The Ancient City of Aptera!

The ancient city of Aptera is a unique place of historical, cultural and scientific interest. It is on the hill just above the national road of Chania-Rethymnon and offers panoramic views to the Souda Bay and the surrounding area.

The archaeological site of the ancient city of Aptera is just 15 kilometers outside the city of Chania and 10 km far away from Vamos, on the direction to Chania. It was one of the most powerful cities of Crete during the Minoan years, with rich commercial activity, as evidenced by the findings of the excavations taking place in the region.

Ancient Aptera, being an ex-dominant city in Souda Bay, is the best organized archaeological site of Chania.

Indicatively we can observe graves of the 8th, 7th, 4th, 3rd century BC, temple ruins of the 8th, the 5th and the 1st century BC and carved chamber tombs of the Roman period. The wall of the ancient city, with a total length of 3480 meters is also visible, dating back to its heyday in the 4th century BC. The theater, belonging to the Roman era, dominates the place while also traceable are residues from the previous phase of the Hellenistic era! Other important findings are the ruins of the columned courtyard - patio of a house of the first years of Roman rule, which is based on the models of the Hellenistic period. Also important are the structures of the tanks of the Roman period and the segments of public and private baths.

A visit to the ancient city of Aptera will impress any person who loves and is interested in history, natural environment and breathtaking views!

It is noteworthy that during the summer months, various events take place there. Leading event is the full-moon night with live music in August, where the combination of music-landscape-moon enchants every visitor!

Make your travels easy, fun and stress-free with our tailor-made tours. Tell us what you would like to do and where you would like to go and we will prepare an itinerary and a quote for you that exactly matches your preferences.

Here in Eco events, we could organize a special memorable tour to this magic city! Feel free to contact us at any time!

Opening times: 08:30 – 15:00, every day except Monday.

Admission: 2€

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