Most of the time we visit a village, the first thing we look for is the central square. There, if there is a large plane tree, you will… It is almost always accompanied by a traditional café that will attract visitors and locals alike. But there is one village whose plane tree goes beyond the Greek borders. In the village of Krasi, there is one of the oldest trees in Europe!
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Krasi: The village with the perennial plane tree 2,000 years old
Krasi, in the prefecture of Heraklion, is found on the way to the Lassithi Plateau, at a distance of about 46 km. from the capital of the prefecture. The village is known for the perennial plane tree that dominates the central square.
According to residents, the plane tree counts thousands of years of life – about 1,800 to 2,000. Its circumference exceeds 14 meters. There may be no evidence to certify it, but it is included among the largest trees in Europe, as foresters have confirmed this.
By presidential decree, it is considered a listed monument while it was a holiday destination of a great Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis, with quotes about life that will always inspire, often visited the village as it was the village of his first wife, Galatea.
The Fountains in Krasi
The village of Krasi, of course, is not only the plane tree. Next to it, there are Vrysses, one of the separate water supply complexes of Crete. Vrysses is two, the “upper” and the “lower”, as the locals call them, and were built in 1890 by renowned craftsmen of the time. If you find your way to the mountain village of the prefecture of Heraklion, make sure to sit in some of the taverns in Krasi. You will taste delicious Cretan cuisine, accompanied by raki – in moderation if you intend to take the way back.
How to get to Krasi
Krasi is just over 30 minutes away from the city of Heraklion in Crete. You will take the road to the plateau of Lassithi and Ag. Nikolaos. The signage will direct you to one of the oldest trees in Europe and the world. Crete is famous for many, but this destination has the above to offer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The plane tree in Krasi is estimated to be between 1,800 to 2,000 years old, making it one of the oldest trees in Europe. Its circumference exceeds 14 meters, and it has been declared a listed monument by presidential decree.
Krasi is located in the prefecture of Heraklion, Crete, approximately 46 kilometers from Heraklion city. The village is situated on the way to the Lassithi Plateau and is just over 30 minutes away from Heraklion by car.
The Vrysses are two separate water supply complexes in Krasi, known as the 'upper' and 'lower' fountains. They were built in 1890 by renowned craftsmen of the time and remain important landmarks in the village next to the famous plane tree.
Yes, the renowned Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis frequently visited Krasi as it was the village of his first wife, Galatea. He was inspired by the village and its famous plane tree, leaving quotes about life that continue to inspire visitors today.
When visiting Krasi, you can enjoy delicious traditional Cretan cuisine at the local taverns. The village is known for authentic Cretan food and raki (a traditional grape spirit), which pairs well with meals, though moderation is recommended if you plan to drive back.
