Neapoli, historical capital of Lassithi Perfecture, is a small town with a significant architectural interest. It was established near the ancient town Driros, which was first inhabited at the 12th century b.c. During turkish occupation, the local governor Adosidis Pasha, who envisioned the transformation of the small village into a town, at the european standards, erected impressive public buidings around a big central square and a public garden, a beautiful spot we are also visiting today for a little walk, or a quick rest. The spacious square (greek: 'πλατεία') is the word you will hear mostly from locals, as it is the main gathering spot. Along with the public buildings, there are many interesting private residences dating from the first half of 20th century (when Neapoli reached its peak time), and belong to old local families.
Very close to Neapoli, there are many traditional villages, surrounded by nature, with stone-built old houses, streets full of flowers, and smiling people, happy to welcome and say ‘hello’ to every visitor. Almost in every village, at least in the bigger ones, there is a ‘Kaffenion’ (traditional bar), where you can try greek coffee, or a ‘karafaki’ of raki, the local drink, that makes you see the best of everything! Neapoli is the ideal choice to the travellers seeking to explore the real Crete, as they are given the opportunity to visit places unspoiled from the massive tourism. Whithin 30 min drive, you can reach wild, untouched beaches where you can enjoy the sea sometimes in total privacy, old villages which have not been changed through the years, authentic people, and a glorious landscape.