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The ancient city of Itanos was a powerful city in Crete, particularly during the Hellenistic and Greco-Roman periods. The name Itanos comes from its founder, who originated from Phoenicia. At its peak, the city’s territory extended from Cape Samonio (now known as Cape Sidero) to Cape Erythrae (present-day Cape Goudouras). The city prospered due to the trade of glass, fishing, and Tyrian purple, a red dye derived from shell extracts. Koufonissi Island, owned by Itanos, was renowned for its purple production. Additionally, Palekastro was home to the temple of Diktaean Zeus, which brought significant profits to the region. The city was situated near the famous palm grove of Vai in East Crete.
Itanos’ power was evident in its impressive marble buildings, temples dedicated to Asclepius, Zeus, Tyche, Athena, and its own currency featuring the face of its protector, Athena. The city was a major rival of Praesus (near today’s Nea Presos) and Ierapytna (now Ierapetra). The primary point of contention was the majestic Temple of Diktaean Zeus and Koufonissi. Praesus managed to incorporate the Temple of Zeus into its territory, but Itanos regained it in 150 BC with the assistance of its Egyptian allies. A relevant inscription can still be seen on the wall of the Toplou Monastery, located a few miles to the west. After four years, the impoverished Praesus was destroyed by Ierapytna, leaving only Itanos and Ierapytna as the main players. As a result, disputes over the temple of Zeus and Koufonissi quickly escalated. Itanos began to decline in 795 AC due to an earthquake causing land subsidence, and it was further damaged by an Arab attack in the 9th century. However, even during this period, Itanos survived, as evidenced by its grand Christian churches. The city was not abandoned until the 15th century when repeated Arab raids forced its inhabitants to leave the coastal areas. It is believed that the residents founded the present-day village of Sitanos, near Nea Presos and Karydi, in the Zakros mountains.
Today, visitors can explore the archaeological site and admire various ruins such as the large tower on the western acropolis built with black stones, the grand Christian church in the eastern citadel of the Hellenistic settlement, the two Early Christian churches at the base of the hill leading to Vai, and the cemetery outside the town.
Get directions to Ancient Itanos
Find below the list of hotels near Ancient Itanos:
Only 150 metres from the Maridatis Beach in Palaikastron, Maridatis Apartments is a self-catering accommodation featuring a sun terrace and garden. Free Wi-Fi is available.
The split level apartments come with a TV, balcony, and seating area. A fully equipped kitchenette with fridge and electric kettle in included. Featuring a bath or shower, the bathroom comes with free toiletries.
The studios come with a kitchen, bathroom and a large common space serving as a seating and sleeping areas. Some of the rooms have air conditioning. All rooms offer view of the sea and surrounding area.
There is a tavern right next to hotel with traditional meals owned by the hotelier and breakfast is served a la carte.
Maridatis Apartments is only 3 km from the centre of Palaikastro on the road to Vai. Siteia is 20 km away and Sitia Public Airport is located 15 km away. Free parking is offered on site.
from
€77
/night
Featuring mountain views, Villa Aiolos offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 1.4 km from Kouremenos Beach. This holiday home has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The holiday home with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with a hot tub. Towels and bed linen are featured in the holiday home.
The holiday home offers a hot tub. If you would like to discover the area, snorkelling, cycling and fishing are possible in the surroundings and Villa Aiolos can arrange a bicycle rental service.
Maridati Beach is 2.3 km from the accommodation, while Vai Palm Forest is 5.8 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 23 km from Villa Aiolos, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€261
/night
Villa Amalia is nestled on Palekastro amidst olive groves. It features a courtyard with sun loungers and panoramic sea view. The family-run property offers self-contained units with private balcony and free WiFi throughout.
Each of the studios and apartments features a kitchenette and a private bathroom.
Guests can relax at the garden and enjoy the scenic view. Barbeque facilities are available for all guests to use.
Kouremenos Beach is an 1-minute drive away and it is ideal for windsurfing. Villa Amalia is 21 km from Sitia, and 6 km from the famous palm beach of Vai. The traditional village of Palekastro is just a 10-minute walk.
Just 300 metres from Kouremenos beach, Castri Village Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and pool bar. Its spacious accommodation offers a balcony with panoramic views of Kouremenos Bay.
The air-conditioned studios and apartments come with a kitchenette that includes kitchenware and a fridge. Every unit also has a satellite cable TV. A hairdryer can be found in the private bathroom. Some also have a seating area.
A breakfast is prepared daily at Castri Village Hotel. The à la carte restaurant provides various meals throughout the day. Refreshing drinks are served at the bar by the pool.
Free sun loungers and umbrellas are located on the sun terrace. A paddling pool is available for the younger guests. Wi-Fi access is free in public areas of the hotel.
Castri is 2 km from Palekastro village and 7 km from the famous palm beach of Vai. The airport and the port of Sitia are at a distance of 20 km.
from
€68
/night
Located in Palekastron and only 500 metres from Kouremenos Beach, ONAR provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment features air-conditioned accommodation with a patio.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views features 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
The apartment offers a barbecue. Guests can enjoy the pool with a view and garden at ONAR.
Maridati Beach is 2 km from the accommodation, while Chiona Beach is 2.8 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 21 km from ONAR.
Boasting garden views, Olivar Suites features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 700 metres from Kouremenos Beach. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The apartment with a terrace and mountain views has 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with an a bath or shower.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Maridati Beach is 2.2 km from the apartment, while Chiona Beach is 3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 22 km from Olivar Suites.
from
€62
/night
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