Kritsa is one of the most picturesque towns in Crete, characterised by narrow roads, steps and small white houses built amphitheatrically on a rock hill. It is only 11 km away from Agios Nikolaos and counts a mere 2000 inhabitants.
In Kritsa people have maintained the old Cretan traditions alive and the town is considered to be one of the most important centre for Cretan folklore and handicraft: hand woven fabrics, embroideries, jewellery and leather items.
Near the town, 4km to the north, are the ruins of the ancient Greek city Lato Etera (the "other" Lato) a Doric city dating back to the VII B.C., whose port was the "Lato pros Kamares" in Agios Nikolaos. The city still preserves its main entrance. Archaeological excavations have uncovered shops, houses, a sanctuary, a temple and a theatre. The view over the Mirabello bay and the Lasithian mountains from this spot is breathtaking. On the edge of the built-up area, in the site named Logari is the old Byzantine church of Panagia Kera dating back to the 13th century with unique Byzantine frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries representing scenes from the New and the Old Testament. From Kritsa there is an interesting and spectacular climb to the plateau of Katharo, either by car or with a long walk (3.5 hours) following an old footpath.