The prefecture of Lassithi occupies the far-eastern part of the island and it is divided into 8 municipalities:

Aghios Nikolaos,
Ierapetra,
Sitia,
Neapoli,
Oropedio (Lassithi Plateau),
Makri Gialos,
Lefki, and Itanos.

Lasithi is embraced by the Cretan Sea in the north, the Libyan Sea in the south, the Carpathian Sea in the east, whilst in the west, the mountain range of Dikti prevails imposingly, spreading its verdant mountainsides down to the plains of Mirabello and those of Ierapetra, in a picturesque contrast.

The land morphology throughout the prefecture, with the ever changing, highly contrasting landscape, as well as its unequaled natural beauties, captures the visitor from the very first moment.

The main occupation of the inhabitants is agriculture and cattle breading. Its geographical location with its quite warm climate helps the production of early vegetables and bananas. The plateau of Lasithi is one of the most fertile areas of the prefecture, at an altitude of 850 m, and it is ideal for producing potatoes and apples.

As far as the origin of its name is concerned, there are several versions, however the most possible are the following two: the one that mentions the town of Sitia, as the Venetian conquerors wrote it as La Sitti and is supported by Paul Favre, and the other version that mentions the ancient Greek word “lasios”, which means a verdant place.

The capital of the prefecture is Agios Nikolaos with the characteristic small harbour constructed around a deep bay.

The prefecture offers peaceful beaches with idyllic bays, intense alternations between the landscape and nature, such as the palm forest of Vai, the marvelous forest of pines and wild cypresses of Selakano, and also the archaeological and historical areas, like the palace of Zakros, of Agia Triada (the Holy Trinity) and the magnificent historical monastery of Toblou.

The road network of the prefecture is constantly expanding.