Lakonia (Exo and Mesa Lakonia), Crete: A Local’s Guide
Lakonia (Exo and Mesa Lakonia), Crete: A Local’s Guide
Lakonia is a group of small, traditional villages in the countryside close to Agios Nikolaos, made up of two main settlements: Exo Lakonia (also spelled Exo Lakkonia) and Mesa Lakonia. It is a quiet place with village coffee shops, old churches and an unusual classic vehicle exhibition, and it makes an easy stop on the way to Kritsa and ancient Lato.
Quick facts
Distance from Agios Nikolaos: about 10 minutes by car
Best for: a quiet village visit, Byzantine churches, classic cars, local atmosphere
Suggested time: one to two hours, or half a day combined with Kritsa
Why visit Lakonia
A traditional, low-key village area with very few visitors
An important Byzantine church in the heart of the settlement
A classic vehicle exhibition, one of the more unusual stops near Agios Nikolaos
A folklore museum and traditional coffee shops
An easy addition to a day in Kritsa and Lato
What to see and do
In Exo Lakonia
Visit the Classical Vehicles Exhibition. Since 2005, the Pancretan Association of Classical Vehicles has run an exhibition here with classic vehicles from across Crete and a permanent display of old photographs of cars and motorcycles from the Agios Nikolaos area. It is open on Saturday evenings from April to October, and at other times by arrangement. Entry is free.
See the folklore museum. The village has a small folklore museum.
Sit in a traditional coffee shop. Exo Lakonia has a few traditional kafeneia where you can stop for a coffee in a setting that has not changed much.
Look at the old church of Saint George. An old village church, worth a short stop.
Notice the spring. The village is known for a spring of water that comes from the Lasithi mountains.
Across Lakonia
Visit the Church of Archangel Michael. Located in the heart of Lakonia, it is an important Byzantine monument.
Walk through the settlements. The neighbourhoods of Exo Lakonia carry family names, most of them Byzantine or Venetian, a reminder of how long the area has been inhabited.
Enjoy the setting. The village lies on a plain between the Lasithi plateau and the Agios Nikolaos area.
Suggested routes
Short route: village and cars
Late afternoon or evening (Saturday, April to October): visit the Classical Vehicles Exhibition.
Afterwards: coffee in a traditional kafeneio.
Half-day route: Lakonia, Kritsa and Lato
Morning: the Church of Archangel Michael and a walk through the village.
Late morning: a coffee in Exo Lakonia, then drive on to Kritsa.
Lunch: a taverna in Kritsa.
Afternoon: the ancient city of Lato.
Eat and drink
Lakonia is a village area, not a restaurant destination. The traditional coffee shops in Exo Lakonia are the place for a coffee or a simple stop, and Kritsa, a short drive away, has more tavernas.
Local tips
The Classical Vehicles Exhibition is open on Saturday evenings from April to October. At other times, visit by arrangement.
Plan a short stop rather than a full day, and combine it with Kritsa and Lato.
The area is quiet and residential, so visit churches and the village respectfully.
Getting there
By car: Lakonia lies about 10 minutes from Agios Nikolaos, in the countryside near Kritsa. One guide mentions a narrow “Lakonia road” on the way to Lato.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Lakonia from Agios Nikolaos?
About 10 minutes by car.
What is there to see in Lakonia?
A classic vehicle exhibition, a folklore museum, the old church of Saint George, traditional coffee shops and the Byzantine Church of Archangel Michael.
When is the classic vehicle exhibition open?
On Saturday evenings from April to October, and at other times by arrangement. Entry is free.
Is Lakonia one village?
It is a complex of small villages, divided into two main settlements, Exo Lakonia and Mesa Lakonia.
Nearby: build your day
Kritsa, with its weaving, churches and gorge. See our Kritsa Village Guide.
Ancient Lato, reached from Kritsa
Agios Nikolaos, about 10 minutes away
Explore more of the area in our guide to the Villages around Agios Nikolaos.
