D. LASSITHI: Here is concentrated the most beautiful scenery in all Crete: The centre of the district consists of the Lassithi Mountains (Dikti) and the Lassithi plateau with its characteristic windmills. The beaches and the little islands on the eastern coast have on international renown for their charm. 

Agios Nikolaos, the capital and cosmopolifan resort, faces the Gulf of Mirabello, which takes its name from the Venetian castle on its shores. It is the site of one of the oldest churches on the island, the 9th century Agios Nikolaos. One should make a point of visiting the Archaeoiogical Museum and the Salt Lake, Voulismeni, which is really the sunken crater of an extinct volcano.

To the north of the capital lie two of the most famous places in Crete, Elounda and Vai. The beach of Elounda with its super luxury hotel complexes attract a host of celebrated guests. Here archaeologists have unearthed the ancient city of Olous.

On the east of Elounda the landscape changes completely, culminating in the rocky peninsula of Spinalonga , a ormer place of exile, with a Venetian fortress at its tip. Two other spots of archaeo- logical interest are located south of the capital - the ancient city of Lato, one of the most important in Crete, and the Minoan city of Gournia.

West of Agios Nikolaos (44 km.) sits Tzermiado, capital of the Lassithi plateau. In this mountainous region it is worth visiting the  post Byzantine monasteries of Vidiani and Kroustallenia. In the Trapeza and Diktalon caves objects of major archaeological note have been found. Typical of the plateau are the countless windmills that adorn the area, whose side is split by the Havga gorge an impressive sight. One of the main towns to the east of Agios Nikolaos is Siteia, an important port and resort.

From here one may vJslt the archaeological slies of Pralsos, Itanos and Zakros, whlch has lovely beaches and gresn surroundlngs to offer in additlon to its historlc lnterest Thls region also contains the Val palm grove with its exotlc beach which has become  world famous.

In the southem part of the dlstrict there is another large town, lerapetra. Built on the site of the ancient city, which flourished during the Roman era, it is today one of the main resort areas in the island. From here one may go to Myrto, a Iovely coastal hamlet lying right beside its ancient namesake. At Makriyialo, another coastal village, are ruins of a Minoan villa and the monasteç of Agios loannis, while at Mochlos remains of yet another Minoan settlement have been discovered.