Just a short drive from the coast, the village of Kritsa offers a different side of Crete — one of stone houses, narrow streets, handmade crafts, old churches and traditional Cretan life.
Built amphitheatrically on the slopes of Mount Kastellos, Kritsa is one of the best-known traditional villages in eastern Crete. Its history reaches back to ancient times, while its traditions remain part of everyday life today.
For guests staying at Garden Villas Milatos, Kritsa makes a wonderful day trip, especially when you want to leave the beaches behind and discover the villages and landscapes of the Cretan countryside.
Wander through the old streets
The best way to experience Kritsa is simply to walk.
The village unfolds through narrow lanes lined with traditional stone houses, small courtyards and colourful flowers. As you wander uphill, the streets become quieter and the views gradually open towards the surrounding mountains and countryside.
Take your time rather than following a strict route. Stop for a coffee, look into the small shops and notice the details of the older houses and churches along the way.
Kritsa has a lived-in character that makes it feel very different from the larger seaside resorts of Crete.
Discover traditional Cretan crafts
Kritsa has a long tradition of weaving and embroidery, and local handicrafts remain an important part of the village's identity.
In small shops and workshops, you can find handmade textiles, embroidered pieces, traditional patterns and decorative items inspired by designs passed down through generations.
For visitors, this is also an opportunity to take home something more personal than a typical souvenir — a small piece of Cretan craftsmanship connected to the place where it was made.
Visit Panagia Kera
Just outside Kritsa stands one of the most important Byzantine churches in Crete: Panagia Kera.
The church is particularly famous for its remarkable frescoes, dating mainly from the 13th and 14th centuries. The paintings cover the interior with scenes and figures from Christian tradition and display several artistic styles.
Even if you are not particularly interested in religious art, the atmosphere of the small historic church and the quality of its frescoes make it worth including in a visit to Kritsa.
It is one of those places where the history of Crete feels very close and tangible.
Enjoy a coffee in the village
One of the pleasures of visiting a traditional Cretan village is not having too much planned.
Find a shaded table, order a Greek coffee or a refreshing drink and simply watch village life unfold around you.
Kritsa is a good place to slow down for an hour before continuing your journey. The combination of mountain air, stone buildings and quiet village streets gives the visit a very different rhythm from a day at the coast.
Taste traditional Cretan food
Food is another reason to explore the villages around Kritsa.
The nearby mountain village of Kroustas is particularly known for traditional tavernas and Cretan dishes, including antikristo — lamb traditionally roasted around an open fire — as well as homemade pies and salads made with wild greens.
This is the kind of meal that fits naturally into a day exploring the countryside: simple ingredients, local recipes and plenty of time around the table.
If you are interested in experiencing Cretan food beyond the familiar Greek salad and grilled meat, the villages around Kritsa are a good place to look for it.
Combine Kritsa with Ancient Lato
If you have a car and want to make a fuller day of your visit, Kritsa can be combined with Ancient Lato.
The archaeological site of Lato lies in the hills above the area and preserves the remains of an important ancient Dorian city. Its position between the mountains provides impressive views towards the surrounding landscape and Mirabello Bay.
A day combining Kritsa, Panagia Kera and Ancient Lato gives you a fascinating journey through several layers of Cretan history — from Byzantine churches and traditional village life to the much older world of the ancient Greek city.
Continue towards the mountains
For those who want to explore further, the road from Kritsa leads towards the mountains and eventually towards the Katharo Plateau.
At around 1,200 metres above sea level, Katharo feels worlds away from the coast. The landscape becomes more rugged, the air cooler and the scenery increasingly mountainous.
It is particularly appealing to visitors who enjoy nature, walking and discovering the quieter side of Crete.
A different side of Crete
One of the reasons we recommend visiting Kritsa is that it shows how much more there is to eastern Crete than its beaches.
At Garden Villas Milatos, you are close to the sea, but you are also within reach of villages where traditional crafts, food, architecture and local customs are still part of everyday life.
Spend the morning walking through Kritsa, visit Panagia Kera, enjoy a long Cretan lunch and perhaps continue into the mountains.
Then return to Milatos and the peaceful surroundings of your villa.
Sometimes, the most memorable days in Crete are not the ones spent following a busy itinerary, but the ones where you simply follow the road and discover what lies beyond the coast.
Garden Villas Milatos
Kritsa is one of many places that can be explored from Garden Villas Milatos, with Pakio Villa and Douloumi Villa offering a peaceful base for discovering eastern Crete.
Whether your holiday is about beaches, villages, history, food or simply enjoying the slower rhythm of the island, Milatos places you within easy reach of many different sides of Crete.
