Ancient Aptera

About

An ancient city with a theatre and Roman cisterns.

Ancient Aptera lies on a plateau above Souda bay, about 15 km east of Chania. It was one of the most important cities of western Crete, founded in the Minoan period and flourishing in Hellenistic and Roman times. According to legend, the Muses and the Sirens held a singing contest here, and the defeated Sirens lost their wings and fell into the sea.

The site includes huge Roman cisterns, a theatre, baths, temples and city walls. A Byzantine monastery and an Ottoman fortress stand nearby.

The views over Souda bay and the White Mountains are spectacular. Go in the late afternoon.

Apokoronas lies between Chania and Rethymno, a green area of rolling hills, springs and traditional villages such as Vamos, Gavalochori, Vrisses and Kefalas. Many of the stone houses have been restored, and the villages keep a calm, local life. The coast along Souda bay and towards Georgioupoli has long beaches and the resorts of Kalyves and Almyrida, while inland Lake Kournas and the foothills of the White Mountains invite walks. Yoghurt with honey under the plane trees of Vrisses is a must.

Getting there

About 16 km from Chania by road.

On the map

35.46364, 24.14165 · See on map