Krasi is a traditional mountain village at an altitude of 600 meters, east of Heraklion towards Agios Nikolaos, above Stalida and 8 km from Mochos village. It is located at the foot of Mount Selena and is surrounded by a beautiful forest.
In the central square, there is a large vaulted fountain and a stone-built aqueduct with plenty of fresh water all year round. It is one of the most beautiful water supply complexes in Crete and was built in 1890 by craftsmen from the nearby village of Mochos. There are also 3 plane trees, the oldest of which is said to be 2400 years old. Its circumference of 24 meters makes it one of the 5 largest trees in Europe. Krasi belongs to a NATURA 2000 protected area, which means total protection and management. The monumental plane tree was, also, declared a preserved nature monument with presidential decree.
An uphill path, suitable for hiking, from the center of the village leads to Azilakodasos with holly Quercusilex trees, which are rare and are found only in few areas on Crete and some Aegean islands. Several hiking circular routes start from the village and go through gorges, mountain peaks and historic monasteries.
In the village, there are cozy taverns and cafes that offer locally produced raki, kotsi, which is pork leg in the oven, ofto, lamb in the oven only seasoned with salt, and handmade rabbit burgers with wonderful potatoes baked in the wood oven.
There are residential and burial remains in the village dating back to the Minoan times. The village is also mentioned in contracts of 1280 A.D. and in the Venetian census of 1583 with 169 inhabitants. In today's village there are stone-built houses of Cretan architecture and well-preserved historical churches.
The Writer's House was created in Krasi. It is housed in an 1889 building and is a place of inspiration and creation for young writers and people of art. There are 13 such houses across Europe. It is no coincidence, after all, Krasi was also a beloved place for peace and quiet and contemplation for the most famous Cretan writer, Nikos Kazantzakis.
9 minutes away from Krasi, by car, is the Homo Sapiens Museum. This theme park unfolds the course and evolution of the mankind and their agonizing effort to get out of the caves and build huts, prepare wheat and develop the wheel. It is ideal for families with small children who can observe the life of the first people. The entrance fee is very reasonably priced.
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