our round trip: the monastery of Gouverniotissa. It lies picturesquely in the mountains of Lasithi.

You can also visit the inside, which we did. This way, you learn a lot about the spirituality of the island, but also about life in this rather remote region over the past decades.

The monastery is surrounded by a wonderful garden, filled mostly with all kinds of herbs.

From the monastery, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountain landscape.

Our next stop was the Ambelos Pass, which forms the entrance to the Lasithi Plateau. You reach the pass via spectacular mountain roads, offering far-reaching views over the valley time and again. The landscape here is truly unique.

There are a few windmills on the pass—most have fallen victim to the ravages of time, while others are in significantly better condition. There's also a restaurant here and – as expected – a souvenir shop.

The Lasithi Plateau itself is a picturesque area where agriculture is the main activity. Numerous small, charming villages are scattered around and attract tourists from the coast.

It's no longer a hidden gem, but tourism has helped ensure the area is well taken care of. The typical houses are all wonderfully preserved, the gardens are well-maintained, and the villages are neat and tidy.

Time and again, you'll find cozy tavernas offering local delicacies and inviting you to linger.

We took a break in one of these tavernas and enjoyed the wonderful food in a beautiful setting. The scent of countless flowers filled the air, and the silence was incredibly relaxing.

We explored several villages on the plateau, each more beautiful than the last.

Then it was time to head to the next stop: the Psychro Cave on Mount Dikti. According to legend, Zeus was born and raised there.

From the large parking lot, we hiked steadily uphill until we reached the cave entrance. From there, a narrow path led us deeper and deeper into the cave.

It was truly impressive. You could almost imagine encountering the Greek god at the bottom of the cave. For a mythology fan like me, this was one of today’s highlights.

On the way back to the coast, we visited the famous plane tree, known for its incredible age of 2000 years.

Once back on the coast, we made a brief stop in Staris-Malia, where Gerhard had been on his honeymoon almost 30 years ago with his former wife. A few years before that, I had also been there with a friend.

Neither of us would have recognized the place today. What was once a charming little holiday spot has turned into a tourist hotspot. Not much of the original charm remains – a pity. We treated ourselves to a few drinks and a light dinner in a bar before heading back.
This day will forever remain a fond memory.