In a breathtaking natural landscape, east of Kastelli, and at a distance of two kilometers, lies the church of Agios Ioannis Romanito within a beautiful glen that crosses a small river.This village

The settlements Ano and Kato Karouziana offer a spectacular view, graphic little lanes, traditional kafeneia and taverns and is a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer where many Kritikes Vradies (Cretan evenings) are organized with local music and dance. Due to the particular natural beauty of the landscape they have been included in the programme, "NATURA 2000".

Close to the village Bizariano, a pretty village with stone houses, small alleys and courtyards covered with flowers, in a beautiful spot full of lush vegetation, evergreen plane trees and gushing water, stands the ancient church of Agios Pandeleimonas, with its three naves.

The village of Smari is a traditional Cretan village, only 10 km away from Kastelli. In it you will find beautiful old stone houses that have been restored, picturesque little alleys, ruins of older buildings and pottery workshops where you can purchase copies of Byzantine and Minoan ceramics. There are also some interesting churches with wonderful frescoes like the one dedicated to Sotir Christos, the Koimisi tis Panagias and Agios Georgios.

To the east, 100 m down from Smari Acropolis in the direction to Smari village, you can see the traditional village of Lagou, and the church of Profitis Ilias among the trees and gushing water, a real oasis to visitors suffering from the hot Cretan summer. Next to it stands the church of Agios Georgios with wonderful wall paintings.

A marvelous landscape, with dense vegetation, is also found in Askiano Gorge which is, however, difficult to cross.

Kastamonitsa lies in the foothills of the Afendi Mountain (1578 m), with the Dikti Mountains in the background. 4 km out of the village you get to a lovely spot known as Mesada with dense greenery, bushes and aromatic plants.

In the location Karas to Pigadi on the top of the Lasithi Mountains there is a small rural church that of Agios Mamas with panoramic view, well worth visiting.

Mathia village lies in the foothills of the Afendi mountain (1578 m), with the Dikti Mountain in the background. Metochi, lies in beautiful surroundings. It is here, where the historical holm-oak of Ismail Pasha stands, among plane trees and running water. You can also visit an old factory and several ruined mills. .There are camping facilities in this area.

From Geraki village, by taking an ascent of about 13km of dirt road, you can reach the lovely rural chapel of Agia Anna, going through a particularly beautiful landscape. To get there, you can either walk, or drive if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle that will stand up to the rough mountainous terrain.

You will find that the view from Agia Anna down over the Geraki glen compensates your efforts. A series of different types of landscape meet the eye; rocky areas lie in contrast to wooded land, sheep, goats and pretty, stone-built sheepfolds. Bring some food with you and you will find fresh running water by the chapel. The place is ideal for a picnic.

Epano Karouzana	Municipality overview
Lasithi mountains	Lagou village
Metohi Mathia village	Metohi Mathia village