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Aptera is a highly significant archaeological site in West Crete. Established in the 8th century BC, the ancient city of Aptera was strategically located to control Souda Bay and prospered during the Hellenistic period. However, it was abandoned during the Arab years due to pirate attacks. The city relied on the ports of Marathi and Kalives, which made Aptera one of Crete’s most important commercial centers, if not the most important one.
Tradition has it that the city was named after the Sirens who lost their wings in a musical contest against the muses, rendering them wingless (aptera in Greek). However, it seems that the name actually comes from Aptera Artemis (wingless Artemis), who was worshipped in the area, as evidenced by the city’s coins.
Aptera was fortified with a strong wall, of which a large part (4km) still stands today. Within the city, one can find a sanctuary from the 5th-4th century BC, enormous Roman vaulted cisterns, a carved-in-ground theater, a “parliament,” and a nearby necropolis. Various artifacts have been discovered, including vases, coins, figurines, inscriptions, and sculptures.
The city of Aptera was renowned for its skilled archers who served as mercenaries in various areas outside Crete, bringing wealth back to their homeland. The valuable silver they introduced enabled the city to mint its own coins. These intricate coins typically featured the goddess Artemis on one side and the city’s founder King Apteras on the other. Other designs depicted Apollo or Hera and a torch, bee, or bow.
Aptera is situated 13 km from Chania and is most conveniently reached by car, as there are no direct public buses to the site. Alternatively, you could take any bus heading towards Rethymno or Heraklion and get off at the crossroads leading to Aptera. However, keep in mind that this option requires a 45-minute uphill walk to reach the archaeological site.
Get directions to Archaeological Site of Aptera
Find below the list of hotels near Archaeological Site of Aptera:
Featuring garden views, Fisherman’s House provides accommodation with a garden and a balcony, around 500 metres from Kalami Beach. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
The air-conditioned villa is composed of 1 separate bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and 1 bathroom.
The villa offers a picnic area.
Kiani Beach is 1.7 km from Fisherman’s House, while Kolatsos Beach is 2.5 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 22 km from the accommodation.
Situated in Kalami, within a 19-minute walk of Ancient City of Aptera, Souda Bay View is an accommodation offering sea views. The property boasts pool views.
This villa is equipped with a living room and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher. A TV is offered.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 8 km from the villa.
from
€392
/night
Located in Kalami and with Kiani Beach reachable within 700 metres, Olympic View Guesthouse provides express check-in and check-out, soundproof rooms, a garden, free WiFithroughout the property and a terrace. The property is set 700 metres from Kalami Beach, 1.3 km from Kolatsos Beach and 46 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. The guest house features family rooms.
At the guest house, every room comes with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. Olympic View Guesthouse offers certain units with sea views, and every room has a balcony. All units at the accommodation include air conditioning and a wardrobe.
Ancient City of Aptera is 5.2 km from Olympic View Guesthouse, while Historical – Folklore Museum of Gavalochori is 11 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 23 km from the guest house.
from
€46
/night
Set in Áptera and only 45 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Stella’s Maisonette offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This villa features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The villa is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Guests can also relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area.
Ancient City of Aptera is 1.2 km from the villa, while Conference Centre of MAICh is 11 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 22 km from Stella’s Maisonette.
Set amidst a well-kept garden with roses, oleander, jasmine and pomegranate trees, Villa Thea offers self-catering accommodation with views over the White Mountains and the sea, and has an outdoor pool. Within a 10-minute drive, you can reach the nearest beaches.
The stone-built villa is traditionally furnished featuring wooden-beamed ceilings and arched walls. It comes with 2 or 3 separate bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, living room and dining area.
Within walking distance, you can reach the main square of Megala Chorafia village featuring tavernas, a traditional coffee house and a mini market. The town of Chania is 12 km away. Free WiFi is available in the pool area.
from
€295
/night
Situated a few steps from Kiani Beach, Iniada Villas offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden and air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi.
Each unit comes with a sofa, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a well-fitted kitchen with a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a hair dryer. A dishwasher, an oven and microwave are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
The villa offers a barbecue.
Guests at Iniada Villas can enjoy table tennis on site, or cycling in the surroundings.
Kolatsos Beach is 300 metres from the accommodation, while Kalami Beach is 1.7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 24 km from Iniada Villas.
from
€568
/night
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