Ausgrabungsstätten

Ancient Olous

Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi · Free

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Entry: Free

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About

A sunken city at Elounda.

Ancient Olous lies under the shallow water near Elounda. It was an important city in antiquity. An earthquake sank the city, and today you can see the remains of walls and buildings underwater while snorkelling.

Olous had a harbour and was an important city in antiquity. It was famous for its temple to Britomartis, a Cretan goddess, whose wooden statue was said to have been carved by Daedalus. Olous often fought with Lato over territory. Today the ruins lie under the shallow water near the isthmus of Poros at Elounda, and on calm days you can see walls when snorkelling. An early Christian mosaic floor is visible on land.

Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lasithi, built around a lake and a harbour on the beautiful Mirabello gulf. The area includes Elounda, Plaka and the island of Spinalonga to the north, and Kritsa, Lato and the Katharo plateau in the hills behind. The coast has many small beaches and calm bays, and the town is lively in the evening with cafes and restaurants around the lake. Boats leave for Spinalonga and trips around the bay.

Around Agios Nikolaos

Nearest town: Elounda, about 1 km by road
Nearest airport: Sitia airport (JSH), about 44 km by road

Lasithi, the eastern end of Crete, is quieter and greener than you might expect. Agios Nikolaos wraps around a small lake and a lively harbour, with cafés on the water and beaches within walking distance. Just north, Elounda and Plaka look across to the fortress island of Spinalonga, one of the most moving places on the island. More about Lasithi