he Prefecture of Lasithi occupies the easternmost part of Crete and has an area of 1,818 square kilometres. Its population totals approximately 70,000 and the principal occupations are farming and stock-breading. Thanks to the warm - almost African climate - of the southern provinces of the Prefecture, there is a considerable production of early vegetables and bananas. The Lasithi plateau is among the most fertile parts of the province.
On the Lasithi plateau is the Diktaean Cave, where according to the myths Zeus was born. In this area, the spades of archaeologists have brought abundant finds to light. Communications by sea between the Prefecture and Piraeus are conducted through Herakleio. There are also sailings for Piraeus from Ayios Nikolaos and Siteia, via the Cyclades. Buses meet the flights into Herakleio airport. Siteia airport has flights for Rhodes, Carpathos and Kasos. Caiques and tourist craft sail to the islets of Spialonga and Chrysi. Inside the Prefecture itself, the villages are served buy the town and long-distance KTEL buses.

Photos and text taken from "Crete - today and yesterday" and "Crete - A tour of all the towns and villages" (Toubis Editions)