Lithinai lies on a hill at an elevation of 276 metres. The Byzantine Church of Agios Athanasios and the olive groves on the surrounding hills offer two distinct points of interest for a stay: architectural history and landscape. There is also the opportunity to learn about local olive oil production.

The Byzantine Church of Agios Athanasios

The Byzantine Church of Agios Athanasios in Lithínes dates from the 15th century or earlier. It is a small, single-nave building with a barrel-vaulted roof. The two architectural terms describe different features: “single-nave” refers to the layout of the space, while “barrel-vaulted” describes the shape of the vaulted ceiling. This makes it possible to understand the church not only in terms of its period, but also through its spatial form.

A narthex was added in 1603 to house the family tomb of the nobleman Vlachos; an inscription attests to this. The date refers to the addition, not the construction of the church. Its building history thus connects a church dating from the 15th century or earlier with a clearly dated extension and its specific purpose. Visitors interested in architecture will find both a described building form and a tangible historical milestone here.

A religious connection beyond Lithinai

The 12th-century icon of Panagia ton Lithinon is surrounded by numerous votive offerings and is venerated by believers throughout the wider Lasithi area. Votive offerings are gifts made in a religious context. In the case of the icon, they are part of its description, as is its veneration by believers in the region. This cultural connection can therefore be distinguished from the history of the church: Agios Athanasios is a specific building in Lithínes, while the icon is the focus of religious veneration across the wider Lasithi area.

Hilly landscape and olive oil

At an elevation of 276 metres, Lithinai is a hilltop village; the olive groves on the surrounding hills characterize its landscape. Alongside the individual historic building, the village’s location and its surroundings are therefore separate aspects to consider when planning your trip. The groves can be appreciated as a landscape feature, while local olive oil production offers another way to explore the area: visitors can learn about this production at the Agricultural Cooperative.

Confirm directly with the cooperative that a visit is available before planning one. This allows you to weigh the landscape and local production as two distinct interests: would you mainly like to include the hilly countryside and olive groves in your trip, or are you also interested in how olive oil is produced locally? For the latter, the cooperative is the place to visit.

Choose accommodation based on your reason for travelling

When looking for a hotel in Lithinai, you can first decide which aspect matters most for your stay: Byzantine architectural history, the landscape of the surrounding hills, or a possible insight into olive oil production. Compare the location of a specific offer with your own plans.

Discover more destinations: Riza, Kalo Chorio, Agios Stefanos, Agios Nikolaos, Sfáka, Eloúnda, Vrouchas, Ammoudara

For the main travel overview: Lasithi.